Guidant to Expand Southern California Facilities; Drug Eluting and Carotid Stents, Emerging Therapies Drive Expansion

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.

   NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information about Guidant, including its
products and services, please visit the company's newsroom at
www.guidant.com/newsroom.