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) May 14, 2007

 

THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

DELAWARE
(State or Other
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation)

File No. 1-8989
(Commission File
Number)

13-3286161

(IRS Employer
Identification
Number)

 

383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York       10179

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:          (212) 272-2000

 

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

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 8.01. Other Events.

 

The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. announced that it has acquired the outstanding minority interest in Bear Wagner Specialists from its partner, Hunter Partners LLC. In addition, the Company will be writing down existing intangible assets, representing goodwill and specialist rights, relating to its original purchase of Wagner Stott Mercator, LLC in April, 2001. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K and by this reference incorporated herein and made a part hereof.

 

This information shall be considered "filed" for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(c)

Exhibit:

 

(99)

Press Release, dated May 14, 2007.

 

 

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.

 

THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeffrey M. Farber

 

 

Jeffrey M. Farber

Senior Vice President – Finance, Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

Dated:

May 14, 2007

 

THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

Exhibit No.

Description

(99)

Press Release, dated May 14, 2007.