MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 2003--The Board of Directors of C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share on Bard's common stock. The current indicated annual dividend rate is 92 cents per share. The dividend is payable on October 31, 2003 to shareholders of record October 20, 2003.

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., Murray Hill
             Investor Relations:
             Eric J. Shick, 908-277-8413

    SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.