Becton Dickinson Co. and C. R. Bard Inc. each received a request for additional information from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in connection with Becton Dickinson's pending acquisition of Bard.

The effect of the second request is to extend the waiting period imposed by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act until 30 days after the companies have substantially complied with the request, unless that period is extended voluntarily by the parties or terminated sooner by the FTC.

Becton Dickinson and Bard are cooperating fully with the FTC staff and will continue to do so. They are confident that the regulatory approvals will be obtained and continue to expect the transaction will close in the fall of 2017.

The second request is a standard part of the regulatory process in connection with the FTC's review.