BD Announces Results of Shareholder Votes at Annual Meeting

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) announced that, at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders today, its shareholders approved a management proposal to amend BD's By-Laws to allow holders of at least 25% of the voting power of BD's outstanding capital stock to call a special meeting of shareholders.

Shareholders also re-elected eight directors to one-year terms, approved the material terms of performance goals under BD's Performance Incentive Plan, and approved an increase in the number of shares available under BD's equity compensation plan.

In other business, shareholders rejected two shareholder proposals, one that would provide for a majority-vote standard for the election of directors in uncontested elections, and one for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

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 approximately 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.

Contact:

Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications – 201-847-5369

Patricia A. Spinella, Investor Relations – 201-847-5453

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)