Novartis has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Alcon Inc. as part of a definitive agreement with Nestlé S.A. reached in April 2008 that provides the right to acquire majority ownership of the world leader in eye care in two steps.

The first step was completed on July 7 when Novartis purchased the Alcon stake from Nestlé for approximately USD 10.4 billion in cash. This purchase price was approximately USD 200 million less than previously announced to account for the Alcon dividend paid in May 2008 for these shares to Nestlé rather than Novartis.

The optional second step provides rights for Novartis to acquire, and Nestlé to sell, the remaining 52 per cent stake held by Nestlé between January 2010 and July 2011 for a price not exceeding approximately USD 28 billion.

Completion of the optional second step would make Alcon a majority-owned subsidiary of Novartis, strengthening a portfolio focused on growth areas of healthcare. This portfolio include innovative medicines, generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostics and consumer health products.

Alcon is the world's largest and most profitable eye care company with 2007 annual sales of USD 5.6 billion, operating income of USD 1.9 billion and net income of USD 1.6 billion. Alcon offers a range of pharmaceutical, surgical and consumer eye care products used to treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye.