Bard Shareholders Approve Proposed Merger With Becton, Dickinson

C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE: BCR) ("Bard") and Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE: BDX) ("BD") today announced the results of Bard's special meeting of shareholders, held on August 8, 2017 and at which a quorum was present, for Bard shareholders to consider and vote upon the proposed merger of Bard with BD. Bard shareholders approved the definitive merger agreement, with approximately 99% of shares voting cast in favor of the proposal.

As previously announced on April 23, 2017, Bard and BD entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which BD would acquire Bard in a stock and cash transaction. Bard shareholder approval was a condition to the transaction. The proposed transaction remains subject to certain other conditions and approvals, and is presently expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2017.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
In connection with the proposed transaction, BD has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC that includes a proxy statement of Bard that also constitutes a prospectus of BD. The registration statement became effective on June 30, 2017, and Bard commenced mailing of the proxy statement on such date. BD and Bard also plan to file other documents in connection with the proposed transaction with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF BARD ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BD, BARD, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. The registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by BD or Bard with the SEC will be available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and shareholders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by BD at BD's website at www.bd.com, in the "Investors" section by clicking the "Investors" link or by contacting BD Investor Relations at Monique_Dolecki@bd.com or calling 201-847-5378, and may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Bard at Bard's website at www.crbard.com, in the "Investors" section by clicking the "Investors" link or by contacting Bard Investor Relations at Todd.Garner@crbard.com or calling 908-277-8065.