While orthopedic implant maker Stryker (Kalamazoo, Michigan) said today that  it did not intend to make an offer for Smith & Nephew (S&N; London) after a report in the Financial Times forced its hand, it seems likely that such a union for S&N with  Stryker or another willing partner is inevitable. Stryker responded at the request of the UK Takeover Panel and confirmed that the company does not intend to make an offer for S&N. Post this announcement, UK takeover rules now prohibit Stryker from making a bid for S&N for six...