BD Announces Agreement to Acquire Accuri Cytometers, Inc.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, announced today that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Accuri Cytometers, Inc., an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company that develops and manufactures personal flow cytometers for researchers.  The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Consistent with BD's acquisition strategy, the acquisition would expand BD's presence into the emerging affordable personal flow cytometer space. It would also help expand the use of flow technology by researchers in developing regions where ease of use is critical, as well as by researchers in scientific disciplines that have not traditionally used flow cytometry, such as environmental studies.

"Accuri Cytometers' offering of flow cytometers for a new audience of researchers will complement and broaden BD's current offerings for life scientists," said Vincent A. Forlenza, BD President and Chief Operating Officer. "We believe that, once completed, this acquisition will enable BD to further contribute to medical and scientific advances, in line with our corporate purpose of helping all people live healthy lives."

"Making flow cytometry more accessible to a wider audience of scientists and clinicians is one aspect of our Cell Analysis growth strategy," said William Rhodes, President, BD Biosciences. "With its small footprint, ease of use and affordable price, the Accuri flow cytometer enables the adoption of flow cytometry by a broad range of researchers whom BD does not currently serve."

BD senior management will address this announcement during the Company's fiscal first quarter earnings call on February 8, 2011, which will be broadcast live on BD's website, www.bd.com/investors, at 10:00 a.m. (ET).

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world.  BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

This press release contains certain estimates and other forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding the acquisition of Accuri Cytometers, Inc., the timing of the anticipated acquisition, the potential benefits of the anticipated acquisition and the potential benefits of the products and product candidates relating to the Accuri Cytometers technology and events or developments that BD expects to occur or anticipates occurring in the future.  All such statements are based upon current expectations of BD and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties.  Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement.  With respect to forward-looking statements contained herein, factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: the satisfaction of closing conditions with respect to the acquisition; the ability to successfully integrate Accuri Cytometers' operations and programs with BD's and the time and resources required to do so; difficulties inherent in product development and delays in product introductions; competitive factors; pricing and market share pressures; increases in energy costs and their effect on, among other things, the cost of producing BD's products; fluctuations in costs and availability of raw materials and in BD's ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; changes in healthcare or other governmental regulation, including changes in government pricing and reimbursement policies or other cost containment reforms; as well as other factors discussed in BD's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)