Covidien plc today announced, for purposes of the Irish Takeover Rules, that the definitive joint proxy statement of Covidien plc and Medtronic, Inc., which also serves as a prospectus of Medtronic Holdings Limited and comprises Covidien's scheme circular required under Irish law is being sent today to Covidien and Medtronic, Inc., shareholders. As previously announced, on June 15, 2014 Covidien and Medtronic entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Medtronic Holdings Limited, a new holding company incorporated in Ireland that will be renamed Medtronic plc, will acquire Covidien and Medtronic.