Edgar Filing: DANAHER CORP /DE/

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

Form S-3ASR

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2012

Registration No. 333-

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

DANAHER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

59-1995548

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800W

Washington, D.C. 20037-1701

(202) 828-0850

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Jonathan P. Graham

Senior Vice President - General Counsel

James F. O’Reilly

Associate General Counsel and Secretary

2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800W

Washington, D.C. 20037-1701

(202) 828-0850

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service of process)

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. x

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE



Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered		Amount to be Registered/ Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit/ Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price/ Amount of Registration Fee
Senior Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities (collectively, “Debt Securities”)		(1)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share		(1)
Preferred Stock		(1)
Warrants		(1)
Depositary Shares (2)		(1)
Purchase Contracts		(1)
Units (3)		(1)

(1)

An indeterminate amount of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered hereunder at indeterminate prices, along with an indeterminate number of securities that may be issued upon exercise, settlement, exchange or conversion of securities offered or sold hereunder or that are represented by depositary shares. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable upon exercise, settlement, conversion or exchange of other securities. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the registrant is deferring payment of all registration fees and will pay the registration fees subsequently in advance or on a “pay-as-you-go” basis.

(2)	Each depositary share will be issued under a deposit agreement, will represent an interest in a fractional share or multiple shares of preferred stock and will be evidenced by a depositary receipt.

(3)	Each unit will be issued under a unit agreement or indenture and will represent an interest in one or more securities, which may or may not be separable from one another.

PROSPECTUS

Danaher Corporation

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Depositary Shares

Purchase Contracts

Units

We may issue securities from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this document. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission before you invest.

We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. The securities may be sold directly to you, through agents, or through underwriters and dealers. If agents, underwriters or dealers are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement.

Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DHR”.

Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” included in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase these securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is May 7, 2012.

Table of Contents


	Page

About This Prospectus		1

Where You Can Find More Information		1

Incorporation by Reference		1

Forward-Looking Statements		2

Danaher Corporation		4

Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges		5

Use of Proceeds		5

Description of Debt Securities		6

Description of Capital Stock		16

Description of Warrants		21

Description of Depositary Shares		22

Description of Purchase Contracts and Units		24

Forms of Securities		24

Plan of Distribution		26

Legal Matters		28

Experts		28

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the “SEC,” using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we and/or selling securityholders may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we and/or selling securityholders may offer. Each time we or any selling securityholder use this prospectus to sell securities, we will provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement and/or any related free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any other offering material that we authorize, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus that we file with the SEC. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in the accompanying prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this prospectus to “we,” “our” and “us” refer, collectively, to Danaher Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at www.danaher.com. Our website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.

As noted above, this prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. This prospectus omits some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits in the registration statement for further information on us and our consolidated subsidiaries and the securities we are offering. Statements in this prospectus concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference much of the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus. Because we are incorporating by reference future filings with the SEC, this prospectus is continually updated and those future filings may modify or supersede some of the information included or incorporated in this prospectus. This means that you must look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus or in any document previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below (File No. 001-08089) and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed) until the offering of the securities under the registration statement is terminated or completed:

•

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, including the information specifically incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;

•

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2012; and

•

The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-B filed on November 3, 1986, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or phone number:

Danaher Corporation

2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800W

Washington, D.C. 20037-1701

Attention: Investor Relations

(202) 828-0850

Exhibits to the filings will not be sent, however, unless those exhibits have specifically been incorporated by reference into such document.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than historical factual information are forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding: projections of revenue, expenses, profit, profit margins, tax rates, tax provisions, cash flows, pension and benefit obligations and funding requirements, our liquidity position or other financial measures; management’s plans and strategies for future operations, including statements relating to anticipated operating performance, cost reductions, restructuring activities, new product and service developments, competitive strengths or market position, acquisitions and related synergies, divestitures, securities offerings, stock repurchases and executive compensation; growth, declines and other trends in markets we sell into; the anticipated impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements; the anticipated outcome of outstanding claims, legal proceedings, tax audits and other contingent liabilities; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; general economic conditions; assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address events or developments that Danaher intends or believes will or may occur in the future. Terminology such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “intend,” “plan,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “forecast” and “positioned” and similar references to future periods are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements are accompanied by such words. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the following:

•

Deterioration of or instability in the global economy and financial markets may adversely affect our business and financial statements.

•

The restructuring actions that we have taken to reduce costs could have long-term adverse effects on our business.

•

Our growth could suffer if the markets into which we sell our products decline, do not grow as anticipated or experience cyclicality.

•

We face intense competition and if we are unable to compete effectively, we may experience decreased demand, decreased market share and price reductions for our products.

•

Our growth depends in part on the timely development and commercialization, and customer acceptance, of new products and product enhancements based on technological innovation.

•

Our reputation, ability to do business and financial statements may be impaired by improper conduct by any of our employees, agents or business partners.

•

Any inability to consummate acquisitions at our historical rate and at appropriate prices could negatively impact our growth rate and stock price.

•

Our acquisition of businesses, including our acquisition of Beckman Coulter, could negatively impact our financial statements.

•

The indemnification provisions of acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies may not fully protect us and may result in unexpected liabilities.

•

Divestitures could negatively impact our business, and contingent liabilities from businesses that we have sold could adversely affect our financial statements.

•

Certain of our businesses are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and by comparable agencies of other countries, as well as laws regulating fraud and abuse in the healthcare industry and the privacy and security of health information. Failure to comply with those regulations could adversely affect our reputation and financial statements.

•

The healthcare industry and related industries that we serve have undergone, and are in the process of undergoing, significant changes in an effort to reduce costs, which could adversely affect our financial statements.

•

Our operations, products and services expose us to the risk of environmental, health and safety liabilities, costs and violations that could adversely affect our financial statements and reputation.

•

Our businesses are subject to extensive regulation; failure to comply with those regulations could adversely affect our financial statements and reputation.

•

We may be required to recognize impairment charges for our goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets.

•

Foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our financial statements.

•

Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect our profitability. In addition, audits by tax authorities could result in additional tax payments for prior periods.

•

We are subject to a variety of litigation and similar proceedings in the course of our business that could adversely affect our financial statements.

•

If we do not or cannot adequately protect our intellectual property, or if third parties infringe our intellectual property rights, we may suffer competitive injury or expend significant resources enforcing our rights.

•

Third parties may claim that we are infringing or misappropriating their intellectual property rights and we could suffer significant litigation expenses, losses or licensing expenses or be prevented from selling products or services.

•

Product defects and unanticipated use or inadequate disclosure with respect to our products could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial statements.

•

Our indebtedness may limit our operations and our use of our cash flow, and any failure to comply with the covenants that apply to our indebtedness could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

•

Adverse changes in our relationships with, or the financial condition, performance or purchasing patterns of, key distributors and other channel partners could adversely affect our financial statements.

•

We may incur higher costs to produce our products if commodity prices rise.

•

If we cannot adjust the purchases required for our manufacturing activities to reflect changing market conditions or customer demand, our profitability may suffer. In addition, our reliance upon sole sources of supply for certain materials and components could cause production interruptions, delays and inefficiencies.

•

If we cannot adjust our manufacturing capacity to reflect the demand for our products, our profitability may suffer.

•

Changes in governmental regulations may reduce demand for our products or increase our expenses.

•

Work stoppages, union and works council campaigns, labor disputes and other matters associated with our labor force could adversely impact our productivity and results of operations.

•

International economic, political, legal and business factors could negatively affect our financial statements.

•

If we suffer loss to our facilities, distribution systems or information technology systems due to catastrophe, attacks or other events, our operations could be seriously harmed.

•

Our defined benefit pension plans are subject to financial market risks that could adversely affect our financial statements.

•

We own a 50% interest in but do not control the Apex Tool Group joint venture, and as a result we may not be able to direct management of the joint venture in a manner that we believe is in Danaher’s best interests.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. We do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise. See the risk factors included in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, and in any applicable prospectus supplement for a further discussion regarding some of the reasons that actual results may be materially different from those that we anticipate.

DANAHER CORPORATION

Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures and markets professional, medical, industrial and commercial products and services, which are typically characterized by strong brand names, innovative technology and major market positions. Our research and development, manufacturing, sales, distribution, service and administrative facilities are located in more than 50 countries. Our business consists of five segments: Test & Measurement; Environmental; Life Sciences & Diagnostics; Dental; and Industrial Technologies.

Danaher Corporation was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1986, and our principal executive offices are located at 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800W, Washington, D.C. 20037-1701. Our telephone number is (202) 828-0850.

For additional information concerning Danaher, please see our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this document. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated. You should read this table in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus.


			Fiscal Year Ended December 31
	2007		2008		2009		2010		2011		Quarter ended March 30, 2012
Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges		12.0		13.1		11.1		17.8		16.2		16.5

For purposes of calculating the ratios above, earnings consist of (1) earnings from continuing operations before income taxes; plus (2) fixed charges. Fixed charges include (A) interest, whether expensed or capitalized, on all indebtedness, (B) amortization of premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, and (C) an interest component representing the estimated portion of rental expense that management believes is attributable to interest. Interest on FIN 48 liabilities is included in the tax provision in our consolidated condensed statement of earnings and is excluded from the computation of fixed charges.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered under this prospectus for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include the acquisition of companies or businesses, repayment and refinancing of debt, working capital, share repurchases, payment of dividends and capital expenditures. We may temporarily invest the net proceeds in investment-grade, interest-bearing securities until they are used for their stated purpose. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for such purposes. As a result, management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of net proceeds.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may issue separately, upon exercise of a debt warrant, in connection with a purchase contract or as part of a unit from time to time in the form of one or more series of debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus will describe the specific terms of the debt securities offered through that prospectus supplement as well as any general terms described in this section that will not apply to those debt securities. As used in this prospectus, “debt securities” means the senior and subordinated debentures, notes, bonds and other evidences of indebtedness that we issue and a trustee authenticates and delivers under the applicable indenture. As used in this “Description of Debt Securities,” the terms “Danaher,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Danaher Corporation and do not, unless the context otherwise indicates, include our subsidiaries.

Senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture dated December 11, 2007 between Danaher and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, that has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, subject to such amendments or supplemental indentures as are adopted, from time to time, including the supplemental indentures dated as of December 11, 2007, March 5, 2009 and June 23, 2011. This indenture is referred to as the “senior indenture.” Subordinated debt securities will be issued under a separate indenture to be entered into by us and a trustee or trustees identified in the prospectus supplement, the form of which is included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This indenture is referred to as the “subordinated indenture.” We refer to the indentures described above as the “indentures” or the “indenture,” as applicable. The following summaries of certain provisions of the indentures and the debt securities are not complete and the summaries are subject to the detailed provisions of the applicable indenture. You should refer to the applicable indenture for more specific information. In addition, you should consult the applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus for particular terms of our debt securities.

The indentures will not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may issue, and will permit us to issue securities from time to time in one or more series. The indentures do not contain any provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us. However, the senior indenture does restrict us and our subsidiaries from granting certain security interests on certain of our or their property or assets unless the senior debt securities are equally secured. See “—Covenants in the Senior Indenture” below.

The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of Danaher. We currently conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries, and the holders of debt securities (whether senior or subordinated debt securities) will be effectively subordinated to the creditors of our subsidiaries. This means that creditors of our subsidiaries will have a claim to the assets of our subsidiaries that is superior to the claim of our creditors, including holders of our debt securities.

The applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus will describe the following terms of any series of debt securities that we may offer:

•

the title and type of the debt securities;

•

whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated debt securities, and, with respect to debt securities issued under the subordinated indenture, as applicable, that the subordination provisions of the indenture shall apply to the securities of that series or that any different subordination provisions, including different definitions of the terms “senior indebtedness” or “existing subordinated indebtedness,” shall apply to securities of that series;

•

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

•

the person who will receive interest payments on any debt securities if other than the registered holder;

•

the price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities;

•

the maturity date or dates of the debt securities;

•

the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, per annum at which the debt securities will bear interest and the date from which such interest will accrue;

•

the dates on which interest will be payable and the related record dates;

•

whether any index, formula or other method will determine payments of principal, premium or interest and the manner of determining the amount of such payments;

•

the place or places of payments on the debt securities;

•

whether the debt securities are redeemable;

•

any redemption dates, prices, obligations and restrictions on the debt securities;

•

any mandatory or optional sinking fund or purchase fund or analogous provisions;

•

the denominations of the debt securities if other than $1,000 or multiples of $1,000;

•

the currency of principal and interest payments if other than U.S. dollars, and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in U.S. dollars for any purpose under the indenture;

•

if the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities of any series is payable, at our election or the election of the holder, in one or more currencies other than that in which such debt securities are stated to be payable, the currency or currencies in which such principal, premium or interest shall be payable and other terms and conditions regarding such payment;

•

the amount that we will pay the holder if the maturity of the debt securities is accelerated, if other than their principal amount;

•

the amount that will be deemed to be the principal amount of the debt securities as of a particular date before maturity if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity date will not be able to be determined on that date;

•

the applicability of the legal defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions in the applicable indenture;

•

if the debt securities will be issued only in the form of one or more book-entry securities, the name of the depositary or its nominee and the circumstances under which the book-entry security may be transferred or exchanged to someone other than the depositary or its nominee;

•

any provisions granting special rights if certain events happen;

•

any deletions from, changes in or additions to the events of default or the covenants specified in the indenture, or to the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of such securities to declare the principal amount of such securities due and payable;

•

any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents for the debt securities;

•

any conversion or exchange features of the debt securities;

•

whether we will issue the debt securities as original issue discount securities for federal income tax purposes;

•

any special tax implications of the debt securities;

•

the terms of payment upon acceleration; and

•

any other material terms of the debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the indenture.

Debt securities may bear interest at fixed or floating rates. We may issue our debt securities at an original issue discount, bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate that, at the time of issuance, is below market rate, to be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. Generally speaking, if our debt securities are issued at an original issue discount and there is an event of default or acceleration of their maturity, holders will receive an amount less than the stated principal amount of the debt securities. Tax and other special considerations applicable to any series of debt securities, including original issue discount securities, will be described in the prospectus supplement in which we offer those debt securities.

We will have the ability under the indenture to reopen a previously issued series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series or establish additional terms of the series. We are also permitted to issue debt securities with the same terms as previously issued debt securities.

We will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act that may then apply to any obligation we may have to purchase debt securities at the option of the holders. Any such obligation applicable to a series of debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, payment of interest on a debt security (other than a bearer debt security) on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name such debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest payment.

Generally, we will pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on our registered debt securities either at the office of the paying agent designated by us in the applicable prospectus supplement or, if we elect, we may pay interest by mailing a check to your address as it appears on our register or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the person entitled thereto as specified in the securities register. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All moneys paid by us to a paying agent or the trustee, or held, for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt security which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, or discharged from trust, and the holder of such debt security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to us for payment thereof, subject to applicable escheat laws.

Senior Debt Securities

Senior debt securities will be issued under the senior indenture. Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

Subordinated Debt Securities

Subordinated debt securities will be issued under the subordinated indenture. Subordinated debt securities of a particular series will be subordinate in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the subordinated indenture and the prospectus supplement relating to those subordinated debt securities, to the prior payment of all of our indebtedness that is designated as senior indebtedness with respect to that series. The definition of senior indebtedness will include, among other things, senior debt securities and will be specifically set forth in that prospectus supplement.

Upon any payment or distribution of our assets to creditors or upon our total or partial liquidation or dissolution or in a bankruptcy, receivership, or similar proceeding relating to us or our property, holders of senior indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of the senior indebtedness before holders of subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment with respect to the subordinated debt securities and, until the senior indebtedness is paid in full, any distribution to which holders of subordinated debt securities would otherwise be entitled (other than securities of Danaher or any other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at the least to the extent provided pursuant to these subordination provisions, to the payment of all senior indebtedness then outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment) will be made to the holders of senior indebtedness, all as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. In the event of any such proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing with respect to senior indebtedness, the holders of subordinated debt securities, together with the holders of any of our obligations ranking in parity with the subordinated debt securities, will be entitled to be paid from our remaining assets the amounts then due and owing with respect to such subordinated debt securities and other obligations, before any payments or distributions will be made on account of any of our capital stock or other obligations ranking junior to such subordinated debt securities and other obligations.

If we default in the payment of any principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any senior indebtedness, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise, then, upon written notice of such default to us by the holders of senior indebtedness or any trustee therefor, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, no direct or indirect payment shall be made or agreed to be made on account of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on any of the subordinated debt securities, or in respect of any redemption, repayment, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any of the subordinated debt securities.

By reason of this subordination, in the event of insolvency, our creditors who are holders of senior indebtedness or holders of any indebtedness or preferred stock of our subsidiaries, as well as certain of our general creditors, may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the subordinated debt securities.

Events of Default

Except as may be provided otherwise in a prospectus supplement, any of the following events will constitute an event of default for a series of debt securities under the indenture:

•

failure to pay interest on our debt securities of that series for thirty days past the applicable due date;

•

failure to pay principal of, or premium, if any, on our debt securities of that series when due (whether at maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise);

•

failure to deposit any sinking fund payment on debt securities of that series when due;

•

failure to perform, or breach of, any other covenant, agreement or warranty for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities in the indenture, other than a covenant, agreement or warranty a default in whose performance or breach is dealt with elsewhere in the indenture, or which is included in the indenture solely for the benefit of a different series of our debt securities, which continues for 90 days after written notice from the trustee or holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the debt securities of that series as provided in the indenture;

•

specified events relating to our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and

•

any other event of default with respect to debt securities of that series established pursuant to the applicable supplemental indenture.

An event of default with respect to one series of debt securities is not necessarily an event of default for another series.

If there is an event of default with respect to a series of our debt securities, which continues for the requisite amount of time, either the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of that series may declare the principal amount of all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, except that if an event of default occurs due to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization as provided in the applicable indenture, then the principal of and interest on the debt securities shall become due and payable immediately without any act by the trustee or any holder of debt securities. If the securities were issued at an original issue discount, less than the stated principal amount may become payable. However, at any time after an acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has occurred, but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive any past default or event of default and its consequences for that series, except (1) a default in the payment of the principal, premium, or interest with respect to those debt securities or (2) a default with respect to a provision of the applicable indenture that cannot be amended without the consent of each holder affected by the amendment. In case of a waiver of a default, that default shall cease to exist, and any event of default arising from that default shall be deemed to have been cured for all purposes. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the debt securities of any series may also, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive, with respect to that series, our compliance with certain restrictive covenants in the applicable indenture.

If any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an event of default (collectively referred to in this paragraph as a default) occurs and is continuing with respect to debt securities of a particular series and if it is known to any specified responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee will mail to each holder of such debt securities notice of such default within 90 days after it occurs or, if later, after the trustee obtains knowledge of such default. Except in the case of default in the payment of principal, premium, or interest with respect to the debt securities of that series or in the making of any sinking fund payment with respect to the debt securities of that series, the trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the corporate trust committee or a committee of specified responsible officers of the trustee in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the holders of such debt securities.

A holder may institute a suit against us for enforcement of such holder’s rights under the applicable indenture, for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy only if the following conditions are satisfied:

•

the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to a series of our debt securities held by that holder;

•

holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series make a request, in writing, and offer reasonable indemnity, to the trustee for the trustee to institute the requested proceeding;

•

the trustee does not receive direction contrary to the holder’s request from holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series within 60 days following such notice, request and offer of indemnity under the terms of the applicable indenture; and

•

the trustee does not institute the requested proceeding within 60 days following such notice.

The indentures will require us to annually deliver to the trustee a statement as to performance of our obligations under the indentures and as to any defaults.

A default in the payment of any of our debt securities, or a default with respect to our debt securities that causes them to be accelerated, may give rise to a cross-default under our other indebtedness.

Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indentures

An indenture will generally cease to be of any further effect with respect to a series of debt securities if:

•

we have delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation all debt securities of that series (with certain limited exceptions); or

•

all debt securities of that series not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, will become due and payable within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the trustee, and in any such case we have deposited with the trustee as trust funds the entire amount sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all of the principal, premium and interest due with respect to those debt securities;

and if, in either case, we also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable under the applicable indenture by us and deliver to the trustee an officer’s certificate and opinion of counsel stating that all conditions precedent to the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture have been complied with.

Legal Defeasance And Covenant Defeasance

Any series of our debt securities will be subject to the defeasance and discharge provisions of the applicable indenture unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If those provisions are applicable, we may elect either:

•

legal defeasance, which will permit us to defease and be discharged from, subject to limitations, all of our obligations with respect to those debt securities, including any subordination provisions; or

•

covenant defeasance, which will permit us to be released from our obligations to comply with certain covenants relating to those debt securities as described in the applicable prospectus supplement, which may include obligations concerning subordination of our subordinated debt securities.

If we exercise our legal defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of those debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of those debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default related to the specified covenants.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may invoke legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to any series of our debt securities only if:

•

with respect to debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars, we irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, an amount in U.S. dollars, U.S. government obligations (taking into account payment of principal and interest thereon in accordance with their terms) or a combination thereof which will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay, when due upon maturity or redemption, as the case may be, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on those debt securities;

•

with respect to debt securities denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, we irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, an amount in such currency, obligations of the foreign government that issued such currency (taking into account payment of principal, premium and interest thereon in accordance with their terms) or a combination thereof which will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay, when due upon maturity or redemption, as the case may be, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on those debt securities;

•

we deliver to the trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal, premium and interest when due on the deposited U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations, as applicable, plus any deposited money will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay the principal, premium, and interest when due with respect to all the debt securities of that series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

•

no event which is, or after notice or lapse of time would become, an event of default under the indenture shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any default relating to our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, at any time on or prior to the 90th day after such deposit;

•

the deposit does not cause the trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all securities under the indenture are in default within the meaning of such Act);

•

the deposit is not a default under any other agreement binding on us;

•

such deposit will not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust is registered under, or exempt from, such Act;

•

we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel addressing certain federal income tax matters relating to the defeasance;

•

if the securities are to be redeemed prior to the stated maturity (other than from mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments), notice of such redemption shall have been duly given or provision for such notice satisfactory to the trustee shall have been made;

•

with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities, at the time of such deposit, (1) no default in the payment of principal, premium or interest with respect to any senior indebtedness shall have occurred and be continuing, (2) no event of default shall have resulted in any senior indebtedness becoming, and continuing to be, due and payable prior to the date it would otherwise have become due and payable (unless payment of such senior indebtedness has been provided for), and (3) no other event of default shall have occurred and be continuing which permits the holders thereof to declare such indebtedness due and payable prior to the date it would otherwise have become due and payable; and

•

we deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the debt securities of that series as contemplated by the applicable indenture have been complied with.

Modification and Waiver

We and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures for the purpose of modifying or amending an indenture with the consent of holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of each series of our outstanding debt securities affected. However, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the consent of all of the holders of our debt securities that are affected thereby is required for any of the following modifications or amendments:

•

to reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series whose holders must consent to a supplemental indenture, or consent to any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture, or consent to certain defaults under the indenture, in each case as provided for in the indenture;

•

to reduce the rate of, or change the stated maturity of any installment of, interest on any debt security;

•

to reduce the principal of or change the stated maturity of principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any debt security or reduce the amount of principal of any original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of maturity;

•

to reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any debt security;

•

to make any debt security, or any premium or interest thereon, payable in a currency other than that stated in that debt security;

•

to change any place of payment where any debt security or any premium or interest thereon is payable;

•

to change the right to convert any debt security in accordance with its terms;

•

to impair the right to bring a lawsuit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the stated maturity of any debt security (or in the case of redemption, on or after the date fixed for redemption);

•

to modify the provisions of the indenture with respect to subordination of debt securities in a manner adverse to any registered holder of a debt security; or

•

generally, to modify any of the above provisions of the indenture or any provisions providing for the waiver of past defaults or waiver of compliance with certain covenants, except to increase the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series whose holders must consent to an amendment or waiver, as applicable, or to provide that certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected by the modification or waiver.

In addition, we and the trustee with respect to an indenture may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of debt securities for one or more of the following purposes (in addition to any other purposes specified in an applicable prospectus supplement):

•

to evidence that another person has become our successor and that the successor assumes our covenants, agreements, and obligations in the indenture and in the debt securities;

•

to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture, or to add to our covenants further covenants for the protection of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;

•

to add any additional events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;

•

to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision in the indenture that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision in the indenture, or to make other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under the indenture;

•

to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form;

•

to secure the debt securities;

•

to add to, change, or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture with respect to one or more series of debt securities, so long as the addition, change, or elimination not otherwise permitted under the indenture will (1) neither apply to any debt security of any series created before the execution of the supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of that provision nor modify the rights of the holders of that debt security with respect to that provision or (2) become effective only when there are no debt securities of that series outstanding;

•

to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor or separate trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as necessary to provide for the administration of the indenture by more than one trustee;

•

with respect to the subordinated indenture, to add to, change or eliminate any of the subordination provisions in the indenture or change the definition of “senior indebtedness” in respect of one or more series of debt securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of outstanding debt securities in any material respect;

•

to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series; and

•

to make provisions with respect to the conversion rights of holders, including providing for the conversion of debt securities of any series into any security or securities of ours.

Certain Covenants

In addition to such other covenants, if any, as may be described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus and except as may be otherwise set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus, the indenture will require us, subject to certain limitations described therein, to, among other things, do the following:

•

deliver to the trustee all information, documents and reports required to be filed by us with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, within 15 days after the same is filed with the SEC;

•

deliver to the trustee annual officers’ certificates with respect to our compliance with our obligations under the indenture;

•

maintain the existence, rights and franchises of us and our significant subsidiaries, except to the extent our board of directors determines that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the holders of the debt securities; and

•

pay, and cause our significant subsidiaries to pay, our and their taxes, assessments and government levies when due, except to the extent the same is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

Covenants in the Senior Indenture

You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading “Certain Definitions.”

Limitation on Secured Debt

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus, we will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume, or guarantee any Secured Debt without making effective provision for securing the senior debt securities equally and ratably with such Secured Debt. This covenant does not apply to debt secured by:

•

purchase money mortgages created to secure payment for the acquisition or construction of any property including, but not limited to, any indebtedness incurred by us or a Subsidiary prior to, at the time of, or within 180 days after the later of the acquisition, the completion of construction (including any improvements on an existing property) or the commencement of commercial operation of such property, which indebtedness is incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price of such property or construction or improvements on such property;

•

mortgages, pledges, liens, security interest or encumbrances (collectively referred to as security interests) on property, or any conditional sales agreement or any title retention with respect to property, existing at the time of acquisition thereof, whether or not assumed by us or a Subsidiary;

•

security interests on property or shares of capital stock or indebtedness of any corporation or firm existing at the time such corporation or firm becomes a Subsidiary;

•

security interests in property or shares of capital stock or indebtedness of a corporation existing at the time such corporation is merged into or consolidated with us or a Subsidiary or at the time of a sale, lease, or other disposition of the properties of a corporation or firm as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to us or a Subsidiary, provided that no such security interests shall extend to any other Principal Property of ours or such Subsidiary prior to such acquisition or to other Principal Property thereafter acquired other than additions or improvements to the acquired property;

•

security interests on our property or property of a Subsidiary in favor of the United States of America or any state thereof, or in favor of any other country, or any department, agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof (including, without limitation, security interests to secure indebtedness of the pollution control or industrial revenue type) in order to permit us or any Subsidiary to perform a contract or to secure indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price for the cost of constructing or improving the property subject to such security interests or which is required by law or regulation as a condition to the transaction of any business or the exercise of any privilege, franchise or license;

•

security interests on any property or assets of any Subsidiary to secure indebtedness owing by it to us or to another Subsidiary;

•

any mechanics’, materialmen’s, carriers’ or other similar lien arising in the ordinary course of business, including construction of facilities, in respect of obligations that are not yet due or that are being contested in good faith;

•

any security interest for taxes, assessments or government charges or levies not yet delinquent, or already delinquent, but the validity of which is being contested in good faith;

•

any security interest arising in connection with legal proceedings being contested in good faith, including any judgment lien so long as execution thereof is being stayed;

•

landlords’ liens on fixtures located on premises leased by us or a Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business; or

•

any extension, renewal or replacement, or successive extensions, renewals or replacements, in whole or in part, of any security interest referred to in the foregoing bullets.

Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus, the senior indenture provides that we will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter any lease longer than three years (excluding leases of newly acquired, improved or constructed property) covering any Principal Property of ours or any Subsidiary that is sold to any other person in connection with such lease (a “Sale and Leaseback Transaction”), unless either:

•

we or such Subsidiary would be entitled, without equally and ratably securing the senior debt securities, to incur Indebtedness secured by a mortgage on the Principal Property leased pursuant to any of the bullets referenced above under “—Limitation on Secured Debt,” or

•

an amount equal to the value of the Principal Property so leased is applied to the retirement, within 120 days of the effective date of such arrangement, of indebtedness for borrowed money incurred or assumed by us or a Subsidiary which is recorded as Funded Debt as shown on our most recent consolidated balance sheet and which in the case of such Indebtedness of ours, is not subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment of the senior debt securities.

Exempted Indebtedness

Notwithstanding the limitations on Secured Debt and Sale and Leaseback Transactions described above, we and any one or more Subsidiaries may, without securing the senior debt securities, issue, assume, or guarantee Secured Debt or enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions, provided that, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of such Secured Debt then outstanding (not including Secured Debt permitted under the foregoing exceptions) and the Attributable Debt of Sale and Leaseback Transactions, other than Sale and Leaseback Transactions described in either bullet of the preceding paragraph, at such time does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Assets.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the senior indenture. Reference is made to the senior indenture for a complete definition of these terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following terms will mean as follows for purposes of covenants that may be applicable to any particular series of senior debt securities.

The term “Attributable Debt,” in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, means, as of any particular time, the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in the lease involved in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, as determined in good faith by us) of the obligation of the lessee thereunder for rental payments (excluding, however, any amounts required to be paid by such lessee, whether or not designated as rent or additional rent, on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges or any amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of sales, maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges) during the remaining term of such lease (including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended).

The term “Consolidated Assets” means the aggregate of all assets of us and our Subsidiaries (including the value of all existing Sale and Leaseback Transactions and any assets resulting from the capitalization of other long-term lease obligations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP)), appearing on the most recent available consolidated balance sheet of us and our Subsidiaries at their net book values, after deducting related depreciation, amortization and other valuation reserves, all prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The term “Consolidated Current Liabilities” means the aggregate of the current liabilities of us and our Subsidiaries appearing on the most recent available consolidated balance sheet of us and our Subsidiaries, all in accordance with GAAP. In no event shall Consolidated Current Liabilities include any obligation of us and our Subsidiaries issued under a revolving credit or similar agreement if the obligation issued under such agreement matures by its terms within twelve months from the date thereof but by the terms of such agreement such obligation may be renewed or extended or the amount thereof reborrowed or refunded at our option or the option of any Subsidiary for a term in excess of twelve months from the date of determination.

The term “Consolidated Net Assets” means Consolidated Assets after deduction of Consolidated Current Liabilities.

The term “Funded Debt” means all indebtedness for money borrowed having a maturity of more than twelve months from the date of the most recent consolidated balance sheet of us and our Subsidiaries or renewable and extendable beyond twelve months at the option of the borrower and all obligations in respect of lease rentals which under GAAP would be shown on our consolidated balance sheet as a liability item other than a current liability; provided, however, that Funded Debt shall not include any of the foregoing to the extent that such indebtedness or obligations are not required by GAAP to be shown on our balance sheet.

The term “Principal Property” means any manufacturing plant, warehouse, office building or parcel of real property (including fixtures but excluding leases and other contract rights which might otherwise be deemed real property) owned by us or any Subsidiary, whether owned on the date of the indenture or thereafter, provided each such plant, warehouse, office building or parcel of real property has a gross book value (without deduction for any depreciation reserves) at the date as of which the determination is being made of in excess of two percent of the Consolidated Net Assets of us and our Subsidiaries, other than any such plant, warehouse, office building or parcel of real property or portion thereof which, in the opinion of our board of directors (evidenced by a certified board resolution delivered to the trustee), is not of material importance to the business conducted by us and our Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

The term “Secured Debt” means Indebtedness for borrowed money and any Funded Debt which, in each case, is secured by a security interest in:

•

any Principal Property, or

•

any shares of capital stock or Indebtedness of any Subsidiary.

The term “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity (including, without limitation, partnerships, joint ventures and associations) of which at least a majority of the outstanding stock having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such corporation or other entity (irrespective of whether or not at the time the stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any such contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned by Danaher, or by one or more Subsidiaries of Danaher, or by Danaher and one or more other Subsidiaries.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, our indentures prohibit us from consolidating with or merging into another business entity, or conveying, transferring or leasing our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any business entity, unless:

•

the surviving or acquiring entity is a U.S. corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust, and it expressly assumes our obligations with respect to outstanding debt securities by executing a supplemental indenture;

•

immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, shall have happened and be continuing; and

•

we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture, comply with the indenture and all conditions precedent relating to such transaction have been complied with.

Conversion Rights

We will describe the terms upon which debt securities may be convertible into our common stock or other securities in a prospectus supplement. These terms will include the type of securities the debt securities are convertible into, the conversion price or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or the option of the holders, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of the debt securities and any restrictions on conversion. They may also include provisions adjusting the number of shares of our common stock or other securities issuable upon conversion.

Denomination

Normally, we will denominate and make payments on debt securities in U.S. dollars. If we issue debt securities denominated, or with payments, in a foreign or composite currency, a prospectus supplement will specify the currency or composite currency. Except as may be provided otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus, we will issue registered securities in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000.

Our Debt Trustee

Unless stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, (i) the trustee may also be the trustee under any other indenture for debt securities and (ii) any trustee or its affiliates may lend money to us and/or may from time to time have other business arrangements with us. If and when the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the trustee will be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against us.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following summary description of our capital stock is based on the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws, each as amended and restated through the date of this prospectus. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

As of April 13, 2012, our authorized capital stock consisted of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value. As of April 13, 2012, we had 692,753,675 shares of our common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

Each stockholder of record of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held on every matter properly submitted to the stockholders for their vote, including the election of directors. Holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. After satisfaction of the dividend rights of holders of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled ratably to any dividend declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for this purpose. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably our net assets available, if any, after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of our common stock have no redemption or conversion rights, no sinking fund provisions and no preemptive right to subscribe for or purchase additional shares of any class of our capital stock. The outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable, and any shares of common stock issued in an offering pursuant to this prospectus and any shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of common stock warrants or conversion or exchange of debt securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, or in connection with the obligations of a holder of purchase contracts to purchase our common stock, when issued in accordance with their terms will be fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future. Computershare Investor Services, LLC serves as the registrar and transfer agent for Danaher’s common stock. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “DHR”.

Preferred Stock

The terms of any series of preferred stock will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. The terms of any series of preferred stock may differ from the terms described below. Certain provisions of the preferred stock described below and in any applicable prospectus supplement are not complete.

We are authorized to issue “blank check” preferred stock, which may be issued in one or more series upon authorization of our board of directors. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the designation of the series, the number of authorized shares of the series, dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences and any other rights, powers, preferences and limitations applicable to each series of preferred stock. The authorized shares of our preferred stock are available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed. If the approval of our stockholders is not required for the issuance of shares of our preferred stock, our board may determine not to seek stockholder approval.

A series of our preferred stock could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. Our board of directors will make any determination to issue such shares based upon its judgment as to the best interests of our stockholders. Our directors, in so acting, could issue preferred stock having terms that could discourage an acquisition attempt through which an acquirer may be able to change the composition of our board of directors, including a tender offer or other transaction that some, or a majority, of our stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then-current market price of the stock.

The preferred stock has the terms described below unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock. You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of preferred stock being offered for specific terms, including:

•

the designation and stated value per share of the preferred stock and the number of shares offered;

•

the amount of liquidation preference per share;

•

the price at which the preferred stock will be issued;

•

the dividend rate, or method of calculation of dividends, the dates on which dividends will be payable, whether dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends will commence to accumulate;

•

any redemption or sinking fund provisions;

•

if other than the currency of the United States, the currency or currencies including composite currencies in which the preferred stock is denominated and/or in which payments will or may be payable;

•

any conversion provisions;

•

whether we have elected to offer depositary shares as described under “Description of Depositary Shares;” and

•

any other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions on the preferred stock.

The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, each series of preferred stock will rank equally as to dividends and liquidation rights in all respects with each other series of preferred stock. The rights of holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be subordinate to those of our general creditors.

As described under “Description of Depositary Shares,” we may, at our option, with respect to any series of preferred stock, elect to offer fractional interests in shares of preferred stock, and provide for the issuance of depositary receipts representing depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest in a share of the series of preferred stock. The fractional interest will be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock.

Rank. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its affairs, rank:

•

senior to our common stock and to all equity securities ranking junior to such preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;

•

on a parity with all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and

•

junior to all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank senior to the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

The term “equity securities” does not include convertible debt securities.

Dividends. Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates described in the prospectus supplement. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different rates or based on different methods of calculation. The dividend rate may be fixed or variable or both. Dividends will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on our stock books on record dates fixed by our board of directors, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors does not declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of noncumulative preferred stock, then the holders of that noncumulative preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend for that dividend payment date, and we will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for that period, whether or not dividends on that series are declared payable on any future dividend payment dates. Dividends on any series of cumulative preferred stock will accrue from the date we initially issue shares of such series or such other date specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

No dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of any dividends on any parity securities unless full dividends have been paid or set apart for payment on the preferred stock. If full dividends are not paid, the preferred stock will share dividends pro rata with the parity securities.

No dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of dividends on any junior securities unless full dividends for all dividend periods terminating on or prior to the date of the declaration or payment will have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment set apart for payment on the preferred stock.

Liquidation Preference. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before we make any distribution or payment to the holders of any common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of each series of preferred stock shall be entitled to receive out of assets legally available for distribution to stockholders, liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share set forth in the prospectus supplement, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Such dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid noncumulative dividends for prior dividend periods. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, after payment of the full amount of their liquidating distributions, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all other classes or series of our capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of shares of capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.

Upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up and if we have made liquidating distributions in full to all holders of preferred stock, we will distribute our remaining assets among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock according to their respective rights and preferences and, in each case, according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or assets will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Redemption. If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of preferred stock that shall be redeemed by us in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of redemption. Unless the shares have a cumulative dividend, such accrued dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods. We may pay the redemption price in cash or other property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of shares of our capital stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if no such shares of our capital stock shall have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into the applicable shares of our capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not redeem any preferred stock of a series unless:

•

if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

•

if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends for the then current dividend period.

•

In addition, we will not acquire any preferred stock of a series unless:

•

if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

•

if that series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends on the preferred stock of such series for the then current dividend period.

However, at any time we may purchase or acquire preferred stock of that series (1) pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred stock of such series or (2) by conversion into or exchange for shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.

If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, we will determine the number of shares that may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held or for which redemption is requested by such holder or by any other equitable manner that we determine. Such determination will reflect adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares.

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, we will mail notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock transfer books. Each notice shall state:

•

the redemption date;

•

the number of shares and series of preferred stock to be redeemed;

•

the redemption price;

•

the place or places where certificates for such preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;

•

that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date;

•

the date on which the holder’s conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall terminate; and

•

the specific number of shares to be redeemed from each such holder if fewer than all the shares of any series are to be redeemed.

If notice of redemption has been given and we have set aside the funds necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any shares called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares, and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.

Voting Rights. Holders of preferred stock will not have any voting rights, except as required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise provided for under the terms of any series of preferred stock, no consent or vote of the holders of shares of preferred stock or any series thereof shall be required for any amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation that would increase the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the number of authorized shares of any series thereof or decrease the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the number of authorized shares of any series thereof (but not below the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or such series, as the case may be, then outstanding).

Conversion Rights. The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of preferred stock is convertible into our common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price, rate or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the option of the holders of the preferred stock, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption.

Transfer Agent and Registrar. The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Limitation on Directors’ Liability

Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that a member of the board of directors will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of their legal duties to us or our stockholders as a director, except for liability:

•

for any breach of the director’s legal duty to act in the best interests of us and our stockholders;

•

for acts or omissions by the director with dishonest intentions or which involve intentional misconduct or an intentional violation of the law;

•

for declaring dividends or authorizing the purchase or redemption of shares in violation of Delaware law; or

•

for transactions where the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation also allows us to indemnify directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which we refer to as the DGCL, is applicable to us, Section 203 of the DGCL restricts some types of transactions and business combinations between a corporation and a 15% stockholder. A 15% stockholder is generally considered by Section 203 to be a person owning 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock. Section 203 refers to a 15% stockholder as an “interested stockholder.” Section 203 restricts these transactions for a period of three years from the date the stockholder acquires 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. With some exceptions, unless the transaction is approved by the board of directors and the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, Section 203 prohibits significant business transactions such as:

•

a merger with, disposition of significant assets to or receipt of disproportionate financial benefits by the interested stockholder, and

•

any other transaction that would increase the interested stockholder’s proportionate ownership of any class or series of our capital stock.

The shares held by the interested stockholder are not counted as outstanding when calculating the two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock needed for approval.

The prohibition against these transactions does not apply if:

•

prior to the time that any stockholder became an interested stockholder, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction in which such stockholder acquired 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, or

•

the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of our outstanding voting stock as a result of a transaction in which such stockholder acquired 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. Shares held by persons who are both directors and officers or by some types of employee stock plans are not counted as outstanding when making this calculation.

Advance Notice Bylaw Provisions

Our Amended and Restated By-Laws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than proposals and nominations made by or at the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board and/or President.

Special Charter Provisions

Prior to May 2011, the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation divided our board of directors into three classes of directors serving staggered, three-year terms. In May 2011, the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation was amended to declassify the Board of Directors and provide for the annual election of directors. The amendment did not shorten the existing term of any director, and as a result the directors elected to three-year terms prior to the effectiveness of the amendment will complete those terms. As a result of the declassification amendment, the directors elected at the 2012 Annual Meeting (and at each annual meeting thereafter) will be elected for one-year terms and beginning with the 2014 Annual Meeting the entire Board will be elected annually. In addition, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors must be filled solely by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

These provisions, together with the Company’s advance notice bylaw provisions and the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control or the removal of existing management, of deterring potential acquirors from making an offer to our stockholders and of limiting any opportunity to realize premiums over prevailing market prices for our common stock in connection therewith. This could be the case notwithstanding that a majority of our stockholders might benefit from such a change in control or offer.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock. We may offer warrants separately or together with one or more additional warrants, debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we issue warrants as part of a unit, the accompanying prospectus supplement will specify whether those warrants may be separated from the other securities in the unit prior to the expiration date of the warrants. The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe the following terms of any warrants:

•

the specific designation and aggregate number of, and the offering price at which we will issue, the warrants;

•

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which that right will expire or, if you may not continuously exercise the warrants throughout that period, the specific date or dates on which you may exercise the warrants;

•

whether the warrants are to be sold separately or with other securities as parts of units;

•

whether the warrants will be issued in definitive or global form or in any combination of these forms, although, in any case, the form of a warrant included in a unit will correspond to the form of the unit and of any security included in that unit;

•

any applicable material U.S. federal income tax consequences;

•

the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents;

•

the proposed listing, if any, of the warrants or any securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants on any securities exchange;

•

the designation and terms of any equity securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

•

the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency and terms of any debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants;

•

if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock with which the warrants are issued and, the number of warrants issued with each security;

•

if applicable, the date from and after which any warrants issued as part of a unit and the related debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock will be separately transferable;

•

the number of shares of preferred stock, the number of depositary shares or the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which those shares may be purchased;

•

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

•

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

•

the antidilution provisions of, and other provisions for changes to or adjustment in the exercise price of, the warrants, if any;

•

any redemption or call provisions; and

•

any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange or exercise of the warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

General

We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, which we call depositary shares, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we do, we will issue to the public receipts, called depositary receipts, for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction, to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in a share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented by the depositary share. Those rights include dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.

The shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares will be deposited with a bank or trust company selected by us to act as depositary under a deposit agreement between us, the depositary and the holders of the depositary receipts. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the depositary shares.

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges.

The summary of terms of the depositary shares contained in this prospectus is not complete. You should refer to the form of the deposit agreement, our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the certificate of designation for the applicable series of preferred stock that are, or will be, filed with the SEC.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions, if any, received in respect of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the numbers of depositary shares owned by those holders on the relevant record date. The relevant record date for depositary shares will be the same date as the record date for the underlying preferred stock.

If there is a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property (including securities) received by it to the record holders of depositary shares, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, adopt another method for the distribution, including selling the property and distributing the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.

Liquidation Preference

If a series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares has a liquidation preference, in the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, holders of depositary shares will be entitled to receive the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of the applicable series of preferred stock, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Withdrawal of Stock

Unless the related depositary shares have been previously called for redemption, upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the office of the depositary, the holder of the depositary shares will be entitled to delivery, at the office of the depositary to or upon his or her order, of the number of whole shares of the preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. In no event will the depositary deliver fractional shares of preferred stock upon surrender of depositary receipts. Holders of preferred stock thus withdrawn may not thereafter deposit those shares under the deposit agreement or receive depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares therefor.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing shares of the preferred stock so redeemed, so long as we have paid in full to the depositary the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the preferred stock to the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable on the preferred stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by one depositary share. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata or by any other equitable method as may be determined by the depositary.

After the date fixed for redemption, depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the monies payable upon redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of the depositary shares were entitled upon redemption upon surrender to the depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.

Voting the Preferred Stock

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts relating to that preferred stock. The record date for the depositary receipts relating to the preferred stock will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of preferred stock represented by that holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and we will agree to take all action that may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will not vote any shares of preferred stock except to the extent it receives specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing that number of shares of preferred stock.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer, income and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges (including those in connection with the receipt and distribution of dividends, the sale or exercise of rights, the withdrawal of the preferred stock and the transferring, splitting or grouping of depositary receipts) as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts. If these charges have not been paid by the holders of depositary receipts, the depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares, withhold dividends and distributions and sell the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipt.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may be amended by agreement between us and the depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares, other than fee changes, will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding depositary shares. The deposit agreement may be terminated by the depositary or us only if:

•

all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; or

•

there has been a final distribution of the preferred stock in connection with our dissolution and such distribution has been made to all the holders of depositary shares.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may remove the depositary at any time. Any resignation or removal of the depositary will take effect upon our appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. The successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having the requisite combined capital and surplus as set forth in the applicable agreement.

Notices

The depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts all notices, reports and other communications, including proxy solicitation materials received from us, that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock. In addition, the depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any reports and communications we deliver to the depositary as the holder of preferred stock.

Limitation of Liability

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if either is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations. Our obligations and those of the depositary will be limited to performance in good faith of our and their duties thereunder. We and the depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent to give such information and on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

AND UNITS

We may issue purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from or sell to us, and obligating us to sell to or purchase from the holders, a specified number of shares of our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares at a future date or dates, which we refer to in this prospectus as purchase contracts. The price per share of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares and the number of shares of each may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the purchase contracts. The purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of one or more purchase contracts and beneficial interests in debt securities or any other securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or any combination of the foregoing, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares under the purchase contracts.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the units or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under those contracts in a specified manner, including pledging their interest in another purchase contract.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the purchase contracts and units, including, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements.

FORMS OF SECURITIES

Each debt security, depositary share, purchase contract, unit and warrant will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, certificated securities in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, units or warrants represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Registered Global Securities

We may issue the debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, units and warrants in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.

If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global

security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.

So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, unit agreement or warrant agreement. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, unit agreement or warrant agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, unit agreement or warrant agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, unit agreement or warrant agreement, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to depositary shares, warrants, purchase agreements or units, represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of us, the trustees, the warrant agents, the unit agents or any other agent of ours, agent of the trustees or agent of the warrant agents or unit agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment to holders of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

If the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell securities:

•

through underwriters;

•

through dealers;

•

through agents;

•

directly to purchasers; or

•

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders.

We may directly solicit offers to purchase securities, or agents may be designated to solicit such offers. We will, in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the Securities Act, and describe any commissions that we must pay. Any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, on a firm commitment basis. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:

•

at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time;

•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

•

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

•

at negotiated prices.

Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.

The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:

•

the name of the agent or any underwriters;

•

the public offering or purchase price;

•

any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to the agent or underwriters;

•

all other items constituting underwriting compensation;

•

any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers; and

•

any exchanges on which the securities will be listed.

If any underwriters or agents are utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and we will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering the names of the underwriters or agents and the terms of the related agreement with them.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which the prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.

If we offer securities in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with dealers, acting as standby underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us.

Agents, underwriters, dealers and other persons may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, and/or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:

•

the purchase by an institution of the securities covered under that contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which that institution is subject; and

•

if the securities are also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the underwriters shall have purchased such securities not sold for delayed delivery. The underwriters and other persons acting as our agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts.

Certain agents, underwriters and dealers, and their associates and affiliates may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, and/or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may overallot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than three scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the third business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than three scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.

Sales by Selling Securityholders

Selling securityholders may use this prospectus in connection with resales of securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify the selling securityholders and the terms of the securities. Selling securityholders may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they resell and any profits on the sales may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The selling securityholders will receive all the proceeds from the sale of the securities. We will not receive any proceeds from sales by selling securityholders.

LEGAL MATTERS

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the validity of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered will be passed upon by James F. O’Reilly, our Associate General Counsel and Secretary, and for any underwriters or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Mr. O’Reilly is paid a salary by Danaher, is a participant in various employee benefit plans and incentive plans offered by us and owns or has rights to acquire an aggregate of less than 0.01% of Danaher’s common stock.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

LOGO

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Depositary Shares

Purchase Contracts

Units

PROSPECTUS

May 7, 2012

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

Set forth below is an estimate (except in the case of the registration fee) of the amount of fees and expenses to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the offered securities, other than underwriting discounts and commissions.


SEC registration fee	(1	)
Accounting services	(2	)
Legal fees of registrant’s counsel	(2	)
Printing and engraving	(2	)
Trustee’s fees and expenses	(2	)
Rating agency fees	(2	)
Miscellaneous expenses, including listing fees	(2	)

Total	(2	)

(1)	Deferred in reliance on Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act.

(2)	These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) provides, generally, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (except actions by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A corporation may similarly indemnify such person for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of any action or suit by or in the right of the corporation, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in the case of claims, issues and matters as to which such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, provided that a court shall have determined, upon application, that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides, generally, that the certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No such provision may eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision became effective.

Article Nine of Danaher’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that Danaher will indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent authorized or permitted by law and that no director shall be personally liable for monetary damages to Danaher or its stockholders for any breach of fiduciary duty by such director as a director, except to the extent provided by applicable law (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to Danaher or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which such director derived an improper personal benefit. Article Eight of Danaher’s Amended and Restated By-Laws provides that Danaher will indemnify directors and officers of Danaher in non-derivative claims if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Danaher, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. For non-derivative claims, termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, in itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Danaher, and, with respect to any criminal action or

II-1

proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conducts was unlawful. For derivative claims, Article Eight of Danaher’s By-Laws provides that Danaher will indemnify directors and officers of Danaher if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Danaher; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to Danaher unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

In addition to the above, Danaher has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements provide for substantially similar indemnification rights and provide that Danaher will agree to pay expenses in advance of the final disposition of any proceeding for which indemnification is claimed. Danaher also provides indemnity insurance pursuant to which officers and directors are indemnified or insured against liability or loss under certain circumstances, which may include liability or related loss under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.

II-2

Item 16. Exhibits.

The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the exhibit index, which appears elsewhere herein and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 17. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)

To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act of 1933”);

(ii)

To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii)

To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement.

(2)

That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)

To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)

That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i)

Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii)

Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

II-3

(5)

That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i)

Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii)

Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii)

The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv)

Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by such undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(6)

That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(7)

That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933:

(i)

the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

(ii)

each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(8)

To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the indemnification provisions described herein, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, such registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-4

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the District of Columbia, on this 7^th day of May, 2012.


DANAHER CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ Daniel L. Comas
		Daniel L. Comas
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on May 7, 2012.

Name, Title and Signature

Steven M. Rales

Chairman of the Board

Mitchell P. Rales

Chairman of the Executive Committee

Mortimer M. Caplin

Director

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

Donald J. Ehrlich

Director

Linda P. Hefner

Director

Teri List-Stoll

Director

Walter G. Lohr, Jr.

Director

II-5

John T. Schwieters

Director

Alan G. Spoon

Director

Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D.

Director

Daniel L. Comas

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Robert S. Lutz

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

*	pursuant to power of attorney


By:		/s/ James F. O’Reilly
		James F. O’Reilly
		Attorney-in-Fact

II-6

INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit Number	Description

1.1**	Form of Underwriting Agreement

1.2**	Form of Selling Agent Agreement

3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Danaher Corporation	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

3.2	Amended and Restated By-Laws of Danaher Corporation	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Danaher Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

4.1	Senior Indenture dated as of December 11, 2007 by and between Danaher Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as trustee (“Senior Indenture”)	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

4.2	Supplemental Indenture to Senior Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, by and between Danaher Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as trustee relating to the 5.625% Senior Notes Due 2018	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

4.3	Form of 5.625% Senior Notes Due 2018	Included in Exhibit 4.2

4.4	Supplemental Indenture to Senior Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2009, by and between Danaher Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee relating to the 5.4% Senior Notes due 2019	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

4.5	Form of 5.4% Senior Notes due 2019	Included in Exhibit 4.4

4.6	Supplemental Indenture to Senior Indenture, dated as of June 23, 2011, by and between Danaher Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee relating to the Floating Rate Notes due 2013	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.6 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

4.7	Form of Floating Rate Notes due 2013	Included in Exhibit 4.6

4.8	Supplemental Indenture to Senior Indenture, dated as of June 23, 2011, by and between Danaher Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee relating to the 1.3% Senior Notes due 2014	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.8 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

II-7


4.9	Form of 1.3% Senior Notes due 2014	Included in Exhibit 4.8

4.10	Supplemental Indenture to Senior Indenture, dated as of June 23, 2011, by and between Danaher Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee relating to the 2.3% Senior Notes due 2016	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.10 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

4.11	Form of 2.3% Senior Notes due 2016	Included in Exhibit 4.10

4.12	Supplemental Indenture to Senior Indenture, dated as of June 23, 2011, by and between Danaher Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee relating to the 3.9% Senior Notes due 2021	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.12 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011 (Commission File Number: 1-8089)

4.13	Form of 3.9% Senior Notes due 2021	Included in Exhibit 4.12

4.14	Form of Subordinated Debt Indenture (the “Subordinated Indenture”)	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(e) to Danaher Corporation’s Form S-3 filed February 22, 2002 (File No. 333-83186)

4.15	Form of Subordinated Debt Securities	Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(e) to Danaher Corporation’s Form S-3 filed February 22, 2002 (File No. 333-83186)

4.16**	Certificate of Designation of Preferred Stock

4.17**	Form of Warrant Agreement

4.18**	Form of Warrant Certificate

4.19**	Form of Deposit Agreement

4.20**	Form of Depositary Receipt

4.21**	Form of Purchase Contract Agreement

4.22**	Form of Unit Agreement

5.1*	Opinion of James F. O’Reilly

12.1	Calculation of Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12.1 to Danaher Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2012)

23.1*	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm

23.2*	Consent of James F. O’Reilly (included in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement)

24.1*	Powers of Attorney

25.1*	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Trustee with respect to the Senior Indenture, as amended

II-8


25.2**		Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Trustee under Subordinated Indenture

*	Filed herewith.

**	To be filed either by amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Exchange Act, and incorporated herein by reference.

II-9