Acquisitions and divestments

1996

FTC clears Novartis merger, creating the world’s leading life sciences company

December 17, 1996

• The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today granted provisional approval to an agreement with Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, clearing the way for the creation of Novartis, the world’s leading life sciences company.
• With core businesses in healthcare, agribusiness and nutrition, Novartis had, in 1995, an R&D investment of CHF 3.5 billion on pro-forma sales of CHF 36 billion.
• Its shares will begin trading on December
• 23, 1996 on the Swiss stock exchange.
• Headquartered in Basel, Novartis will be formally founded on December 20, 1996 - when the company is registered in Switzerland.
• The merger will be conducted through an exchange of shares.

1997

• Spin-off of Ciba Speciality Chemicals business

1999

Launch of a global leader in agribusiness - Novartis to focus on healthcare

December 2, 1999

• Novartis and AstraZeneca announce spin-off followed by merger of agribusiness activities
• First global, dedicated agribusiness company
• No. 1 in crop protection and No. 3 in seeds with USD 7.9 billion i combined 1998 sales
• Unparalleled global marketing capability across crops and regions
• Estimated net merger-related cost savings of USD 525 million
• Novartis focuses on healthcare
• Outstanding R&D platform to lead innovation in a rapidly changing industry

2000

• ADS listing on New York Stock Exchange
• Novartis one of first companies to sign UN
• Global Compact

2001

• Initial stake acquired in Roche, later increasing to 33%
• NITD opens in Singapore to research tropical diseases

2002

Acquisition of Lek, a generics company

November 21, 2002

• Novartis announced today that its friendly public offer for Lek, which closed at noon on Monday, has been declared “successful” by the Slovenian Market Agency, with 99.07% of all Lek’s shares having been tendered in what is considered to be the largest Generics acquisition to date.
• The Slovenian competition authorities have already given the green light for the acquisition.
• Lek will have a key role in Novartis generics’ strategy in the CEE, SEE and CIS markets, and provides an important additional research, development and manufacturing center for Novartis Generics

2003

Unification of all generics operations into Sandoz

May 20, 2003

• Novartis Generics companies worldwide adopting the Sandoz name
• New biotechnology facilities coming on stream in Kundl
• Since 2000 EUR 260 million investment in Austria

2005

Acquisition of Hexal

June 7, 2005
Novartis announced today the completion of its acquisition of the pharmaceutical company Hexal AG in Germany on June 6
The acquisition was approved by the European Commission in late May.
Hexal is being integrated into the division of Novartis as part of previously announced strategic acquisitions to create the world leader in the generic drug industry.

Acquisition of Eon Labs

July 21, 2005

• Novartis announced today that it has completed the acquisition of 98% of US-based generic pharmaceutical company Eon Labs, Inc.
• Following the acquisition last month of Hexal AG of Germany, the Sandoz generics division of Novartis now has a strong foothold and a leading position in the highly competitive generic drug industry.

Acquisition of OTC brands from Bristol-Myers Squibb

July 14, 2005

• Acquisition significantly strengthens OTC presence in No. 1 US market
• Portfolio of brands – led by Excedrin® – acquired for USD 660 million

2006

Entry into human vaccines through Chiron acquisition

April 19, 2006

• Novartis to establish additional growth platform through creation of new Vaccines & Diagnostics division
• Acquisition further strengthens Novartis pipeline, expands oncology franchise

2007

Novartis completes divestment of Medical Nutrition business

July 2, 2007

• Novartis has completed the sale of its Medical Nutrition business to Nestlé for USD 2.5 billion, one of the final steps in a divestment program to focus the Group's strategy on healthcare with pharmaceuticals at the core.
• In the final step, the announced divestment of the Gerber baby foods business to Nestlé for USD 5.5 billion is expected to be completed this year.
• After these divestments, all Novartis businesses activities will be concentrated on healthcare.

Novartis completes divestment program with transfer of Gerber baby foods business

September 3, 2007

• Novartis has completed the sale of its Gerber baby foods business to Nestlé for USD 5.5 billion, the final step in a divestment program to focus the Group's strategy on healthcare with pharmaceuticals at the core.
• Following this final divestment, all Novartis businesses activities will be concentrated on healthcare, areas where the Group has expertise and synergies in addressing the needs of patients and customers. These include innovative pharmaceuticals for human and animal health, vaccines and diagnostics, generics and consumer health products such as over-the-counter (OTC) brands.

2008

Novartis to further strengthen its healthcare portfolio by acquiring 25% stake in Alcon from Nestlé with right to take over majority ownership of the world leader in eye care

April 07, 2008

• Definitive agreement with Nestlé S.A. provides Novartis the right to acquire 77% majority ownership of Alcon in two steps
• Novartis to first acquire 25% stake from Nestlé for USD 143.18 per share for approximately USD 11 billion, closing expected in second half of 2008
• In optional second step, Novartis has exclusive right to acquire Nestlé's remaining 52% stake for a fixed price of USD 181 per share, totaling about USD 28 billion; Nestlé has right to require Novartis to buy this stake
• Alcon the world leader in eye care with its pharmaceutical, surgical and consumer eye care products, and a highly-rated development pipeline
• Eye care market growing dynamically, driven by increase in age-related eye diseases, global expansion and novel therapies
• Strong strategic fit with complementary contact lens and ophtha pharmaceutical businesses; synergies expected to be realized in due time

2009

Sandoz completes acquisition of EBEWE Pharma, improving global patient access to affordable injectable cancer medicines

September 24, 2009

• Acquisition of EBEWE Pharma provides strong platform for future growth of differentiated generics business
• New global center of excellence for injectable cancer medicines broadens portfolio of affordable medicines for patients
• Sandoz to focus on quick and seamless integration for customers and employees integration for customers and employees

2010

Novartis to become global leader in eye care, with agreement of 100% merger with Alcon

September 24, 2009

• Novartis Board of Directors unanimously approves merger for a value of USD 168 per Alcon share totaling USD 12.9 billion, comprising share consideration of up to 2.8 Novartis shares and a contingent cash payment
• Alcon to become new USD 8.7 billion eye care division in fast growing sector - including CIBA Vision and selected ophthalmic medicines - led by Kevin Buehler