This agreement makes sense for Guidant shareholders and employees. It amplifies the opportunity for us to do more for patients with cardiovascular disease through a union with Johnson & Johnson.

This agreement will serve both the employers and the employees and provide us with cost certainty.

We believe the transaction and the strategic rationale for this combination are in the best interests of our patients, employees, customers and shareholders -- reflecting the full value of our firm.

The board believes that it is in the best interest of shareholders to proceed with the merger agreement at the revised terms. Our enthusiasm for this agreement and its potential continues,

As part of our agreement with SJL they provided us a list of employees they'd like to retain. Per the agreement they initiated that, and we agreed to administer that news to employees.

This agreement with Johnson and Johnson provides significant financial value and certainty for shareholders.