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) September 4, 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 September 4, 2002, the Registrant issued the press release that is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Item 7. Financial Statements. Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits. Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated September 4, 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/ Gary DeFazio --------------------------- Gary DeFazio Assistant Secretary Date: September 4, 2002 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit -------------- ---------------------- 99.1 Press release dated September 4, 2002