BD Statement On Merit Medical Agreement To Purchase BD, Bard Product Lines

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, issued the following statement regarding today's announcement by Merit Medical Systems, Inc. that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BD's soft tissue core needle biopsy product line and C. R. Bard's (NYSE: BCR) Aspira^® product line of tunneled home drainage catheters and accessories, contingent on the completion of the BD acquisition of Bard:

"Today's announcement of our intent to divest two product lines is another step forward in the regulatory review process of BD's planned acquisition of Bard," said Vincent A. Forlenza, chairman and CEO of BD. "We continue to expect that the BD and Bard transaction will close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions and additional regulatory approvals, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and other regulatory bodies."

About BD
BD is a global medical technology company that is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. BD leads in patient and health care worker safety and the technologies that enable medical research and clinical laboratories. The company provides innovative solutions that help advance medical research and genomics, enhance the diagnosis of infectious disease and cancer, improve medication management, promote infection prevention, equip surgical and interventional procedures, and support the management of diabetes. The company partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. BD has nearly 50,000 associates across 50 countries who work in close collaboration with customers and partners to help enhance outcomes, lower health care delivery costs, increase efficiencies, improve health care safety and expand access to health. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on the current expectations of BD management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding BD and Bard's respective businesses and the proposed acquisition, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that BD and Bard may not be able to obtain the required regulatory approvals within management's expected timeframe or at all, as well as factors discussed in BD's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of the date of this document. BD undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

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SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)