MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2003--C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Source Tech Medical, L.L.C., (SourceTech). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

SourceTech, headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois, is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of iodine radioactive isotope seeds used in brachytherapy procedures for the treatment of prostate cancer. The company has been Bard's primary supplier of iodine seeds for the U.S. market.

William H. Longfield, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "The acquisition of SourceTech furthers our objective of becoming the leader in the delivery of brachytherapy seeds and services. Vertically integrating the manufacture of iodine seeds is a significant step, giving us greater flexibility and control of our business. This has been an objective of our brachytherapy strategy since entering this market and I am pleased to have reached this important milestone."

The Company said that this transaction does not change its guidance for 2003.

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 March 31, 2003, Form 10-Q 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.