MURRAY HILL, NJ--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2004--C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share on Bard's common stock and, in a separate action to take effect after the payment of the quarterly dividend, announced a two-for-one stock split.

A regular quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share on Bard's common stock is payable on May 14, 2004 to shareholders of record on May 3, 2004. Bard's current indicated annual dividend rate is 92 cents per share or 46 cents per share after the stock split is effective.

The stock split will entitle all shareholders of record on May 17, 2004 to receive one additional share of Bard common stock for each share held on that date. The additional shares of common stock will be distributed to shareholders in the form of a stock dividend on May 28, 2004 by the company's transfer agent, EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.

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: For C. R. Bard, Inc.
             Investor Relations
             Eric J. Shick
             Vice President, Investor Relations
             908-277-8413
             or
             Media Relations
             Holly P. Glass
             Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
             703-754-2848

    SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.