PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 85 Rule 424(b)(3)
DATED: May 7, 1999 File No. 333-61437
(To Prospectus dated August 26, 1998 and
Prospectus Supplement dated August 26, 1998)
$7,315,045,162
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B
WITH MINIMUM MATURITY OF NINE MONTHS FROM DATE OF ISSUE
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Principal Amount: $25,000,000 Floating Rate Notes [x] Book Entry Notes [x]
Original Issue Date: Fixed Rate Notes [_] Certificated Notes [_]
May 10, 1999
Maturity Date: CUSIP#: 073928 JJ 3
May 10, 2000
Option to Extend Maturity: No [x]
Yes [_] Final Maturity Date:
Optional Optional
Redemption Repayment Repayment
Redeemable On Price(s) Date(s) Price(s)
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Applicable Only to Fixed Rate Notes:
Interest Rate:
Applicable Only to Floating Rate Notes:
Interest Rate Basis: Maximum Interest Rate: N/A
[_] Commercial Paper Rate Minimum Interest Rate: N/A
[_] Federal Funds Rate Interest Reset Date(s): *
[_] Treasury Rate Interest Reset Period: Three Months
[_] LIBOR Reuters Interest Payment Date(s): **
[x] LIBOR Telerate
[_] Prime Rate Interest Payment Period: Quarterly
[_] CMT Rate
</TABLE>
Initial Interest Rate: 4.970%
Index Maturity: Three Months
Spread (plus or minus): -0.03%
- ------------------------------------------------
* 8/10/99, 11/10/99 and 2/10/99.
** 8/10/99, 11/10/99, 2/10/99 and 5/10/99.
The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule
2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.
NY2:\445216\02\9JJ402!.DOC\22625.0122
