8-KOther Events

BECTON DICKINSON & CO 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Sep 14, 2005)

Filed September 14, 2005For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) disclosed two significant legal proceedings in this 8-K filing from September 14, 2005. The first, filed by Daniels Sharpsmart, alleges that BDX and other defendants engaged in anti-competitive practices and violated antitrust laws to exclude the plaintiff from the sharps-collection market through long-term contracts. The second lawsuit, filed by SAJ Distributors, Inc., is a class action suit alleging BDX violated federal antitrust laws, leading to overcharging for certain products to direct purchasers. Both lawsuits seek undisclosed money damages.

Key Highlights

  • 1BDX is facing an antitrust lawsuit filed by Daniels Sharpsmart alleging conspiracy to monopolize the sharps-collection market.
  • 2A separate class action lawsuit has been filed by SAJ Distributors, Inc., accusing BDX of violating antitrust laws and charging inflated prices for its products.
  • 3Both lawsuits were filed in September 2005.
  • 4The plaintiff in the Daniels Sharpsmart suit seeks to exclude BDX and others from the sharps-collection market.
  • 5The SAJ Distributors suit is a class action on behalf of direct purchasers, similar to a previous lawsuit filed in March 2005.
  • 6BDX firmly believes it has strong defenses against these claims and intends to contest them vigorously.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary allegations revolve around violations of federal and state antitrust laws. Daniels Sharpsmart alleges BDX conspired to monopolize the sharps-collection market, while SAJ Distributors claims BDX charged higher prices due to antitrust violations. Both seek unspecified monetary damages.

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) maintains that it has meritorious defenses against both lawsuits and plans to defend itself vigorously.

The financial impact is currently unknown as the amount of money damages sought in both lawsuits is undisclosed. The company's strong defense strategy suggests they are prepared to contest these claims.

Yes, the class action lawsuit filed by SAJ Distributors is noted as being similar to a lawsuit filed in March 2005 by Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, also brought on behalf of direct purchasers.