Company Overview

Guidant Corporation is one of the world's largest medical-technology companies. Founded in 1994 when pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly spun off its device businesses, Guidant develops surgical tools and therapeutic devices used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis. In addition to its proprietary research and development efforts, Guidant often expands its product line by acquiring companies that have new technologies or patents. Guidant was acquired by medical-devices provider Boston Scientific in 2006, outbidding Johnson & Johnson for the company. The deal was valued at some $27 billion. In addition to its headquarters location, Guidant has operations in California and Washington as well as Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Puerto Rico.