Mar 16, 2006
Guidant to Expand Southern California Facilities

Drug Eluting and Carotid Stents, Emerging Therapies Drive Expansion

Santa Clara, Calif. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT) today announced that it will begin construction on expanded facilities in Temecula, Calif. The new facilities '" including two buildings totaling approximately 300,000 square feet '" will house additional operations and personnel dedicated to the company''s drug eluting stent, endovascular and emerging technology programs. Guidant currently occupies approximately 500,000 square feet and employs approximately 3,200 permanent and temporary employees in the Temecula area.

"Guidant''s continuing programs to develop and deliver the highest-quality lifesaving devices and treatments for cardiovascular disease '" particularly in emerging therapies such as drug eluting and carotid artery stents, vulnerable plaque and bioabsorbable stents '" necessitate expansion to accommodate new facilities and additional personnel," said John M. Capek, Ph.D., president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant. "This expansion also reflects Guidant''s long-standing commitment to the Temecula and Inland Empire communities, of which the company has been an active part for more than 20 years."

Guidant expects to break ground on the new facilities '" including an adjacent parking structure '" in the second quarter and anticipates completion of construction of the parking structure early next year and of the two buildings in late 2007.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company 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. For more information, visit www.guidant.com.