Franklin Lakes, NJ– BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX), a leading global medical technology company, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its BD Biosciences – Discovery Labware unit, excluding its Advanced Bioprocessing platform, to Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW), the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. The transaction will be a cash sale for approximately $730 million, subject to post-closing adjustment for inventory balances.

“We are pleased that we found in Corning a buyer committed to growing sales for these components of our Discovery Labware unit, ensuring their ongoing success, and continuing to deliver value and service to customers,” stated William A. Kozy, Executive Vice President. “This sale will enable our BD Biosciences segment to focus resources and management attention on both our recent Biosciences acquisitions and our recently launched new instrumentation products, which are essential to our accelerated growth efforts.”

Drawing on more than 160 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Corning Life Sciences has been a leading developer, manufacturer and global supplier of scientific laboratory products for more than 90 years.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of calendar 2012, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including consultations and regulatory approvals.

For the full fiscal year 2012, revenues and earnings per share associated with this asset group are forecasted at about $235 million and $0.23 to $0.27, respectively. The Company expects to record a gain on the sale when the transaction is completed.

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.