SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 20, 1999 The Stanley Works (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) Connecticut 1-5224 06-058860 (State or other (Commission (IRS Employer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.) incorporation) 1000 Stanley Drive, New Britain, Connecticut 06053 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(860) 225-5111 Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Page 1 of 4 Pages Item 5. Other Events. 1. On January 19,1999, the Registrant announced that it had signed an agreement to meet the very latest Federal Trade Commission guidelines for Made in USA labeling on its mechanics tools. Attached as Exhibit (20)(i) is a copy of the Registrant's press release. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits. (c) 20(i) Press Release dated January 19, 1999 announcing an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission relating to Made in USA labeling. Page 2 of 4 Pages SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. THE STANLEY WORKS Date: January 20, 1999 By: Stephen S. Weddle ----------------- Name: Stephen S. Weddle Title: Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Page 3 of 4 Pages Exhibit 20 (i) Agreement with FTC Reinforces Stanley's Commitment to Made in USA New Britain, CT, January 19, 1999 -- The Stanley Works has signed an agreement to meet the very latest Federal Trade Commission guidelines for Made in USA labeling on its mechanics tools. The guidelines were announced by the FTC in December of 1997. Almost all of Stanley's products met the new guidelines even before they were announced. Immediately following the change in FTC guidelines, Stanley voluntarily took steps to ensure that all of its products would comply with the change. Those steps have been taken, and the agreement announced today does not require Stanley to make any additional changes. "Stanley has always acted in accordance with U.S. law," said John M. Trani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We voluntarily took actions to meet or exceed the latest and most stringent FTC guidelines." The agreement between Stanley and the FTC imposes no fines or penalties and does not require the company to agree with any FTC statements about past compliance. MEDIA CONTACT: INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT: Vance Meyer Gerry Gould (860) 827-3871 (office) (860) 827-3833 (Office) (203) 795-0581 (home) Page 4 of 4 Pages