BD Completes Sales of Ophthalmic Systems Unit and Surgical Blades Product Platform

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Aug 02, 2010, 08:00 ET

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today announced the completion of the sale of its Ophthalmic Systems unit to RoundTable Healthcare Partners and the sale of its surgical blades product platform to one of RoundTable's portfolio companies, Aspen Surgical Products, Inc.

On June 8, 2010, the Company announced that it had signed agreements to sell certain assets of its BD Medical segment, including the Ophthalmic Systems unit as well as the surgical blades, critical care and extended dwell catheter product platforms of the Medical Surgical Systems unit. BD expects to complete the sale of the critical care and extended dwell catheter product platforms to Roundtable Healthcare Partners during its fourth fiscal quarter (by September 30, 2010).

The Company expects to record a gain on these sale transactions in the fourth fiscal quarter 2010. For the full fiscal year 2010, revenues and earnings per share associated with these asset groups were estimated at $200 million and $0.20, respectively.

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

Contact:

Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications – 201-847-5369

Zachary A. Nagle, Investor Relations – 201-847-5453

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)