FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of
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1934
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March 15, 2002
SMITH & NEPHEW plc
(Registrant's name)
Heron House
15 Adam Street
London, England WCN 6LA
(Address of registrant's principal executive offices)
[Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file
annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.]
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
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[Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to
the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2 (b) under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.]
Yes No X
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2 (b) : 82- n/a.
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Total Pages: 3
ANTITRUST WAITING PERIOD ENDS FOR ORATEC TENDER OFFER
LONDON, United Kingdom, March 13, 2002 - Smith & Nephew plc (London Stock
Exchange:SN. NYSE: SNN), the global advanced medical devices group, today
announced that the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period applicable to Smith &
Nephew's tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of ORATEC
Interventions, Inc. (NASDAQ: OTEC) has expired. The tender offer is being made
pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger dated February 13, 2002. The
tender offer will expire at 12:00 Midnight, New York City time, on Thursday,
March 21, 2002, unless the offer is extended.
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray is the dealer manager for the tender offer, American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the depositary and Morrow & Co., Inc. is the
information agent.
Enquiries:
Morrow & Co., Inc. Information Agents
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Banks & Brokers: In US - (800) 654-2468
Outside US - (212) 754-8000
Stockholders: In US - (800) 607-0088
Outside US - (212) 754-8000
e-mail: ORATEC.info@morrowco.com
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About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew plc, (London Stock Exchange: SN), (NYSE: SNN), is a global
advanced medical devices company with a highly successful track record in
developing, manufacturing and marketing a wide variety of innovative and
technologically advanced tissue repair products. These products are primarily
in the areas of bone, joints, skin and other soft tissue. Smith & Nephew have
extensive marketing and distribution capabilities, with established sales in
more than 90 countries. For further information, visit Smith & Nephew's Web
site at www.smith-nephew.com.
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (www.endoscopy1.com) is one of its major businesses,
and is a world leader in the development and commercialization of endoscopic
techniques. Within endoscopy, Smith & Nephew is the recognized world leader in
arthroscopy (endoscopic procedures performed on articulating joints).