UNITED STATES
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

 

January 17, 2006

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

 

ABBOTT LABORATORIES

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Illinois

 

1-2189

 

36-0698440

(State or other Jurisdiction

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

of Incorporation)

 

 

 

Identification No.)

 

100 Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (847) 937-6100

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o                                    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o                                    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o                                    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o                                    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 



 

Item 1.01               Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

 

On January 17, 2006, Abbott announced the amendment of its agreement with Boston Scientific to acquire Guidant’s vascular business.  The agreement is subject to approval by regulatory authorities and is contingent upon the closing of Boston Scientific’s proposed acquisition of Guidant.  A copy of the press release announcing the amendment to the agreement is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 9.01               Financial Statements and Exhibits
 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release, dated January 17, 2006

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

 

 

ABBOTT LABORATORIES

 

 

 

 

Date: January 19, 2006

By:

/s/ Thomas C. Freyman

 

 

Thomas C. Freyman

 

 

Executive Vice President,
Finance and Chief Financial
Officer

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release, dated January 17, 2006

 

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