www.stryker.com

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

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)  October 23, 2008

  

                                                    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

STRYKER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  

  

  

Michigan

0-9165

38-1239739

(State or other jurisdiction

(Commission

(IRS Employer

of incorporation)

File Number)

Identification No.)

  

  

  

2825 Airview Boulevard, Kalamazoo, Michigan

49002

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

  

  

  

Registrant's telephone number, including area code  269.385.2600

  

 

  

 

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:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

ITEM 8.01

OTHER EVENTS

 

Stryker Corporation (the Company) issued a press release on October 23, 2008 announcing that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock.  A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

            

 

ITEM 9.01

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

 

(d)   

Exhibits

99.1  Press release dated October 23, 2008

 

 

 

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.

 

 

STRYKER CORPORATION

(Registrant)

 

October 23, 2008                                                        /s/ DEAN H. BERGY

Date                                                                             Dean H. Bergy

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

                                                                                    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX 

 

99.1

Press release dated October 23, 2008