On Feb. 13, 2002, Standard&Poor's affirmed its corporate credit rating on Danaher Corp., a leading maker of process/environmental controls and mechanics' hand tools, following the decision by Danaher not to pursue its proposed purchase of Cooper Industries Inc. in light of the current difficult business environment and sensitivities with respect to Cooper's asbestos exposure. In addition, Standard&Poor's removed all ratings on Washington, D.C.-based Danaher from CreditWatch where they were placed Aug. 1, 2001. The outlook is stable. The ratings on Danaher reflect the firm's above-average business profile, together with a sound balance sheet, strong cash flow protection, and a moderately conservative financial policy. Although Danaher's business is cyclical, factors such as strong brand-name recognition; customer, end-market,
