Novartis completes 77% majority ownership of Alcon adding new growth platform in eye care to its leading healthcare portfolio

30-Aug-2010 - Switzerland

Novartis announced that it has completed its purchase of Alcon stock from Nestlé resulting in 77% ownership of Alcon. This has been achieved by completing the acquisition of the remaining 52% of Alcon shares owned by Nestlé for a total of USD 28.3 billion. Alcon strategically complements Novartis' business portfolio, adding a world class growth platform in eye care to its Pharmaceutical, generics, vaccines and Diagnostics and Consumer Health Divisions, building an even stronger leadership position in healthcare.

The eye care sector offers further growth opportunities underpinned by the increasing unmet needs of emerging markets and an aging population. The Alcon and Novartis eye care portfolios address a broad range of these unmet needs. The companies have complementary pharmaceutical portfolios for diseases in the front and back areas of the eye as well as strong global brands in lens care. Alcon is a global leader in ophthalmic surgical products while Novartis has a broad contact lens portfolio and advanced technologies.

"We are delighted to become majority owners of Alcon. Together, both companies can achieve their strategic priorities to deliver against patient needs through innovative and differentiated products" said Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis.

"I believe that Alcon will benefit from having a majority owner that is a global leader in health care," said Kevin Buehler, President and CEO of Alcon. "With this change, Alcon and Novartis can seek out opportunities to create greater value through arm's-length agreements that leverage our combined strengths and capabilities."

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/122121/novartis-completes-77-majority-ownership-of-alcon-adding-new-growth-platform-in-eye-care-to-its-leading-healthcare-portfolio.html