SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 14, 2002 ----------------- BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Jersey 001-4802 22-0760120 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other juris- (Commission (IRS Employer Iden- diction of incorporation) File Number) tification Number) 1 Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417-1880 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (201) 847-6800 -------------- N/A - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former addresses if changed since last report.) Item 5. OTHER EVENTS On February 14, 2002 the Registrant confirmed in a press release the election of Edward J. Ludwig to the additional role of Chairman of the Board effective following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders that was held on February 13, 2002. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS Exhibit 99--Press release dated February 14, 2002. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY (Registrant) By: /s/ Kathleen M. Gibson ---------------------------- Kathleen M. Gibson Assistant Secretary Date: February 14, 2002 - 2 - INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit ------ ---------------------- 99 Press release dated February 14, 2002.