GDT Guidant Corp

Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT) today announced that as a result of the European Commission ruling approving the merger with Johnson & Johnson, it is implementing a number of organizational changes to facilitate the divestiture of Guidant's Endovascular Solutions operations in Europe. The remainder of Guidant's European operations is not affected by this ruling. Planned activities include: -- Restructuring of reporting relationships of the Endovascular Solutions organization to "hold separate" certain affected employees; -- Formulating retention programs to ensure the sustainability of the Endovascular Solutions business; and -- Communicating the new structure and responsibilities to customers. The Company expects a decision by the Federal Trade Commission in October. Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 12,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life's most threatening medical conditions. NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information about Guidant, including its products and services, please visit the company's newsroom at www.guidant.com/newsroom.