GUIDANT FACES SHAREHOLDER LAWSUIT

Guidant's re-working of its merger with Johnson & Johnson -- for $6 billion less than previously agreed -- sparked another shareholder lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis. Heading up the latest suit is the firm of shareholder lawsuit pioneer William Lerach. Guidant already faces 11 lawsuits from patients and shareholders stemming from its series of product recalls.

The Indianapolis Star (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051130/BUSINESS/511300485/-1/rss)