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) October 4, 2002 ------------------------------- NORTHERN TRUST CORPORATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 0-5965 36-2723087 ------------------------ --------------------------------- (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) Fifty South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60675 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (312) 630-6000 ---------------------------- Item 5. Other Events The information contained in the October 4, 2002 press release of the registrant, reporting on expected third quarter earnings, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 99 hereto, is incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits (c) Exhibits: Exhibit 99 October 4, 2002 Press Release 2 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. NORTHERN TRUST CORPORATION -------------------------- (Registrant) Date: October 7, 2002 By: /s/Perry R. Pero ------------------ Perry R. Pero Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer 3 EXHIBIT INDEX Number Description Page Number ------ ----------- ----------- 99 October 4, 2002 Press Release 5 4