BD Acquires Cato Software Solutions

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, announced today that it has acquired Cato Software Solutions, the manufacturer of cato® and chemocato® software, a suite of comprehensive medication safety solutions for pharmacy intravenous medication preparation, physician therapy planning and nurse bedside documentation.

Cato Software Solutions, based in Vienna, Austria, provides an automated system that creates and shares data to help reduce human error, standardize practice, streamline workflow and increase efficiency from medication preparation to delivery, in both pharmacy and clinical drug delivery settings.  The software prevents potential medication errors and associated costs, automates documentation, and reduces dosage waste. The issue of medication errors is one of the top concerns on the minds of healthcare providers today.

"We believe the acquisition of Cato Software Solutions will help us accelerate BD's growth, especially in the pharmacy segment," said William A. Tozzi, President, BD Medical - Medical Surgical Systems. "This is another innovative example of BD's focus on reducing medication errors and improving workflow efficiencies, and an extension of our long-standing commitment to healthcare worker and patient safety."

The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.  BD expects the transaction to be minimally dilutive for fiscal year 2013, and does not expect it to impact BD's previously communicated 2013 earnings guidance. 

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 nearly 30,000 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 Cato Software Solutions. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of the words "believe", "expect" or other words of similar meaning in conjunction with statements regarding the potential impact of the acquisition.  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 ability to successfully integrate Cato's 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 pressures; 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.

Contacts:

Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications – 201-847-5369
Colleen_white@bd.com

Monique N. Dolecki, Investor Relations – 201-847-5378
Monique_dolecki@bd.com

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)