MURRAY HILL, NJ--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 2003--The Board of Directors of C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today increased the quarterly dividend by 5 percent to 23 cents per share on Bard's common stock. The dividend is payable on August 1, 2003 to shareholders of record July 21, 2003. This will be the 32nd consecutive calendar year in which Bard has increased its annual dividend payout to shareholders.

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.

    CONTACT: C. R. Bard, Inc.
             Eric J. Shick, 908-277-8413

    SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.