The term “Becton” can refer to multiple entities, primarily:
- Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD): BD is an American multinational medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents. Founded in 1897 by Maxwell Becton and Fairleigh S. Dickinson, the company is headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. As of 2021, BD reported revenues of approximately $20.25 billion and employed around 75,000 people worldwide.
- Maxwell Becton: Maxwell Wilber Becton (1868–1951) was an American industrialist and businessman. He co-founded Becton, Dickinson and Company in 1897 and also played a significant role in establishing Fairleigh Dickinson College (now Fairleigh Dickinson University).
Recent Developments Related to BD:
Activist Investor Engagement: In February 2025, Starboard Value, an activist investor, acquired a stake in BD and urged the company to spin off its life sciences division, valued at approximately $33–35 billion.
Legal Settlements: In December 2024, BD agreed to pay a $175 million civil penalty to settle charges with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over misleading investors about risks associated with its Alaris infusion pump.
Product Liability Settlement: In October 2024, BD agreed to settle approximately 38,000 lawsuits in the U.S. related to injuries allegedly caused by its hernia repair mesh products, resolving litigation that had been ongoing for nearly 20 years.
Investment Cancellation in Zaragoza: In August 2024, BD canceled its €206 million investment in a syringe manufacturing plant in Zaragoza, Spain. The decision led to the loss of 35 jobs and was attributed to corporate operational optimizations.