 BD Becton, Dickinson and Company NYSE:BDX announced today that it has commenced registered offerings of 1.5 billion of common stock, par value 1.00 per share, and 1.5 billion of depositary shares, each representing a 120th interest in its mandatory convertible preferred stock, par value 1.00 per share, Series B. Pursuant to the offerings, BD intends to grant the underwriters an option to purchase from BD up to an additional 225 million of common stock and up to an additional 225 million of depositary shares. 