MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 18, 2006--C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today announced that it has acquired certain assets from PST, LLC, of Gainesville, Florida, related to new self-expanding nitinol stent technology. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Self-expanding stents are used to maintain patency within anatomical lumens, such as those associated with peripheral vascular, urological, biliary and tracheal-bronchial applications. The technology acquired includes a development stage stent specifically designed to have the flexibility to meet the demands of tortuous and dynamic anatomy.

Timothy M. Ring, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "The PST device currently in development represents an excellent strategic fit and enhancement to Bard's stent portfolio. The related technology and intellectual property also provide a platform for the development of further generations of products. We expect this acquisition to play an important role in the future of our self-expanding stent franchise."

As part of the transaction, the company will record an acquisition related research and development charge of approximately $6 million in the first quarter of 2006.

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.

CONTACT: C. R. Bard, Inc.
Investor Relations:
Eric J. Shick, 908-277-8413
or
Media Relations:
Holly P. Glass, 703-754-2848

SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.