BUZZ — Stryker rises after announcing alliance with CMR Surgical to enter soft — tissue robotics market

* Medical device maker Stryker's shares rise more than 1% to $280.87 * Co forms strategic alliance with UK-based CMR Surgical to grow in robotic-assisted surgery * SYK to invest about $400 mln in preferred equity in CMR, entering the fast-growing soft-tissue robotics market * SYK becomes exclusive US sales agent for CMR's Versius robots; CMR keeps development and sales outside the US * Deal includes exclusive option for SYK to buy all of CMR later * 25 of 30 brokerages rate SYK "buy" or above, 5 "hold"; median PT is $367.50 - data compiled * Including session's moves, stock down 20% YTD (Reporting by Miraanta Lowrance in Bengaluru) ((miraanta.lowrance@thomsonreuters.com)