Stryker Corp.

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Stryker Corporation
Type	Public
Founded	1946
Headquarters	Kalamazoo, MI
Key people	John W. Brown - Chairman Steve MacMillan - President, CEO, & COO
Industry	Medical Products
Products	orthopaedic implants surgical equipment
Revenue	▲$4,871,500,000 USD (2006)
Employees	18,806
Website	www.stryker.com

Stryker Corporation NYSE: SYK is a medical technology company with a broad range of products in orthopaedics and a significant presence in other medical specialties. The Company's products include implants used in joint replacement, trauma, craniomaxillofacial and spinal surgeries; biologics; surgical, neurologic, ear, nose & throat and interventional pain equipment; endoscopic, surgical navigation, communications and digital imaging systems; as well as patient handling and emergency medical equipment.

[edit] Company History

On February 20, 1946 the Orthopedic Frame Company was incorporated by Dr. Homer Stryker, an orthopedic surgeon from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to sell his inventions including the Turning Frame and Walking Heel. In 1964 the company name was changed to Stryker Corporation. In 1978, one year after John Brown was named President and CEO, annual sales reached $22.7 million. In 1979 Stryker made an initial public offering of stock and later acquired Osteonics Corporation, entering the replacement hip, knee, and other orthopaedic implants market. Annual sales reached $2.1 billion in 1999 and in 2000 Stryker was included in the S&P 500 and the Forbes Platinum 400 for the first time. In 2002 sales reached $3.0 billion and Stryker was listed in the Fortune 500 for the first time.

In 2003 Stephen P. MacMillan joined Stryker as President and COO. In 2005 annual sales reached $4.9 billion and John W. Brown transitioned to the single role of Chairman of the Board while Steve MacMillan became President & CEO. In 2006 Stryker acquired Sightline and entered the Gastrointestinal market. In 2007 Stryker sold its Physiotherapy Associates division to private equity firm Water Street Healthcare Partners for $150 million.