Singapore: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Safety Syringes, a privately held California-based company that specializes in the development of anti-needlestick devices for prefilled syringes. The acquisition, which is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, is expected to close by the end of BD's fiscal year 2012. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The acquisition would enable BD to provide passive safety offerings to any prefillable syringe customer. Safety Syringes is a category leader for passive needle shields and guards for prefilled syringes, currently supporting more than 20 drugs on the market.

"This pending acquisition is well aligned to BD's strategy of applying technology and clinical knowledge to make healthcare more effective, efficient and safe. Developments for parenteral drug delivery systems continue to be a part of BD's long-term strategy," said Mr William A Kozy, executive vice president, BD. "This acquisition is intended to provide our BD Medical - Pharmaceutical Systems unit with additional safety features for prefillable syringes, helping to protect against accidental needlesticks by providing safer injections for healthcare workers and end users."

Safety Syringe UltraSafe Passive products are specifically designed for prefillable syringes. Using innovative passive protection, these products provide a drug delivery system with a safety guard that passively (automatically) locks into place, delivering easy-to-use injury protection and safety.

"We believe BD's prefillable syringe expertise, combined with Safety Syringes' product portfolio and device development expertise, will enable new and innovative safety technology development to prepare the next generation of safety-engineered prefillable syringes," said Claude Dartiguelongue, President, BD Medical - Pharmaceutical Systems.

BD expects the transaction to be minimally dilutive for fiscal year 2012, and does not expect it to impact BD's previously communicated 2012 earnings guidance.