At this stage in the negotiation process, we believe decisions are being made not only on dollars and cents, but also ego, strategy and a broader view of the competitive landscape.

In our opinion this news is not new and should not slow down the merger with Guidant.

If you want to step back, yeah, they are mucking up Johnson & Johnson’s bid.

We doubt this show is over, and in the end we expect that Boston Scientific will increase its bid.

They are playing chicken, and right now it appears that J&J has the upper hand.

There’s a phrase: to strike while the iron is hot. The iron is hot.

I think J&J has a claim. I don’t think they are going to have to pay Guidant.

He’s earned the award. The company has done well, the stock has done well. They’ve delivered clean quarters since he’s come aboard. He’s had an opportunity to stretch a bit, and make his mark.

I suspect that Johnson & Johnson will be in the market sooner rather than later.

You know where you stand with him. Nothing is candy-coated.

The good news is that this is not a recall, products are not being removed from hospital shelves, and no one has died.

Interestingly, (Boston Scientific) only raised its bid by $1, signaling that price is but one factor in the negotiation – but includes timeliness of closure.

They’re certainly making it harder for J&J to come back. Strategically we believe Boston Scientific with Guidant is a better match.