MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2003--C.R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) announced today that Eric J. Shick has been named to the position of Vice President-Investor Relations effective immediately.

Shick, 47, joined the company in 1983 as a senior auditor. He has held a succession of financial management positions including Controller of the Vascular Systems Division, Vice President and Controller of the USCI Division, Vice President and Group Controller-Cardiology and Assistant Corporate Controller. Most recently, Shick held the position of Staff Vice President, Customer Operations. Before joining Bard, Shick was with Arthur Andersen & Co. He holds a BS degree in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

William H. Longfield, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "We are pleased to have Eric Shick assume this important position. His extensive knowledge of Bard's operations will position him to provide clear communication to the investment community on the company's progress towards its strategic objectives. He will make an excellent addition to Bard's corporate management team."

C. R. Bard, Inc., (www.crbard.com) headquartered in Murray Hill, New Jersey, is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer and marketer of health care products in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology and surgical specialty products.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, the accuracy of which is necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties. Please refer to our December 31, 2002 Form 10-K for a statement with regard to forward-looking statements, including disclosure of additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

    CONTACT: C. R. Bard, Inc.
             Investor Relations:
             Eric J. Shick, 908/277-8413
             or
             Media Relations:
             Holly P. Glass, 703/754-2848

    SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.