| Novartis AG is a Switzerland-based company, which is engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of medicines. The Company's businesses are divided into four operating divisions: Pharmaceuticals, which comprises brand-name patented pharmaceuticals; Vaccines and Diagnostics, which focuses on human vaccines and molecular diagnostics; Sandoz, which comprises generic pharmaceuticals, and Consumer Health, which includes over-the-counter (OTC), animal health, Gerber and CIBA Vision. Novartis AG operates in approximately 140 countries. The Consumer Health Division's Medical Nutrition business unit has been classified as a discontinuing operation after announcements during the year ended December 31, 2006, to divest its activities. On July 14, 2006, it acquired NeuTec Pharma plc. On February 17, 2006, Novartis completed the sale of Nutrition & Sante. The Company is based in Basel, Switzerland. In July 2008, Novartis AG acquired a 25% stake in Alcon, Inc. from Nestle SA. |
