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

This agreement with Johnson & Johnson provides significant financial value and certainty for shareholders. Together with Johnson & Johnson, we will have the resources to continue to build upon the existing Guidant businesses in our pursuit of meaningful innovations to address cardiovascular disease.

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,

Our enthusiasm for this agreement and its potential continues,

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.