MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 8, 2003--C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE:BCR) today announced that Timothy M. Ring has succeeded William H. Longfield as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Longfield, who retired after 14 years with Bard, will remain on the Board of Directors.

Ring, 45, was elected Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 8, 2003, by the Board of Directors in February. He joined the company in 1992 as Vice President, Human Resources and was elected Group Vice President, International in 1993. In 1997 he was promoted to Group President with global responsibility for the company's Vascular and Specialty Access businesses. Prior to joining Bard, Ring spent ten years with Abbott Laboratories in both human resources and general management. Ring also held management positions at General Motors Corporation. He holds a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

Longfield, 65, joined Bard in 1989 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1995. During his tenure, Bard's revenues nearly doubled while earnings more than tripled. Ring commented, "Bill has had a profound effect on Bard over the last fourteen years. He leaves us in excellent condition and well poised for the future. His leadership has set a standard of unparalleled integrity in all that we do. I would like to thank Bill on behalf of our employees, customers and shareholders for his tremendous stewardship of the company."

The company also announced today that John H. Weiland has assumed the role of President and Chief Operating Officer.

Weiland, 47, joined Bard in 1996 as Group Vice President. He was promoted to Group President in 1997 with most recent responsibility for Bard's global Surgical, Urological, and Endoscopic Technology businesses. He was elected President and COO by the Board in February, effective August 8, 2003. Prior to joining the company, Weiland was Senior Vice President of Dentsply International. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacia Diagnostics and held management positions at American Hospital Supply and Baxter Healthcare. He also served as a White House Fellow in the Office of Management and Budget. Weiland received a B.S. in Biology from DeSales University and an MBA from New York University.

Ring commented further, "I am honored and pleased to be taking over the leadership of Bard as we approach our centennial year. This is a great company, dedicated to delivering innovative products that sustain and enhance the lives of patients around the world. Our senior management transition has gone very smoothly. Together with John Weiland and our dedicated employees, we will build on our legacy of quality, integrity, service and innovation. I could not be more excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for Bard."

C. R. Bard, Inc., (www.crbard.com) 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.

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