Aug 25, 2005
Guidant Announces European Clearance of Acquisition

European Commission Ruling Necessitates Organizational and Staffing Adjustments

Indianapolis, Ind. - 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.