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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1998

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO____________

COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-5353
------------------------

TELEFLEX INCORPORATED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

DELAWARE 23-1147939
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)

630 WEST GERMANTOWN PIKE, SUITE 450, PLYMOUTH MEETING, 19462
PENNSYLVANIA (ZIP CODE)
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (610) 834-6301

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $1 per share--New York Stock Exchange

Preference Stock Purchase Rights -- New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

NONE

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES [X] NO [ ]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant was approximately $1,248,260,616 as of February 1, 1999.

The registrant had 37,623,388 Common Shares outstanding as of February 1,
1999.

Documents Incorporated by Reference: (a) Annual Report to Shareholders for
the fiscal year ended December 27, 1998, incorporated partially in Part I and
Part II hereof; (b) Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
incorporated partially in Part III hereof; and (c) Report on Form 8-K dated
December 7, 1998, incorporated in Part IV hereof.
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2

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

The Company* was incorporated in 1943 as a manufacturer of precision
mechanical push/pull controls for military aircraft. From this original single
market, single product orientation, the Company began to emphasize products and
services in a broader range of economically diverse markets to reduce its
vulnerability to economic cycles. Since the mid-1970s, the Company's investments
have been directed toward specific market niches employing its technical
capabilities to provide solutions to specific engineering problems and, over the
last ten years toward expanding into medical businesses. The continuing stream
of new products and value-added product improvements that have resulted from
this strategy have enabled the Company to participate in larger market segments.
Several of these new products and product improvements were developed by means
of an unusual investment program of the Company called the New Venture Fund.
Established in 1972, the Fund directs monies representing one-half percent of
sales into the development of new products and services. This concept allows for
entrepreneurial risk taking in new areas by encouraging innovation and
competition among the Company's managers for funds to pursue new programs and
activities independent of their operating budgets. Examples of New Venture
projects include the initial funding of SermeTel(R) research and most of the
early seed money for certain medical products.

The Company's business is separated into three business
segments -- Commercial, Medical and Aerospace.

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT

The Commercial Segment designs and manufactures proprietary mechanical and
electrical controls for the automotive market; mechanical, electrical and
hydraulic controls, and electronic products for the pleasure marine market; and
proprietary products for the fluid transfer and outdoor power equipment markets.

Products in the Commercial Segment generally are less complex and are
produced in higher unit volume than those of the Company's other two segments.
They are manufactured both for general distribution as well as custom fabricated
to meet individual customer needs. Consumer spending patterns generally
influence the market trends for these products.

The Commercial Segment consists of three major product lines: Marine,
Automotive and Industrial.

The Company is a leading domestic producer of mechanical steering systems
for pleasure power boats. It also manufactures hydraulic steering systems,
engine throttle and shift controls, electrical gauges and instrumentation, GPS
driven navigation systems, autopilots and electronic fishfinders. In 1994, the
Company acquired TX Controls, a Swedish manufacturer of mechanical and hydraulic
steering systems, engine control systems and cables for application on marine
craft and industrial vehicles. The Company's marine products are sold
principally to boat builders and in the aftermarket with the Humminbird line of
electronic fishfinders sold substantially through retail outlets. These products
are used principally on pleasure craft but also have application on commercial
vessels.

The Company is a major supplier of driver control systems to automotive
manufacturers worldwide. The principal products in this market are accelerator,
transmission shift, park lock, window regulator controls, pedal box, gear shift
systems, heat resistant flexible fuel line and adjustable pedal systems. In 1995
the Company acquired the cable controls businesses of Handy & Harmon Automotive
Group. This acquisition broadened the automotive product line by adding a park
brake and provided a manufacturing plant in Mexico. In 1996 the Company acquired
a U.K. manufacturer of cable control products which established the Company's
automotive cable operations in Europe. In May 1997 the Company acquired Comcorp
Technologies, Inc. a supplier of pedal assemblies and other automotive
components and systems. In December 1997 the Company acquired United Parts Group
N.V. a European manufacturer of gear shift systems and other components
supplying most of the European auto and truck makers. The Truck Systems

- ---------------

* As used herein the "Company" refers to Teleflex Incorporated and its
consolidated subsidiaries.
1
3

Division of United Parts was sold in February 1998. The remaining Driver Control
Division, with five manufacturing plants throughout Europe, expanded the
Company's entrance into the European automotive market. The acquisitions of both
Comcorp and United Parts are part of the Company's strategy to integrate cable
controls with other automotive components in order to provide systems solutions
for customers. Acceptance by the automobile manufacturers of a Company-developed
control for use on a new model ordinarily assures the Company a large, but not
exclusive, market share for the supply of that control.

Industrial controls and electrical instrumentation products are also
manufactured for use in other applications, including agricultural equipment,
outdoor power equipment, leisure vehicles and other on- and off-road vehicles.
In addition, the Company produces stainless steel overbraided fluoroplastic hose
for fluid transfer in such markets as the chemical, petroleum and food
processing industries.

MEDICAL SEGMENT

The Medical Segment manufactures and distributes a broad range of invasive
disposable and reusable devices for the urology, gastroenterology,
anesthesiology and respiratory care markets worldwide. It also designs and
manufactures a variety of surgical instruments, closure systems and provides
instrument management services. Products in this segment generally are required
to meet exacting standards of performance and have long product life cycles.
External economic influences on sales relate primarily to spending patterns in
the worldwide medical devices and supplies market.

Within the Medical Segment, the Company has two major product lines:
Hospital Supply and Surgical Devices. In addition the Company has extrusion
capabilities which it uses to serve original equipment manufacturers. In the
late 1970s, the Company decided to apply its polymer technologies to the medical
market, and began by extruding intravenous catheter tubing which it sold to
original equipment manufacturers. Through Teleflex OEM, the Company also
produces standard and custom-designed semi-finished components for other medical
device manufacturers using its polymer materials and processing technology.

In 1989, the acquisition of Willy Rusch AG and affiliates in Germany
brought with it an established manufacturing base and distribution network,
primarily in Europe. This and other smaller acquisitions designed to broaden the
Company's product offerings form the base of the Hospital Supply product line.
The Hospital Supply product line includes the manufacture and sale of invasive
disposable and reusable devices for the urology, gastroenterology,
anesthesiology and respiratory care markets worldwide. Product offerings
include, among others, latex catheters, endotracheal tubes, laryngoscopes, face
masks, tracheostomy tubes and stents for airway and esophageal management.

The acquisitions of the Pilling Company in 1991 and Edward Weck
Incorporated in 1993 became the foundation of the Surgical Devices product line.
The Pilling and Weck businesses significantly expanded the product offerings,
marketing opportunities and selling capabilities in the surgical devices market
in the United States and provide opportunities for increasing international
sales. During 1994 and 1995, smaller acquisitions were made to balance the
Company's product offerings in Europe. In 1997 the acquisition of a manufacturer
with a complementary line of closure products increased the Company's product
offerings. The Surgical Devices product line focuses on three distinct markets:
surgical instruments, surgical closure products and instrument management
services. Each market is served by a separate sales force and management team
dedicated to each market. Surgical Devices designs, manufactures and
distributes, primarily through its own sales force, instruments used in both
open and minimally-invasive surgical procedures including general and
specialized surgical instruments such as scissors, forceps, vascular clamps,
needle holders and retractors; closure products such as ligation clips, appliers
and skin staples; and, provides specialized instrument management services. In
1998, the Company expanded its instrument management service capabilities with
the purchase of Sterilization Management Group (SMG) which operates five
reprocessing/sterilization plants specializing in reusable surgical textiles and
surgical instruments. SMG's offsite instrument management services complements
the Company's on-site services.

2
4

AEROSPACE SEGMENT

The Aerospace Segment serves the commercial aerospace and turbine engine
markets. Its businesses design and manufacture precision controls and cargo
systems for aviation; provide coatings, repair services and manufactured
components for users of both flight and land-based turbine engines. Sales are
both to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. These products and
services, many of which are proprietary, require a high degree of engineering
sophistication and are often custom designed. External economic influences on
these products and services relate primarily to spending patterns in the
worldwide aerospace industry.

In 1995 and 1996 the Company sold product lines as part of a structural
realignment within the Aerospace Segment. These businesses produced a variety of
mechanical and electromechanical controls for commercial and military aircraft,
ordnance and space vehicles. The sale of these product lines effectively ended
most of the Company's involvement in the military/defense sector of the
aerospace industry. Telair International manufactures and distributes cargo
handling systems for commercial aircraft and other aircraft controls. The
Company's cargo handling systems include patented digitally controlled systems
to move and secure containers of cargo inside commercial aircraft. In 1997 the
Company acquired Scandinavian Bellyloading Company, a European manufacturer of
cargo loading systems for narrow-body aircraft which complements the Company's
existing wide-body cargo handling systems. Cargo handling systems are sold
either to aircraft manufacturers as original installations or to airlines and
air freight carriers for retrofit of existing systems. The Company also designs,
manufactures and repairs mechanical and electromechanical components used on
both commercial and, to a lesser extent military aircraft. These other aircraft
controls include flight controls, canopy and door actuators, cargo winches and
control valves. The Company's design engineers work with design personnel from
the major aircraft manufacturers in the development of controls for use on new
aircraft. In addition, the Company supplies spare parts to aircraft operators
typically through distributors. This spare parts business extends as long as the
particular type of aircraft continues in service.

In the early 1960s, aircraft manufacturers began to encounter high
temperature lubrication problems in connection with mechanical controls for
aircraft jet engines. Through Sermatech International, the Company utilized its
aerospace experience and engineering capabilities to develop a series of
formulations of inorganic coatings to solve these high temperature lubrication
problems. These products were further developed by the Company and sold under
the trademark SermeTel(R) to provide anti-corrosion protection for compressor
blades and other airfoils. Sermatech International, through a network of
facilities in five countries, provides a variety of sophisticated protective
coatings and repair services for ground turbine engine components; highly-
specialized repairs for critical components such as fan blades and airfoils for
flight-based turbine engines; and manufacturing and high quality dimensional
finishing of airfoils and other turbine engine components. The Company has added
technologies through acquisition and internal development and now offers a
diverse range of technical services and materials technologies to turbine
markets throughout the world. In 1993 the Company acquired Mal Tool &
Engineering, a manufacturer of fan blades for flight turbines, and airfoils for
both flight and ground-based gas turbines and steam turbines. This acquisition
broadened the Company's product offering including turnkey manufactured and
coated airfoils and provided another entree to major international turbine
manufacturers. During the fourth quarter of 1995 the Company formed a joint
venture, Airfoil Technologies International LLC (ATI), with General Electric
Aircraft Engines to provide fan blade and airfoil repair services for
flight-based turbine engine blades. The Sermatech repair operations were
contributed to ATI which is owned 51% by the Company. ATI provides a vehicle for
the technological and geographic expansion of the Sermatech repairs services
business. To further broaden the Company's turbo-machinery technological and
manufacturing capabilities, and to improve the range of product offerings, the
Company, in 1996 acquired Lehr Precision, Inc., an electro-chemical machining
manufacturer of turbo-machinery components used on both flight and ground
turbines. In 1997 the Company acquired Gas-Path Technology, Inc. to further
expand its ground turbine repair capabilities within the Sermatech network of
facilities.

3
5

MARKETING

In 1998, the percentages of the Company's consolidated net sales
represented by its major markets were as follows: aerospace -- 31%;
medical -- 24%; and commercial -- 45%.

The major portion of the Company's products are sold to original equipment
manufacturers. Generally, products sold to the aerospace and automotive markets
are sold through the Company's own force of field engineers. Products sold to
the marine, medical and general industrial markets are sold both through the
Company's own sales forces and through independent representatives and
independent distributor networks.

For information on foreign operations, export sales, and principal
customers, see text under the heading "Business segments and other information"
on page 25 of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.

COMPETITION

The Company has varying degrees of competition in all elements of its
business. None of the Company's competitors offers products for all the markets
served by the Company. The Company believes that its competitive position
depends on the technical competence and creative ability of its engineering and
development personnel, the know-how and skill of its manufacturing personnel as
well as its plants, tooling and other resources.

PATENTS

The Company owns a number of patents and has a number of patent
applications pending. The Company does not believe that its business is
materially dependent on patent protection.

SUPPLIERS

Materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products are purchased
from a large number of suppliers. The Company is not dependent upon any single
supplier for a substantial amount of the materials it uses.

BACKLOG

As of December 27, 1998 the Company's backlog of firm orders for the
Aerospace Segment was $418 million, of which it is anticipated that
approximately one-half will be filled in 1999. The Company's backlog for the
Aerospace Segment on December 28, 1997 was $364 million.

As of December 27, 1998 the Company's backlog of firm orders for the
Medical and Commercial segments was $21 million and $124 million, respectively.
This compares with $26 million and $98 million, respectively, as of December 28,
1997. Substantially all of the December 27, 1998 backlog will be filled in 1999.
Most of the Company's medical and commercial products are sold on orders calling
for delivery within no more than a few months so that the backlog of such orders
is not indicative of probable net sales in any future 12-month period.

EMPLOYEES

The Company had approximately 13,500 employees at December 27, 1998.

4
6

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The names and ages of all executive officers of the Company as of March 1,
1999 and the positions and offices with the Company held by each such officer
are as follows:

POSITIONS AND OFFICES
NAME AGE WITH COMPANY
---- --- ---------------------

Lennox K. Black 68 Chairman of the Board and Director
David S. Boyer 56 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
John J. Sickler 56 President, TFX Equities, Inc.
Dr. Roy C. Carriker 61 President and Chief Operating Officer, TFX Sermatech
Harold L. Zuber, Jr. 49 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Steven K. Chance 53 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Ira Albom 69 Senior Vice President
Louis T. Horvath 60 Vice President, Quality and Productivity
Ronald D. Boldt 56 Vice President, Human Resources
Janine Dusossoit 45 Vice President, Investor Relations
Thomas M. Byrne 52 Assistant Treasurer
Stephen J. Gambone 42 Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Mr. Boyer was elected President and Chief Executive Officer on April 28,
1995. Prior to that date he was President.

Dr. Carriker was named President and Chief Operating Officer, TFX Sermatech
on January 3, 1994. Prior to that date he was President, Sermatech
International.

Mr. Horvath was named to the position of Vice President, Quality and
Productivity on January 4, 1996. Prior to that date he was Vice President,
Quality Management.

Mr. Gambone was elected Controller and Chief Accounting Officer on April
24, 1998. Prior to that date he was Manager, Internal Auditing and Reporting.

Officers are elected by the Board of Directors for one year terms. No
family relationship exists among any of the executive officers of the Company.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company's operations have approximately 100 owned and leased properties
consisting of plants, engineering and research centers, distribution warehouses
and other facilities. The properties are maintained in good operating condition.
All the plants are suitably equipped and utilized, and have space available for
the activities currently conducted therein and the increased volume expected in
the foreseeable future.

The following are the Company's major facilities:

SQUARE OWNED OR EXPIRATION
LOCATION FOOTAGE LEASED DATE
-------- ------- -------- ----------

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT
Dassel, Germany............................................. 140,000 Owned N/A
Van Wert, OH................................................ 130,000 Owned(1) N/A
Warren, MI.................................................. 115,000 Leased 2004
Limerick, PA................................................ 110,000 Owned N/A
Dalstorp, Sweden............................................ 105,000 Owned N/A
Hagerstown, MD.............................................. 103,000 Owned(1) N/A
Waterbury, CT............................................... 99,000 Leased 2003
Eufaula, AL................................................. 98,000 Owned N/A
Haysville, KS............................................... 98,000 Leased 2003
Suffield, CT................................................ 90,000 Leased 2000
Hillsdale, MI............................................... 85,000 Owned(1) N/A
Sarasota, FL................................................ 82,000 Owned(1) N/A
Willis, TX.................................................. 70,000 Owned(1) N/A
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico........................................ 67,000 Leased 2008
Eufaula, AL................................................. 61,000 Owned N/A
Birmingham, England......................................... 60,000 Leased 2016

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7

SQUARE OWNED OR EXPIRATION
LOCATION FOOTAGE LEASED DATE
-------- ------- -------- ----------

La Clusienne, France........................................ 60,000 Owned N/A
Plymouth, MI................................................ 55,000 Leased 2003
Lebanon, VA................................................. 53,000 Owned(1) N/A
Lyons, OH................................................... 50,000 Owned N/A
Vrable, Slovakia............................................ 49,000 Leased 2003
Auburn Hills, MI............................................ 38,000 Owned N/A
Goteborg, Sweden............................................ 38,000 Owned N/A
Swainsboro, GA.............................................. 37,000 Leased 2004
Richmond, Canada............................................ 35,000 Leased 2002
Vancouver, B.C., Canada..................................... 30,000 Owned N/A
Troy, MI.................................................... 29,000 Leased 2003
Selmer, TN.................................................. 24,000 Leased 2002
Birmingham, England......................................... 24,000 Leased 2011
Poole, England.............................................. 20,000 Owned N/A
MEDICAL SEGMENT
Kernen, Germany............................................. 263,000 Owned N/A
Durham, NC.................................................. 144,000 Owned N/A
Kernen, Germany............................................. 114,000 Leased 2013
Taiping, Malaysia........................................... 85,000 Owned N/A
Lurgan, Northern Ireland.................................... 80,000 Owned N/A
Duluth, GA.................................................. 69,000 Leased 2009
Fort Washington, PA......................................... 65,000 Owned N/A
Jaffrey, NH................................................. 60,000 Owned(1) N/A
Franiere, Belgium........................................... 59,000 Leased 2005
Tampa, FL................................................... 47,000 Leased 2002
Houston, TX................................................. 46,000 Leased 2003
Montevideo, Uruguay......................................... 45,000 Owned N/A
Baltimore, MD............................................... 40,000 Leased 2002
Bad Liebenzell, Germany..................................... 36,000 Leased 2000
Bourg-en-Bresse, France..................................... 34,000 Leased 1999
Betschdorf, France.......................................... 32,000 Owned N/A
Livonia, MI................................................. 32,000 Leased 2003
High Wycombe, England....................................... 25,000 Leased 2012
Limerick, Ireland........................................... 16,000 Leased 2020
AEROSPACE SEGMENT
Cincinnati, OH.............................................. 160,000 Leased 2004
Oxnard, CA.................................................. 145,000 Owned N/A
Muncie, IN.................................................. 105,000 Leased 2008
Mentor, OH.................................................. 90,000 Owned N/A
Manchester, CT.............................................. 74,000 Owned N/A
Limerick, PA................................................ 70,000 Owned N/A
Derbyshire, England......................................... 70,000 Leased 1999
Singapore, Asia............................................. 61,000 Owned N/A
Lincoln, England............................................ 50,000 Leased 2018
Compton, CA................................................. 49,000 Leased 1999
Cincinnati, OH.............................................. 35,000 Owned N/A
Biddeford, ME............................................... 32,000 Owned N/A
Hausham, Germany............................................ 30,000 Owned N/A

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(1) The Company is the beneficial owner of these facilities under installment
sale or similar financing agreements.

In addition to the above, the Company owns or leases approximately
1,000,000 square feet of warehousing, manufacturing and office space located in
the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

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8

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental
laws and regulations including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act,
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean
Air Act and, the Clean Water Act. Environmental programs are in place throughout
the Company which include training, auditing and monitoring to ensure compliance
with such laws and regulations. In addition, the United States Environmental
Protection Agency has named the Company as a potentially responsible party at
various sites throughout the country. Environmental costs, including liabilities
associated with such sites, and the costs of complying with existing
environmental regulations are not expected to result in a liability material to
the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS

See "Quarterly Data" on page 26 of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders for market price and dividend information. Also see the Note
entitled "Borrowings and Leases" on page 24 of such Annual Report for certain
dividend restrictions under loan agreements, all of which information is
incorporated herein by reference. The Company had approximately 1,300 registered
shareholders at February 1, 1999.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

See pages 28 through 31 of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders, which pages are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

See the text under the heading "Financial Review" on pages 32 through 39 of
the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which information is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See the text section entitled "Liquidity, Market Risk and Capital
Resources" contained within the "Financial Review" on pages 32 through 39 of the
Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which information is incorporated
herein by reference.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See pages 19 through 27 of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders, which pages are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

For information with respect to the Company's Directors and Director
nominees, see "Election Of Directors" and "Additional Information About The
Board Of Directors" on pages 2 through 4 of the Company's Proxy Statement for
its 1999 Annual Meeting, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

7
9

For information with respect to the Company's Executive Officers, see Part
I of this report on page 5, which information is incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

See "Additional Information About The Board of Directors", "Board
Compensation Committee", "Five-Year Shareholder Return Comparison" and
"Executive Compensation and Other Information" on pages 4 through 8 of the
Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting, which information is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" on
pages 1 and 2, "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" on page
2 and "Election Of Directors" on pages 2 and 3 of the Company's Proxy Statement
for its 1999 Annual Meeting, which information is incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

See "Additional Information About The Board Of Directors", "Board
Compensation Committee" and "Executive Compensation and Other Information" on
pages 4 through 8 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting,
which information is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Consolidated Financial Statements:

The index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules is set
forth on page 10 hereof.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

A report on Form 8-K was filed on December 7, 1998 in conjunction with
the adoption of a shareholders' rights plan by the Board of Directors,
which document is incorporated herein by reference.

The Exhibits are listed in the Index to Exhibits.

For the purposes of complying with the amendments to the rules governing
Form S-8 (effective July 13, 1990) under the Securities Act of 1933, the
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows, which undertaking shall be
incorporated by reference into registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8
Nos. 2-84148 (filed June 28, 1989), 2-98715 (filed May 11, 1987), 33-34753
(filed May 10, 1990) and 33-53385 (filed April 29, 1994):

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 foregoing provisions,
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, the 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 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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10

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized as of the
date indicated below.

TELEFLEX INCORPORATED

By LENNOX K. BLACK

------------------------------------
Lennox K. Black
Chairman of the Board

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and as of the date indicated below.

By DAVID S. BOYER

------------------------------------
David S. Boyer
(President and Principal Executive
Officer)

By HAROLD L. ZUBER, JR.

------------------------------------
Harold L. Zuber, Jr.
(Vice President and Principal
Financial Officer)

By STEPHEN J. GAMBONE

------------------------------------
Stephen J. Gambone
(Controller and Principal Accounting
Officer)

Pursuant to General Instruction D to Form 10-K, this report has been signed
by Steven K. Chance as Attorney-in-Fact for a majority of the Board of Directors
as of the date indicated below.

Lennox K. Black Director
Pemberton Hutchinson Director
Donald Beckman Director
James W. Stratton Director
Joseph S. Gonnella, MD Director
William R. Cook Director
Lewis E. Hatch, Jr. Director
Palmer E. Retzlaff Director
Sigismundus W. W. Lubsen Director
David S. Boyer Director
Patricia C. Barron Director

By STEVEN K. CHANCE

------------------------------------
Steven K. Chance
Attorney-in-Fact

Dated: March 26, 1999

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11

TELEFLEX INCORPORATED

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated financial statements together with the report thereon of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP dated February 10, 1999 on pages 19 to 31 of the
accompanying 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. With the exception of the aforementioned information, and
those portions incorporated by specific reference in this document, the 1998
Annual Report to Shareholders is not to be deemed filed as part of this report.
The following Financial Statement Schedule together with the report thereon of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP dated February 10, 1999 on page 11 should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in such 1998 Annual
Report to Shareholders. Financial Statement Schedules not included in this Form
10-K Annual Report have been omitted because they are not applicable or the
required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes
thereto.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

Schedule:

PAGE
----

II Valuation and qualifying accounts........................... 12

10
12

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

To the Board of Directors
of Teleflex Incorporated

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report
dated February 10, 1999 appearing on page 27 of the 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders of Teleflex Incorporated (which report and consolidated financial
statements are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K)
also included an audit of the Financial Statement Schedule listed in Item 14(a)
of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, the Financial Statement Schedule presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Thirty South Seventeenth Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
February 10, 1999

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8
(No. 2-84148, No. 2-98715, No. 33-34753, and No. 33-53385) of Teleflex
Incorporated of our report dated February 10, 1999 appearing on page 27 of the
1998 Annual Report to Shareholders which is incorporated in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report on
the Financial Statement Schedule, which appears above.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Thirty South Seventeenth Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
March 26, 1999

11
13

TELEFLEX INCORPORATED

SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

BALANCE AT ADDITIONS DOUBTFUL BALANCE AT
BEGINNING CHARGED TO ACCOUNTS END OF
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OF YEAR INCOME WRITTEN OFF YEAR
------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------

December 27, 1998........................ $5,668,000 $2,190,000 $(3,281,000) $4,577,000
December 28, 1997........................ $4,110,000 $2,218,000 $ (660,000) $5,668,000
December 29, 1996........................ $3,797,000 $2,026,000 $(1,713,000) $4,110,000

12
14

March 26, 1999

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT
- -------

3(a) - The Company's Articles of Incorporation (except for Article
Thirteenth and the first paragraph of Article Fourth) are
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1985.
Article Thirteenth of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
3 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 28,
1987. The first paragraph of Article Fourth of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3(a) included herein.
(b) - The Company's Bylaws are incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3(b) of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 28, 1987.
4 - The Company's Shareholders' Rights Plan is incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K dated December
7, 1998.
10(a) - The 1982 Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8
(Registration No. 2-84148), as supplemented, with amendments
of April 26, 1991 incorporated by reference to the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for the 1991 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
(b) - The 1990 Stock Compensation Plan, incorporated herein by
reference to the Company's registration statement on Form
S-8 (Registration No. 33-34753), revised and restated as of
December 1, 1997 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b)
of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 28,
1997.
(c) - The Salaried Employees' Pension Plan, as amended and
restated in its entirety, effective July 1, 1989 and the
retirement income plan as amended and restated in its
entirety effective January 1, 1994 and related Trust
Agreements, dated July 1, 1994 is incorporated by reference
to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 25,
1994.
(d) - Description of deferred compensation arrangements between
the Company and its Chairman, L. K. Black, incorporated by
reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for
the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
(e) - Description of compensation arrangement between the Company
and its President and Chief Executive Officer, David S.
Boyer, incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
(f) - Teleflex Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan effective
as of January 1, 1995, and amended and restated January 1,
1999.
(g) - Information on the Company's Profit Participation Plan,
insurance arrangements with certain officers and deferred
compensation arrangements with certain officers,
non-qualified supplementary pension plan for salaried
employees and compensation arrangements with directors is
incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy
Statement for the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
(h) - The Company's Voluntary Investment Plan is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 28 of the Company's registration
statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 2-98715).
13 - Pages 19 through 39 of the Company's Annual Report to
Shareholders for the period ended December 27, 1998.
21 - The Company's Subsidiaries.
23 - Consent of Independent Accountants (see page 11 herein).
24 - Power of Attorney.
27 - Financial Data Schedule.