TELEFLEX INC
LETTER AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 2003, BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND FORREST
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.20
<SEQUENCE>6
<FILENAME>w17700exv10w20.txt
<DESCRIPTION>LETTER AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 2003, BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND FORREST WHITTAKER
<TEXT>
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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.20

TELEFLEX INCORPORATED
MEDICAL GROUP

                                                February 25, 2003

Mr. Forrest R. Whittaker
[Address Redacted]
[Address Redacted]

            I am delighted to extend to you the offer to lead Teleflex Medical
as President and Chief Operating Officer. You will report directly to me and
become an important partner in our future growth objectives. Your starting
salary will be $340,000 per year paid on a monthly basis.

            You will be eligible for a performance bonus commensurate with your
position. The bonus will range between 50% and 100% of base pay, which is
generally geared to operating income and return on average assets. The target
award of 50% is based on the plan for the year with the maximum generally based
on 10% achievement above plan. Amounts earned under this program for 2003 will
be prorated based on the start date of employment.

            A stock option for 20,000 shares will be presented for approval at
the first Teleflex Board meeting following employment. The options will be based
on market price at time of grant and be excerciseable 25% per year beginning at
the end of year two.

            In consideration of your accepting this position, Teleflex agrees to
a signing bonus of $65,000, which will be paid three months after the
commencement of employment. You will participate in the various benefit programs
enjoyed by other senior management personnel. These will be reviewed with you by
our Human Resources Department.

            We have agreed that you will open a group headquarters in the
Chicago area that will initially include administrative support and other group
level management as deemed appropriate.

            In the event of a company initiated termination for reasons other
than cause, you will continue to receive your salary and benefits for up to one
(1) year. Please recognize that should you accept employment during the
severance period, salary and benefit coverage would cease immediately upon such
employment. Further, any payments made during the first twelve (12) months of
employment under this provision will be reduced by the amount of the signing
bonus indicated above.

            It is very important to me that the next leader of Teleflex Medical
share our visions and values for the future. Our prior relationship and current
discussions have convinced me that you are that person.

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            Forrest, your most recent experience is a perfect match for the
organizational direction that Medical is pursuing. I know that your drive and
enthusiasm will increase the odds of success dramatically.

            If you have any questions regarding this offer letter, please do not
hesitate to contact me.

            I am personally looking forward to working with you.

                                   Sincerely,

                                   /s/ John J. Sickler
                                   John J. Sickler
                                   Chairman
                                   Teleflex Medical Group

Accepted:

/s/ Forrest R. Whittaker
---------------------------
Forrest R. Whittaker

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