Bard Signs Agreement to Acquire Venetec International, Inc.

MURRAY HILL, N.J. -- C. R. Bard, Inc. announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire Venetec International, Inc., for a purchase price of approximately $166 million in cash. Venetec, located in San Diego, markets the StatLock line of catheter securement systems. Bard's Medical division, located in Covington, Ga., will assume marketing responsibility for the line. The company expects to complete the transaction following the satisfaction of customary conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance.

Catheter securement devices are used primarily in acute care facilities to reduce restarts and complications associated with peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters. They are similarly used in conjunction with central venous and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), Foley and dialysis catheters, nasogastric (NG) tubes and other catheter-based devices. Today, the U.S. market for catheter securement products is dominated by tape and transparent dressings and is estimated at approximately $300 million with double-digit growth anticipated over the next decade. The proprietary StatLock product line offers clinicians a simple, safe and cost effective alternative to address problems associated with catheter placement and care.

Timothy M. Ring, chairman and CEO, commented, "The StatLock catheter securement devices and associated technology fit very well strategically with several of our market leading product lines. StatLock devices have strong brand recognition and come with an extensive intellectual property portfolio that includes 245 patents and patent applications. Additionally, the product line is supported by multiple clinical and economic outcomes studies. We look forward to the Venetec organization becoming part of Bard and to the contribution their product line will make to our long-term growth strategy."

Based on expected completion of the transaction in the second quarter, the company is raising its full-year 2006 constant currency revenue growth guidance by one percentage point to a range of 10 to 11 percent. Full-year 2006 diluted earnings per share growth guidance of a minimum of 14 percent, excluding items that impact the comparability of results between periods and the impact of FAS123R, remains unchanged.

C. R. Bard, Inc., headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative, life-enhancing medical technologies in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology and surgical specialty products.