EXHIBIT 99(b)

                    BECTON DICKINSON NAMES LUDWIG PRESIDENT

        Franklin Lakes, NJ (May 25, 1999) -- The Board of Directors of Becton,
Dickinson and Company announced today that it has named Edward J. Ludwig
President. Mr. Ludwig succeeds Clateo Castellini, who will continue in the role
of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until year-end, at which time Mr. Ludwig
also will be appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer.

        Mr. Ludwig joined the Company in 1979. After five years' experience in
the Company's medical segment, in 1987 Mr. Ludwig assumed responsibility for
corporate planning and development. From 1989 to 1994, Mr. Ludwig was President
of Becton Dickinson Diagnostics in Baltimore, Maryland. During the last five
years, Mr. Ludwig has held positions of increasing responsibility at corporate
headquarters. He served as Senior Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial
Officer from 1995 to 1998 and more recently, in July,1998, was appointed
Executive Vice President of the Company.

        Clateo Castellini said, "Ed has demonstrated the vision, values and
energy necessary to lead Becton Dickinson into the 21st century. He is fully
committed to the continuing transformation of Becton Dickinson into a more
responsive, adaptive and fast-


moving company dedicated to helping all people live healthy lives and I am
convinced he will continue to strengthen our profitability and sales growth by
increasing the Company's relevance to patients and to health care systems
around the world."

        Richard W. Hanselman director and chairman of the Committee on Directors
at Becton, Dickinson and Company said, "Becton Dickinson has enjoyed tremendous
success under the leadership of Clateo Castellini and naming Ed Ludwig today as
President and CEO-designate represents another critical achievement for the
Company. Ed has the experience, personal attributes and dedication necessary to
guide Becton Dickinson to achieve its aspirations and the Company is very
fortunate that it will benefit from Clateo's continuing presence as Chairman of
the Company, which wi11 provide continuity for the initiatives undertaken and
ensure a successful and seamless leadership transition."

        Becton Dickinson manufactures and sells a broad range of medical
supplies and devices and diagnostic systems for use by health professionals,
medical research institutions, industry and the general public. For the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1998, Becton Dickinson reported total revenues of $3.1
billion and net income of $236 mi11ion.

                                      ###