The less time they give Boston Scientific, the worse it is for Boston Scientific. They have less time to react.

The combination of Guidant and Johnson & Johnson is a stronger threat to Medtronic,

The end of the fourth quarter looked better than the beginning, and 2006 is looking OK.

This is one of those times when actions speak louder than words.

I don't think there's much risk to employees ? especially the Minnesota contingent.

I certainly think it could be a stand-alone company. I'm not certain it should be.

I think of all the pieces, it's pharmaceuticals that are hurting them the most.

If the relationship has been adversarial, the FDA, we believe, would not be as accommodating, even in speech.

I haven't heard from a single Guidant shareholder who doesn't like the Boston Scientific deal.

Integration is going full-speed ahead. I don't think they would be concerned by a two-week delay in closing the deal, even though there's an interest payment.