MURRAY HILL, N.J., Dec 16, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) at its December 14th meeting authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of the company's common stock. This action replaces the 1,150,800 shares remaining under its most recent 5 million share authorization, approved in December 2002. Share repurchases will be made from time-to-time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

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.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management's current expectations, the accuracy of which is necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are not historical in nature and use words such as "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "project", "intend", "forecast", "plan", "believe", and other words of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Many factors may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results including product developments, sales efforts, income tax matters, the outcomes of contingencies such as legal proceedings, and other economic, business, competitive and regulatory factors. The company undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements. Please refer to our September 30, 2005 10-Q for more detailed information about these and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.

C. R. Bard, Inc.
Eric J. Shick
Vice President, Investor Relations
908-277-8413