Exhibit 99.2
ABBOTT ANNOUNCES SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

     ABBOTT PARK, Ill., November 10, 1999--Abbott Laboratories announced
today that its board of directors adopted a shareholder rights plan designed
to protect Abbott shareholders in the event of an unsolicited bid for
control of the company.

     In connection with this plan, Abbott's board of directors declared a
dividend of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right for each outstanding share of
Abbott Common Stock. The dividend will be received by shareholders of record
on December 1, 1999. Each share of Abbott Common Stock will automatically
represent one Right and separate Rights Certificates will not be distributed
at this time. Under U.S. law, the Rights distribution is not taxable to
shareholders.

     The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 10
percent or more of Abbott Common Stock or announces a tender or exchange
offer which would result in ownership of 10 percent or more of the Common
Stock.

     Each Right will entitle its holder to buy one-ten thousandth of a share
of Series A Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $200, subject to
adjustment. The Rights are not currently exercisable.

     Following the acquisition of 10 percent or more of Abbott's Common Stock
by a person or group, the holders of the Rights (other than the acquiring
person or group) may purchase shares of Common Stock at half-price. In the
event of a subsequent merger or other acquisition of Abbott, the holders of
the Rights (other than the acquiring person or group) may buy shares of the
acquiring entity at half price.

     Abbott may redeem the Rights for one hundredth of a cent ($.0001) per
Right, subject to adjustment, at any time before the acquisition by a person
or group of 10 percent or more of Abbott's Common Stock. The Rights will
expire in ten years.

     Abbott Laboratories is a global, diversified health care company devoted
to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical,
diagnostic, nutritional and hospital products. The company employs 56,000
people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. In 1998, the
company's sales and net earnings were $12.5 billion and $2.3 billion,
respectively, with diluted earnings per share of $1.51. Abbott's news
releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at
www.abbott.com.


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