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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
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Washington, D.C. 20549 |
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FORM 8-K |
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CURRENT REPORT |
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Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the |
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Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
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Date of Report: April 14, 2003 |
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D E E R E & C O M P A N Y |
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
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DELAWARE |
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1-4121 |
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36-2382580 |
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One John Deere Place |
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(309)765-8000 |
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______________________________________________ |
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.) |
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Item 9. |
Regulation FD Disclosure |
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Deere & Company |
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DEERE & COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGES STANDARD & POOR'S RATING ANNOUNCEMENT: |
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Deere & Company announced that it was informed today by Standard & Poor's of its intention to place the "A-" long-term credit ratings of Deere & Company and John Deere Capital Corporation on CreditWatch with negative implications. Standard & Poor's also indicated its intention to affirm the "A-2" short-term corporate credit ratings of these same entities. |
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Deere & Company has been told that Standard & Poor's intended action reflects concern about Deere's previously reported postretirement obligations to employees. |
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In light of Standard & Poor's announcement, John Deere Capital Corporation canceled its pending $225 million, two-year medium term note offering which was scheduled to close on 15 April 2003. This action was taken in fairness to the investors who committed to this transaction prior to today's communication from Standard & Poor's . |
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Signature |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereto duly authorized. |
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DEERE & COMPANY |
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By: |
/s/ JAMES H. BECHT James H. Becht Secretary |
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Dated: April 14, 2003 |
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