On January 5, 2009, Coherent, Inc. (the "Company") entered into an amendment to its letter agreement dated January 31, 2008 with Oliver Press Partners, LLC, Oliver Press Investors, LLC, Augustus Oliver and Clifford Press (collectively, "OPP"). The principal purpose of the amendment was to extend the term of the letter agreement for an additional year and to make other conforming changes. Under the letter agreement, as amended, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") will include Clifford Press in the slate of directors for the upcoming 2009 annual meeting. In addition, on January 6, 2009, the Board appointed Mr. Press to its Nominating and Governance Committee. A copy of the amendment to the letter agreement is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1. For a further description of the letter agreement, please see the Form 8-K filed by the Company on February 5, 2008.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.                                 Description

10.1           Amendment to Letter Agreement among the Company, Oliver Press
               Partners, LLC, Oliver Press Investors, LLC, Augustus Oliver and
               Clifford Press