MINNEAPOLIS - May 15, 2016 - Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Dr. Glen Nelson:

The 85,000 employees of Medtronic around the world are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Glen Nelson.  Dr. Nelson served as the vice chairman of Medtronic from 1988 to 2002, and it is during this period that Medtronic rose to become the world's leading medical technology company - vastly expanding its medical technology portfolio and global presence.

"Glen was the consummate visionary and pioneer, and his impact on health care and the medical technology industry is matched by few others," said Omar Ishrak, Medtronic chairman and CEO.  "Glen's contributions to Medtronic and to the numerous hospitals and medical technology companies he has advised and led over decades has translated into millions of people around the world living healthier, longer lives.  I, along with Medtronic's current and past employees around the world, am truly grateful for Glen's numerous contributions to Medtronic, and we send our deepest condolences to Marilyn and the entire Nelson family."

In his role as Medtronic vice chairman, Dr. Nelson worked with Medtronic founder Earl Bakken and three Medtronic CEO's - including Win Wallin, Bill George, and Art Collins - and their leadership teams to expand Medtronic's presence both within and beyond cardiovascular disease therapies.  Dr. Nelson helped pioneer and lead Medtronic's continued innovation in hearth rhythm therapies beyond pacemakers to defibrillators, heart valves and stents.  In addition, during Dr. Nelson's time as vice chairman, Medtronic expanded its technology portfolio to include therapies to treat diabetes and neuromodulation and spinal conditions.  It is also during this period that Medtronic significantly grew its presence around the world.

Dr. Nelson's vision, innovative spirit and guiding presence to Medtronic leaders over the years is widely credited with helping Medtronic meet it's ongoing Mission to "alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life" for patients around the world.

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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Contacts:
Fernando Vivanco
Public Relations
+1-763-505-3780

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626