Information Sought on Planned J&J-Guidant Merger

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Guidant said that the FTC has made a second request for additional information about the companies' planned merger.

In a joint statement, the companies indicated that the request was anticipated, adding they still expect to receive regulatory approval and close the acquisition during the third quarter of this year.

Guidant, in mid-December, accepted J&J's $25.4 billion offer, which swaps each Guidant share for $30.40 in cash and $46.50 in J&J stock. Analysts say the deal could face a tough antitrust review by regulators because Guidant's coronary stent business competes directly with J&J subsidiary Cordis.