Another thing to consider is how companies like BD get money. A LOT of research money comes through military. It is an unfortunate side of things. Lots of people think the tech is cool and exciting, but stop there. The military says "this is cool and exciting AND we can use it. Here's some money." There will be spinoffs, but this is a big reason a lot of funding comes through the military. They have money.

I remember this very discussion happening at the time of that acquisition.