Merrill Lynch GC scores $8.2m share bonus

Merrill Lynch executive vice president and general counsel Rosemary Berkery has scored a stock bonus worth some $8.2m (£4.16m) for 2006. The bonus is not a cash payment and is awarded through stock options, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing made in the US last week. Berkery was awarded 85,573 restricted Merrill Lynch shares, which will vest in four equal installments starting on 31 January 2008, according to the filing. Merrill Lynch shares trade at around the $96 (£48.71) mark.