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TABLE OF CONTENTS

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 16, 2011.

Registration No. 333-171381

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 2
to
FORM F-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

NOVARTIS AG
(Exact name of co-registrant as specified in its Charter)

Novartis Inc.
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)

Switzerland
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)		   2834
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)		   N/A
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

Lichtstrasse 35
4056 Basel
Switzerland
Tel: +41 61 324 1111
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)

Thomas Werlen
Novartis AG
Lichtstrasse 35
4056 Basel
Switzerland
Tel: +41 61 324 1111
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies of all communications to:

Eric S. Shube
Allen & Overy LLP
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
+1 212 610 6300		   George E. Zobitz
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Worldwide Plaza
825 Eighth Avenue
New York, New York 10019
+1 212 474 1000		   Martin Lipton
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
+1 212 403 1000


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Novartis AG may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in which this prospectus is included, is declared effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale of these securities is not permitted.

Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus, dated February 16, 2011

GRAPHIC

    •    

Dear Shareholder:

                  On behalf of the Board of Directors (the "Alcon Board") of Alcon, Inc. ("Alcon"), we would like to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of Alcon Shareholders to be held at     •    on    •    , 2011 to consider and vote upon, among other items described in the enclosed Notice of Annual General Meeting, a proposal to approve the merger agreement that Alcon signed with Novartis AG ("Novartis") on December 14, 2010. Following completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis under art. 4 para. 1 lit. a of the Swiss Federal Act on Mergers, Demergers, Conversion and Transfer of Assets and Liabilities (the "Swiss Merger Act"), Alcon will become the new eye care division of Novartis.

                  As defined and described in more detail under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" below, in the merger, each common share of Alcon, par value CHF 0.20 per share (an "Alcon share"), will be converted into the right to receive consideration valued at $168 in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement, including up to 2.8 shares of Novartis, nominal value CHF 0.50 per share ("Novartis shares"). If 2.8 Novartis shares are valued at less than $168, each Alcon share will be converted into the right to receive (i) 2.8 Novartis shares, (ii) an additional number of Novartis shares equal to 2.8 multiplied by the lesser of (x) the amount of any cash dividend with respect to one Novartis share declared or paid after the date of the merger agreement and on or prior to completion and (y) the amount by which $60 exceeds the value of one Novartis share, in each case divided by the value of one Novartis share and (iii) a cash-settled non-transferable put option that, when exercised by the election and exchange agent on the completion date in accordance with the merger agreement, will entitle the holder of such Alcon share to receive an amount in cash equal to the amount by which $168 exceeds the value of the total number of Novartis shares to be delivered under (i) and (ii) in respect of an Alcon share. You may elect to receive Novartis shares or an equal number of Novartis ADSs. Each Novartis ADS represents one Novartis share. If you make no election and the registered address associated with your Alcon shares is in Switzerland, you will receive Novartis shares, provided that you furnish appropriate account details and transfer instructions to the election and exchange agent by    •    on    •    . If you make no election and the registered address associated with your Alcon shares is outside Switzerland or you do not furnish appropriate account details and transfer instructions to the election and exchange agent by     •    on    •    , you will receive Novartis ADSs in lieu of Novartis shares. The Novartis share value for the purpose of determining the composition of the Merger Consideration (as defined below under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration") will be determined in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement by calculating the daily volume-weighted average Novartis share prices on the SIX Swiss Exchange (the "SIX") for each of the 10 trading days prior to the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders, by converting such daily volume-weighted average prices from Swiss francs into US dollars at the prevailing US dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate on each such trading day (less, for any such trading day prior to the applicable ex-dividend date, the value in US dollars of any Novartis cash dividend declared or paid after the date of the merger agreement and on or prior to the effective time of the merger) and by using the resulting daily volume-weighted US dollar prices to calculate a volume-weighted average price for the Novartis shares. Novartis will deliver up to an aggregate of approximately    •     Novartis shares to Alcon shareholders in connection with the merger.

                  The Novartis shares are listed on the SIX under the symbol "NOVN". The Novartis ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "NVS". The closing price of a Novartis ADS on the NYSE on    •    , 2010, the last practicable date prior to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") of the registration statement in which this prospectus is included, was $    •    . The Alcon shares are currently listed on the NYSE under the symbol "ACL". The Alcon shares will be delisted upon completion of the merger. The closing price of the Alcon shares on the NYSE on    •    , 2010 was $    •    .

                  The Alcon Board, by actions taken without the participation of two directors who recused themselves (Mr. Kevin Buehler, who recused himself because he has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, and Dr. Daniel Vasella, who recused himself because of his status as Chairman of Novartis) and one director who had participated in the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee of the Alcon Board, has unanimously approved among the directors participating and declared advisable the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to and are advisable and in the best interests of the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders. The Alcon Board reached its conclusion after (i) consultation with its independent legal and financial advisors and (ii) receiving the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee of the Alcon Board. The Alcon Board therefore recommends by unanimous decision among directors participating that you vote "FOR" the approval of the merger agreement.

                  Approval of the merger agreement requires 2/3 of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Novartis currently owns approximately 78% of the outstanding Alcon shares and has agreed in the merger agreement, subject to certain conditions, to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement.

                  Approval of the proposed merger also requires 2/3 of the votes represented at a general meeting of shareholders of Novartis, which will be held on     •    , 2011.

                  This prospectus provides Alcon shareholders with detailed information about the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the merger. You can also obtain information from publicly available documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Novartis and Alcon. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully. In particular, you should carefully consider the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 96.

                  We look forward to the successful combination of Alcon and Novartis.

Very sincerely yours,

Alcon, Inc.

/s/ Daniel Vasella
 Dr. Daniel Vasella
 Chairman		   /s/ Elaine Whitbeck
 Elaine Whitbeck, Esq.
 Corporate Secretary and General Counsel

                  Neither the SEC nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of the merger, passed upon the merits or fairness of the merger or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in this document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus is dated    •    and is expected to first be mailed to Alcon shareholders on    •    .


TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS   1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER   3
SUMMARY   14
      Novartis AG   14
      Alcon, Inc.   14
      Risk Factors   15
      The Annual General Meeting of Alcon Shareholders   15
      The Merger Agreement and the Merger   17
      Novartis Reasons for the Merger   17
      Opinion of Credit Suisse   18
      Alcon Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Alcon Board as to Fairness of the Merger   18
      Opinions of Alcon's Financial Advisors   19
      Merger Consideration   20
      Conditions to the Completion of the Merger   21
      Termination of the Merger Agreement   21
      Fees and Expenses/Costs   22
      Appraisal Rights   22
      Interests of Alcon's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger   22
      Regulatory Filings and Approvals Necessary to Complete the Merger   22
      Litigation   22
      Financing of the Merger   23
      Accounting Treatment   23
      Tax Considerations   23
      Comparison of Rights of Novartis and Alcon Shareholders   24
      Selected Historical Financial Data   25
      Selected Unaudited IFRS Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement Data   29
      Historical and Pro Forma Per Share Data   30
      Comparative Market Price and Dividend Information   32
      Exchange Rates   33
SPECIAL FACTORS   34
      Background of the Merger   34
      Novartis Reasons for the Merger   50
      Opinion of Credit Suisse   51
      Position of Novartis Regarding Fairness of the Merger   59
      Alcon Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Alcon Board as to Fairness of the Merger   61
      Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC   65
      Recommendation of the Independent Director Committee   72
      Opinion of Greenhill   75
      Effects of the Merger on Alcon   84
      Accounting Treatment   86
      Tax Considerations   86
      Appraisal Rights   93
      Litigation   94
      Financing of the Merger   95
      Fees and Expenses Relating to the Merger   95
RISK FACTORS   96
      Risks Related to the Merger   96

i

      Risks Related to an Investment in the Novartis Shares and the Novartis ADSs   97
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   99
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS   100
      Date, Time and Place   100
      Matters to be Considered at the Annual General Meeting of Alcon Shareholders   100
      Vote Required; Voting Agreements; Novartis Ownership   103
      Alcon Shareholders Entitled to Vote; Admission Cards/Voting Material   104
      Shares Held by Alcon Directors and Executive Officers   104
      Granting of Powers of Attorney   104
      Proxy Holders of Deposited Alcon Shares   105
      Admission Office   105
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER   106
      Structure of the Merger   106
      Merger Consideration   106
      Exercise of the Put Option   108
      Treatment of Certain Share Capital and Equity   108
      No Special Benefits to Directors and Members of Senior Management of Alcon   108
      Novartis Share Register   109
      Listing of Novartis Shares and Novartis ADSs   109
      Cessation of Trading in Shares of Alcon   109
      Meetings of Shareholders   110
      Exchange of Alcon Shares and Option to Receive Novartis ADSs   110
      Conduct of Business Pending the Merger   113
      Employee Matters   114
      Directors' and Officers' Insurance   114
      Third Party Claims   114
      Alcon Dividend   115
      Alcon Litigation Trust   115
      Swiss Withholding Tax   115
      Subsequent Material Changes   115
      Further Assurances   116
      Conditions to the Completion of the Merger   116
      Termination of the Merger Agreement   116
      Effective Time of the Merger   116
      Fees and Expenses/Costs   117
      Modification and Amendments, Right to Amend, Joint Negotiation   117
      Applicable Law and Jurisdiction   117
      Regulatory Filings and Approvals Necessary to Complete the Merger   117
UNAUDITED IFRS PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT   118
SUMMARY OF RELEVANT SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN US GAAP AND IFRS   133
      Taxes   133
      Post-Employment Benefits   133
      Accounting for Non-Controlling Interests   134
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF ALCON   135
      Directors and Executive Officers of Alcon   135
      Biographical Information Regarding Directors and Executive Officers of Alcon   136
INTERESTS OF ALCON'S DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN THE MERGER   140
      Treatment of Equity Awards   140
      Severance Benefits   142

ii

      Supplemental Defined Contribution Plans   143
      Supplemental Defined Benefit Plans   144
      Excise Taxes   145
      Terminated Executive   145
      Directors' and Officers' Insurance   145
      Ownership of Alcon Shares by Alcon Directors and Executive Officers   146
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS   147
      Co-Marketing Agreement for Japan between Novartis Pharma AG and Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.   147
      Past Transactions among Directors   147
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOVARTIS SHARES   148
      History of the Share Capital of Novartis   148
      Rights of Holders of Novartis Shares   149
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOVARTIS AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES   152
      Holding the Novartis ADSs   152
      Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation   153
      Record Dates   154
      Share Dividends and Other Distributions   154
      Voting Rights   155
      Reports and Other Communications   156
      Fees and Expenses   157
      Payment of Taxes   159
      Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers   159
      Amendment and Termination   159
      Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR Holders   160
      Requirements for Depositary Actions   160
      Disclosure of Interest in Novartis ADSs   161
      Books of Depositary   161
      Pre-release of Novartis ADSs   161
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF NOVARTIS AND ALCON SHAREHOLDERS   162
      Shareholder Registration   162
      Proxy Voting   162
      Powers of the General Meetings   163
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS   163
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   163
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE   164
LIMITATIONS ON ENFORCEMENT OF US LAWS   166
LEGAL MATTERS   166
EXPERTS   166
Annex A    Merger Agreement   A-1
Annex B    Opinion of Credit Suisse   B-1
Annex C    Opinion of Lazard   C-1
Annex D    Opinion of Greenhill   D-1

              THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT NOVARTIS AND ALCON FROM DOCUMENTS FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ("SEC") THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN OR DELIVERED WITH THIS PROSPECTUS.

              YOU CAN OBTAIN ANY OF THE DOCUMENTS FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC BY NOVARTIS OR ALCON, AS THE CASE MAY BE, AT NO COST FROM THE SEC'S WEBSITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. YOU MAY ALSO REQUEST COPIES OF THESE DOCUMENTS,

iii


INCLUDING DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS, AT NO COST BY CONTACTING EITHER NOVARTIS OR ALCON, AS THE CASE MAY BE. PLEASE SEE "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" AND "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE" ON PAGE 163 AND 164, RESPECTIVELY, FOR MORE DETAILS.

              IN ORDER TO RECEIVE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS, YOU SHOULD MAKE YOUR REQUEST TO NOVARTIS OR ALCON, AS THE CASE MAY BE, NO LATER THAN    •    , 2011, OR FIVE TRADING DAYS PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS.

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GRAPHIC


NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON    •    , 2011

              Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of the shareholders of Alcon, Inc., a company organized under the laws of Switzerland ("Alcon"), will be held on    •    , 2011, beginning at    •    Central European Time, at     •    for the following purposes, as more fully described in this prospectus:

              You can vote your shares by marking your choices on the enclosed proxy card, and then signing, dating and mailing it in the enclosed envelope or by following the Internet or telephone voting instructions on the proxy card. Using any of these methods, you authorize Alcon as proxy holder to vote your shares as you specified. If you authorize Alcon to vote your shares without giving any instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the proposals of the Board of Directors of Alcon (the "Alcon Board") with regard to the agenda items listed on the agenda, including in favor of the approval of the merger agreement. If new proposals (other than those on the agenda) are put forth before the meeting, the Alcon representative will vote your shares in accordance with the position of the Alcon Board. Proxy forms must be sent to Alcon in the enclosed envelope, arriving no later than    •    , 2011.

              If you are a registered Alcon shareholder, you may also authorize the independent representative,    •    , with full rights of substitution, to vote your shares on your behalf.    •    's address is:    •    . If you authorize the independent representative to vote your shares without giving instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the proposals of the Alcon Board with regard to the agenda items listed on the agenda, including in favor of the approval of the merger agreement. If new proposals (other than those on the agenda) are put forth before the meeting, the independent representative will abstain from voting your shares with regards to any such new proposals. Proxy forms authorizing the independent representative to vote your shares on your behalf must be sent to Alcon in the enclosed envelope or directly to the independent representative, arriving no later than    •    , 2011.

              Alternatively, if you are a registered Alcon shareholder, you may choose to attend the meeting and vote in person, or appoint a proxy of your choice to vote at the meeting for you. The proxy need not be an Alcon shareholder. If you choose to attend the meeting in person, or appoint a proxy to attend on your behalf, your shares can only be voted at the meeting. To select one of these options,

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please complete the attendance portion of the enclosed proxy card and return it to Alcon in the enclosed envelope, arriving no later than    •    , 2011.

              If you are a beneficial owner and hold your shares through a broker or custodian, you are requested to instruct your broker or custodian as to how to vote your shares using the instruction form provided to you by such custodian or broker. You may also instruct your broker or custodian to authorize the independent representative to vote your shares. Alternatively, if you wish to vote in person then you need to:

              Each Alcon shareholder wishing to attend the meeting in person must present his/her admission card before    •    on     •    , 2011, at one of the control offices at the meeting location for validation. Doors open at    •    . Registered Alcon shareholders who have appointed Alcon or the independent representative as a proxy and beneficial owners who have not obtained a power of attorney from their broker or custodian may not attend the meeting in person or send an alternate proxy of their choice to represent them at the meeting.

              Please note that Alcon shareholders who have sold their shares before the date of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders are not entitled to vote or participate in the meeting.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER

              The following are some questions that you may have regarding the merger and brief answers to those questions. Novartis urges you to read carefully the remainder of this document because the information in this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you with respect to the merger. Additional important information is also contained in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on page 163 and 164, respectively.

              References in this prospectus to "Alcon" refer to Alcon, Inc., a company organized under the laws of Switzerland, and, unless the context otherwise requires, to its affiliates (other than Novartis). References in this prospectus to "Novartis" refer to Novartis AG, a company organized under the laws of Switzerland, and, unless the context otherwise requires, to its affiliates (other than Alcon).

Q:
Why am I receiving this document and proxy card?

A:
You are receiving this document and the enclosed proxy card because, as of the relevant record date, you owned common shares of Alcon, par value CHF 0.20 per share ("Alcon shares"). Alcon has entered into a merger agreement with Novartis pursuant to which, if approved by the Alcon shareholders and the shareholders of Novartis, Alcon will merge with Novartis. This document describes a proposal to approve the merger agreement on which Alcon would like you to vote. This document also gives you information about Alcon and Novartis and other background information so that you can make an informed investment decision.

Q:
What will happen to Alcon as a result of the merger?

A:
If the merger is completed, Alcon will merge with and into Novartis and will cease to exist as a separate company. Following the completion of the merger, Alcon will become the new eye care division of Novartis.

Q:
What will I receive in the merger?

A:
As defined and described in more detail below under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration", in the merger, each Alcon share will be converted into the right to receive consideration valued at $168 in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement, including up to 2.8 shares of Novartis, nominal value CHF 0.50 per share ("Novartis shares"). If 2.8 Novartis shares are valued at less than $168, each Alcon share will be converted into the right to receive (i) 2.8 Novartis shares, (ii) an additional number of Novartis shares equal to 2.8 multiplied by the lesser of (x) the amount of any cash dividend with respect to one Novartis share declared or paid after the date of the merger agreement and on or prior to completion and (y) the amount by which $60 exceeds the value of one Novartis share, in each case divided by the value of one Novartis share and (iii) a cash-settled non-transferable put option that, when exercised by the election and exchange agent on the completion date in accordance with the merger agreement, will entitle the holder of such Alcon share to receive an amount in cash equal to the amount by which $168 exceeds the value of the total number of Novartis shares to be delivered under (i) and (ii) in respect of an Alcon share. You may elect to receive Novartis shares or an equal number of Novartis ADSs. Each Novartis ADS represents one Novartis share. If you make no election and the registered address associated with your Alcon shares (which may be the address of a broker or custodian if you hold your shares through a brokerage or custodial account or a book-entry facility) is in Switzerland, you will receive Novartis shares, provided that you furnish appropriate account details and transfer instructions to the election and exchange agent by    •    on    •    . If you make no election and the registered address associated with your Alcon shares (which may be the address of a broker or custodian if you hold your shares through a brokerage or custodial account or a book-entry facility such as The Depository Trust Company "DTC") is outside of

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Hypothetical Merger Consideration per Alcon Share

  Hypothetical
Novartis
Share Value(1) 		  Base Number of
Novartis Shares /
Novartis ADSs(2) 		  Dividend Equivalent
Number of Novartis
Shares / Novartis
ADSs(2)(3) 		  Total Number of
Novartis Shares /
Novartis ADSs(3) 		  Put Option Cash
Value(4) 		  Maximum Number of
Novartis Shares to be
Delivered (millions)(5) 		 
 

$

 56.00     2.8000     0.1162 (6)   2.9162 (6)   $ 4.69     224  
 

$

 58.00     2.8000     0.0966 (6)(7)   2.8966 (6)(7)   $ 0.00     222  
 

$

 60.00     2.8000     0.0000     2.8000     $ 0.00     215  
 

$

 62.00     2.7097     0.0000     2.7097     $ 0.00     208  

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The actual Novartis Share Value used to determine the Merger Consideration may be greater than or less than the values expressed in the table above. Please see also "Risk Factors—The consideration received by Alcon shareholders may be less than $168 because the market value of the Novartis shares to be delivered in the merger could fluctuate between the date of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion date of the merger" on page 96.

Q:
What is an American Depositary Share (ADS)?

A:
An American Depositary Share ("ADS") is an ownership interest in the securities of a non-US company deposited at a custodian bank. Each Novartis ADS represents one Novartis share. For a description of the Novartis ADSs, please see "Description of the Novartis American Depositary Shares" beginning on page 152.

Q:
How do I elect whether to receive Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs?

A:
If your Alcon shares are held in registered form, you will receive in a separate mailing an election form, which you should read carefully. You must send your completed and executed election form together with any share certificates, if applicable, as described in the instructions contained in the election form, to elect the form of merger consideration that you will receive.

DO NOT SEND YOUR ELECTION FORM OR YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH YOUR PROXY. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED VALID, YOUR ELECTION FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ELECTION AND EXCHANGE AGENT BY     •    ON    •    , THE DATE THAT IS FIVE TRADING DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS.

If your Alcon shares are held in a brokerage or other custodial account or through a book-entry facility such as DTC, you may not be able to make an election. In particular, you may automatically receive Novartis ADSs as part of your Merger Consideration if your Alcon shares are held through DTC. You will receive or should seek instructions from the institution holding your Alcon shares, advising you if you will be able to make an election and, if so, of the procedures for making your election and delivering your Alcon shares. Any instructions must be given to your broker or custodian sufficiently in advance of the election deadline for record holders in order to allow your broker or custodian sufficient time to cause the record holder of your Alcon shares to make an election as described above. For more information about the procedure for the exchange of your Alcon shares, please see "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Exchange of Alcon Shares and Option to Receive Novartis ADSs" on page 110.

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Q:
Can I still sell my Alcon shares after I have made an election?

A:
It depends. IF YOUR ALCON SHARES ARE REPRESENTED BY A PHYSICAL SHARE CERTIFICATE OR IF YOU HOLD YOUR ALCON SHARES THROUGH A BROKER OR CUSTODIAN, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SELL YOUR ALCON SHARES AFTER YOU HAVE MADE AN ELECTION AND MAY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE MERGER CONSIDERATION FOR YOUR ALCON SHARES.

Q:
Can I make one election for some of my Alcon shares and another election for the rest?

A:
No. You may not elect to receive a combination of Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs. You may only do one of the following:

•
elect to receive Novartis shares for all of the Alcon shares that you hold in an account;

•
elect to receive Novartis ADSs for all of the Alcon shares that you hold in an account; or

•
make no election for all of the Alcon shares that you hold in an account.


If your Alcon shares are held in a brokerage or other custodial account or through a book-entry facility such as DTC, you may not be able to make an election. In particular, you may automatically receive Novartis ADSs as part of your Merger Consideration if your Alcon shares are held through DTC. You will receive or should seek instructions from the institution holding your Alcon shares advising you if you will be able to make an election and, if so, of your options and of the procedures for making your election.

Q:
What happens if I don't make an election to receive either Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs?

A:
If you make no election and the registered address associated with your Alcon shares (which may be the address of a broker or custodian if you hold your Alcon shares through a brokerage or custodial account or a book-entry facility) is in Switzerland, your Alcon shares will be converted into Novartis shares, provided that you furnish appropriate account details and transfer instructions to the election and exchange agent by    •    on    •    . If you make no election and the registered address associated with your Alcon shares (which may be the address of a broker or custodian if you hold your Alcon shares through a brokerage or custodial account or a book-entry facility such as DTC) is outside Switzerland or you do not furnish appropriate account details and transfer instructions to the election and exchange agent by     •    on    •    , your Alcon shares will be converted into Novartis ADSs. If your Alcon shares are held in a brokerage or other custodial account, consult the broker or custodian associated with such account to determine the registered address associated with your Alcon shares.

Q:
Can I withdraw my election?

A:
NO. YOU MAY NOT WITHDRAW A VALID ELECTION.

Q:
How should I send in my Alcon share certificates?

A:
If your Alcon shares are held in certificated form and you do not make an election, then you must keep your Alcon share certificates until after the closing, when you will receive a letter of transmittal describing how you may exchange your Alcon share certificates for the Merger Consideration. If your Alcon shares are held in certificated form and you do make an election, you will be required to send your Alcon share certificates to the election and exchange agent as described in the instructions on the election form. DO NOT SEND YOUR ALCON SHARE CERTIFICATES OR ELECTION FORM WITH YOUR PROXY CARD. If your Alcon shares are held in a brokerage or other custodial account, you will receive instructions

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Q:
If the merger is completed, will my Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs be "listed" for trading?

A:
Yes. The Novartis shares are listed on the SIX under the symbol "NOVN". The Novartis ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "NVS".

Q:
When will I receive the Merger Consideration?

A:
Assuming the merger is completed, the election and exchange agent will deliver Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs (depending on your election or according to the registered address associated with your Alcon shares if you make no election) and any cash (upon the exercise of the put options or as consideration for fractional Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs), either (i) as promptly as practicable, if you hold your Alcon shares in book-entry form or have previously surrendered your Alcon share certificates in connection with a valid election, or (ii) after receipt by the election and exchange agent of your Alcon share certificate and properly completed letter of transmittal, if you hold your Alcon shares in certificated form and have not previously surrendered your Alcon share certificates in connection with a valid election. For more information about the procedure for the exchange of your Alcon shares, please see "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Exchange of Alcon Shares and Option to Receive Novartis ADSs" on page 110.

Q:
Will I receive fractional interests in Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs?

A:
You will not receive fractional Novartis shares or fractional Novartis ADSs in connection with the merger if your Alcon shares are registered in your name. You will receive cash consideration to the extent you are entitled to fractions of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs in exchange for your Alcon shares. Your fractional entitlement to Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs will be combined with those of the other Alcon shareholders and subsequently be sold on your behalf and on behalf of such other Alcon shareholders on the SIX, in the case of Novartis shares, or on the NYSE, in the case of Novartis ADSs. The sale of such fractional entitlements will occur within three trading days after the completion of the merger. You will receive cash consideration corresponding to the proceeds of the sale of your fractional entitlement to a Novartis share or Novartis ADS.


If you are a beneficial owner and your Alcon shares are held in "street name" by a broker or custodian, you should consult with your broker or custodian as to whether or not you may receive fractional interests in Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs.

Q:
Will I have to pay brokerage commissions?

A:
You will not have to pay brokerage commissions as a result of the exchange of your Alcon shares for Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs in the merger if your Alcon shares are registered in your name in the Alcon share register. If your Alcon shares are held through a bank or broker or a custodian linked to a stock exchange, you should consult with them as to whether or not they charge any transaction fee or service charges in connection with the merger.

Q:
Are Alcon shareholders able to exercise appraisal rights?

A:
Yes, if your Alcon shares are registered in your name, you can exercise your appraisal rights under Article 105 of the Swiss Merger Act by filing a suit against Novartis with a Swiss civil court either in the Swiss Canton of Zug (the place of incorporation of Alcon) or in the Swiss Canton of Basel-Stadt (the place of incorporation of Novartis). The suit must be filed within two months after the merger has been published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. An appraisal suit can be filed by shareholders who voted against the merger, who have

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If you are a beneficial owner and your Alcon shares are held in "street name" by a broker or custodian, you should consult with your broker or custodian. For more information about appraisal rights, please see "Special Factors—Appraisal Rights" on page 93.

Q:
What are the consequences of voting against the merger in connection with the exercise of appraisal rights?

A:
None. Voting against the merger will have no negative consequences with respect to the exercise of appraisal rights by those Alcon shareholders voting against the merger. Alcon shareholders voting against the merger may file an appraisal suit against Novartis, but will receive the Merger Consideration for their Alcon shares at the same time as any other Alcon shareholders, irrespective of whether or not they exercise their appraisal rights under Article 105 of the Swiss Merger Act as described above.

Q:
When is the merger expected to be completed?

A:
The merger is currently expected to be completed in the first half of 2011; however, the merger will not be completed before the merger agreement is approved by 2/3 of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders as described in this prospectus and by 2/3 of the votes represented at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of Novartis to be held on    •    , 2011 and certain other conditions specified in the merger agreement are satisfied. Novartis currently owns approximately 78% of the outstanding Alcon shares and has agreed in the merger agreement, subject to certain conditions, to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement.

Q:
What are the Swiss and US federal income tax consequences of the merger to Alcon shareholders?

A:
The characterization of the merger from a US federal income tax perspective is not clear. The question essentially turns on whether the acquisition by Novartis from Nestlé of its initial 25% non-controlling interest in Alcon in 2008 and the subsequent acquisition of a 52% controlling majority interest in Alcon on August 25, 2010 for cash should be integrated with the merger as part of a single plan. If the transactions were integrated then there would not be sufficient "continuity of interest", and the merger could not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Novartis acquired both its initial 25% interest in Alcon and the 52% controlling interest pursuant to a Purchase and Option Agreement (as defined below) between Novartis and Nestlé. As described in more detail under "Special Factors—Background of the Merger", Novartis acquired the 52% controlling interest in Alcon following exercise by Novartis, at the earliest possible date, of its call option under the Purchase and Option Agreement. The Purchase and Option Agreement also granted Nestlé an option to put its remaining 52% controlling interest in Alcon to Novartis, subject to the terms of the Purchase and Option Agreement. These facts, among other things, support integrating the acquisition transactions from a tax perspective. On the other hand, the acquisition by Novartis of the initial 25% interest in Alcon occurred in 2008, and there was no legal requirement that either Novartis or Nestlé exercise their respective options under the Purchase and Option Agreement. This could support an argument that the

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From a Swiss tax perspective, although the merger has no direct tax consequences on the merging companies, the merger will result in a gain in nominal value, corresponding to the excess of the aggregate nominal value of Novartis shares issued to Alcon shareholders over the aggregate nominal value of the Alcon shares tendered. In the merger agreement, Novartis has agreed to pay and bear the Swiss withholding tax on such gain in nominal value. Payments made under the put option, if any, are also subject to Swiss withholding tax.


Because the tax consequences of the merger will depend in part on your particular facts and circumstances, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the appropriate characterization of the merger and the specific tax consequences to you. For more information on the material US federal income tax consequences and the material Swiss income tax consequences of the merger, including information with respect to the possible availability of a refund of withholding taxes paid and related tax reclaim services provided by Globe Tax Services, Inc., please see "Special Factors—Tax Considerations" beginning on page 86.

Q:
What is the purpose of the discharge resolution?

A:
Under Swiss statutory law, the Alcon Board may seek discharge from the Alcon shareholders. If discharge is granted, the corporation and those Alcon shareholders who have voted in favor of discharge cannot assert any claims based on Swiss corporation law for directors' liability with respect to matters then known to the Alcon shareholders. The right to assert liability claims still exists, however, with respect to matters not known to the Alcon shareholders on the date on which discharge was granted. In other words, all Alcon shareholders—whether or not they voted in favor of discharge—can still assert claims against former directors if additional facts come to light (as a result of subsequent audits or otherwise) after the granting of discharge.

The Alcon Board proposes that discharge be granted to the current and former members of the Alcon Board for their term of office from January 1, 2010 up to     •    , 2011 (the last date on which Alcon shareholders may give voting instructions for the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders).

Q:
Who can vote?

A:
Alcon shareholders who are registered in the Alcon share register on    •    , 2011, will receive the proxy and admission form (including the voting material) directly from the share registrar of Alcon. Beneficial owners of shares and Alcon shareholders registered in the Alcon share register as of     •    , 2011, are entitled to vote and may participate in the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders unless they sell their Alcon shares before     •    . Persons who have ACQUIRED shares after    •    , 2011, but on or before    •    , 2011, will receive the proxy and admission form (including the voting material) shortly before the meeting. Alcon shareholders who have acquired Alcon shares after that date may not attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Alcon shareholders who have SOLD their Alcon shares before    •    are not entitled to vote or participate in the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

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Q:
How can I vote?

A:
You can vote your Alcon shares by marking your choices on the enclosed proxy card, and then signing, dating and mailing it in the enclosed envelope or by following the Internet or telephone voting instructions on the proxy card. Using any of these methods, you authorize Alcon to vote your Alcon shares as you specified. If you authorize Alcon to vote your Alcon shares without giving any instructions, your Alcon shares will be voted in accordance with the proposals of the Alcon Board with regard to the agenda items listed on the agenda for the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders included in this prospectus, including in favor of the approval of the merger agreement. If new proposals (other than those on the agenda) are put forth before the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders, the Alcon representative will vote your Alcon shares in accordance with the position of the Alcon Board. Proxy forms must be sent to Alcon in the enclosed envelope, arriving no later than    •    , 2011.

If you are a registered Alcon shareholder, you may also authorize the independent representative,    •    , with full rights of substitution, to vote your Alcon shares on your behalf.    •    's address is:    •    . If you authorize the independent representative to vote your Alcon shares without giving instructions, your Alcon shares will be voted in accordance with the proposals of the Alcon Board with regard to the agenda items listed on the agenda for the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders included in this prospectus, including in favor of the approval of the merger agreement. If new proposals (other than those on the agenda) are put forth before the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders, the independent representative will abstain from voting your Alcon shares with regard to any such new proposals. Proxy forms authorizing the independent representative to vote your Alcon shares on your behalf must be sent to Alcon in the enclosed envelope or directly to the independent representative, arriving no later than    •    , 2011.

If you are a registered Alcon shareholder, you may also choose to attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and vote in person, or appoint a proxy of your choice to vote at the meeting for you. The proxy need not be an Alcon shareholder. If you choose to attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders in person, or appoint a proxy to attend on your behalf, your Alcon shares can only be voted at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. To select one of these options, please complete the attendance portion of the enclosed proxy card and return it to Alcon in the enclosed envelope, arriving no later than    •    , 2011.

Q:
If my Alcon shares are held in "street name" by my broker, will my broker vote my Alcon shares for me?

A:
If you are a beneficial owner and your Alcon shares are held in "street name" by a broker or custodian, you will receive or should seek instructions from the broker or custodian holding your Alcon shares concerning how to instruct your broker or custodian as to how to vote your Alcon shares. You may also instruct your broker or custodian to authorize the independent representative to vote your Alcon shares. Alternatively, if you wish to vote in person then you need to:

•
obtain a power of attorney from your broker or other custodian authorizing you to vote the Alcon shares held for you by that broker or custodian, and request an admission card using the power of attorney; or

•
become a registered Alcon shareholder no later than    •    , 2011, and request an admission card by that date.

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Q:
What does it mean if I get more than one proxy card?

A:
It means you have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with brokers. Please sign and return all proxy cards or vote all your Alcon shares online or by telephone to ensure that all your Alcon shares are voted.

Q:
How can I attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders in person?

A:
The annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders will be held on    •    , 2011, beginning at     •    Central European Time, at    •    . If you wish to attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders in person you must present your admission card before    •    on    •    , 2011, at one of the control offices at the meeting location for validation. Doors open at    •    .


REGISTERED ALCON SHAREHOLDERS WHO HAVE APPOINTED ALCON OR THE INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE AS A PROXY AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS WHO HAVE NOT OBTAINED A POWER OF ATTORNEY FROM THEIR BROKER OR CUSTODIAN MAY NOT ATTEND THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS IN PERSON OR SEND AN ALTERNATE PROXY OF THEIR CHOICE TO REPRESENT THEM AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS.

Q:
What happens if I do not indicate my preference for or against approval of the merger agreement?

A:
If you submit a proxy without specifying the manner in which you would like your Alcon shares to be voted, your Alcon shares will be voted in accordance with the proposal of the Alcon Board.

If you submit your proxy and specify to abstain from voting on the approval of the merger agreement by marking the respective box on the proxy, your instruction will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the approval of the merger agreement.

Q:
What happens if I do not return a proxy card or otherwise vote?

A:
If you do not submit your proxy or instruct your broker or custodian to vote your Alcon shares, and you do not vote in person at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders, your Alcon shares will be left unvoted.

If your Alcon shares are held in "street name" by a broker or custodian, your broker or custodian will leave your Alcon shares unvoted unless you provide instructions on how to vote. You should follow the directions provided by your broker regarding how to instruct your broker to vote your Alcon shares. This ensures that your Alcon shares will be voted at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

Q:
What shareholder approvals are required to approve the merger agreement?

A:
Approval of the merger agreement requires 2/3 of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Novartis currently owns approximately 78% of the outstanding Alcon shares and has agreed in the merger agreement, subject to certain conditions, to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement. Therefore, Novartis holds the voting power necessary to approve the merger agreement at the Alcon level without the support of any other Alcon shareholder.

In addition, the merger agreement must also be approved by 2/3 of the votes represented at an extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of Novartis to be held on     •    , 2011.

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Q:
Does the Alcon Board recommend the approval of the merger agreement?

A:
Yes. The Alcon Board, by actions taken without the participation of two directors who recused themselves (Mr. Kevin Buehler, who recused himself because he has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, and Dr. Daniel Vasella, who recused himself because of his status as Chairman of Novartis) and one director who had participated in the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee of the Alcon Board (the "Independent Director Committee"), has carefully considered the proposed merger and unanimously recommends that you vote in favor of the merger agreement.

For additional information regarding the factors and reasons considered by the Alcon Board and the board of directors of Novartis (the "Novartis Board") in approving the merger, the manner in which the Alcon Board and the Novartis Board made their decision, including the decision of certain members of the Alcon Board to abstain from voting and the interest of certain directors and their affiliates in the merger, please see "Special Factors" beginning on page 34.

Q:
What do I need to do now?

A:
VOTING: You are urged to carefully read this prospectus, including its annexes and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You may also want to review the documents referenced under "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on page 163 and 164, respectively, and consult with your accounting, legal and tax advisors. Once you have considered all relevant information, you are encouraged to vote by proxy so that your Alcon shares are represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. You can vote your Alcon shares by marking your choices on the enclosed proxy card, and then signing, dating and mailing it in the enclosed envelope or by following the Internet or telephone voting instructions on the proxy card.

You should return your proxy card or vote online or by telephone whether or not you plan to attend the annual general meeting of Alcon Shareholders. If you plan to attend, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted and vote in person if you wish.

If you hold your Alcon shares in "street name" through a broker or custodian, you must instruct your broker or custodian as to how to vote your Alcon shares using the instructions provided to you by your broker or custodian.

ELECTION: If you are a registered Alcon shareholder, you will receive in a separate mailing an election form. To make an election as to whether you would like to receive Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, you must send in your completed election form together with any share certificates, if applicable, to the election and exchange agent by    •    on     •    , the date that is five trading days prior to the date of the annual meeting of Alcon shareholders. If your Alcon shares are held in a brokerage or custodial account or through a book-entry facility such as DTC, you may not be able to make an election. In particular, you may automatically receive Novartis ADSs as part of your Merger Consideration if your Alcon shares are held through DTC. You will receive or should seek instructions from the institution holding your Alcon shares, advising you if you will be able to make an election and, if so, of the procedures for making your election and delivering your Alcon shares. DO NOT SEND YOUR ELECTION FORM OR YOUR SHARE CERTIFICATES WITH YOUR PROXY.

Q:
Can I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy?

A:
Yes, you can change your vote at any time before    •    , 2011, the last date on which Alcon shareholders may give voting instructions for the annual general meeting of Alcon

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Q:
Who can help answer my questions?

A:
If you have any further questions about the merger or if you need additional copies of this prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, you can contact:
Q:
Where can I find more information about the companies?

A:
You can find more information about Novartis and Alcon in the documents described under "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on page 163 and 164, respectively.

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SUMMARY

              This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and may not contain all the information that is important to you. To understand the merger fully and for a more complete description of the legal terms of the merger, you should carefully read this entire prospectus and the other documents to which Novartis refers you, including in particular the copies of the merger agreement, the opinion of Credit Suisse AG ("Credit Suisse"), the opinion of Greenhill & Co., LLC ("Greenhill") and the opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC ("Lazard") that are attached to this prospectus and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Please see also "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on page 163 and 164, respectively. Novartis has included page references parenthetically to direct you to a more complete description of many of the topics presented in this summary.

Novartis AG

              Novartis AG was incorporated on February 29, 1996 under the laws of Switzerland as a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) with an indefinite duration. On December 20, 1996, the predecessor companies of Novartis, Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, merged into this new entity, creating Novartis. Novartis is domiciled in and governed by the laws of Switzerland. Its registered office is located at Lichtstrasse 35, 4056 Basel, Switzerland, and its telephone number is +41 61 324 1111.

              Novartis AG is a holding company which owns, directly or indirectly, all significant operating companies of the Novartis Group. The Novartis Group is a multinational group of companies specializing in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of a broad range of healthcare products led by innovative pharmaceuticals and provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies worldwide. Its broad portfolio includes innovative medicines, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, generic pharmaceuticals and consumer health products.

              The Novartis Group's businesses are organized in four global operating divisions:

              The Novartis shares are listed in Switzerland on the SIX under the symbol "NOVN" and the Novartis ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "NVS". Novartis employed 119,418 full-time equivalent associates, including 16,700 Alcon associates, as of December 31, 2010 and has operations in approximately 140 countries around the world.

Alcon, Inc.

              The entity that is now Alcon, Inc. was originally incorporated in Switzerland in 1971 as Société Fromagère Nestlé S.A., and, after a change of its name to Alcon Universal S.A. in 1978, was registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug on March 13, 1992. Effective on December 21, 2001, Alcon changed its name to Alcon, Inc. Alcon's principal executive offices are located at Bösch 69, P.O. Box 62, 6331, Hünenberg, Switzerland, and its telephone number is +41 41 785 8888. Alcon's principal United States offices are located at 6201 South Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76134-2099. The telephone number at those offices is +1 817 293 0450 and the fax number is +1 817 568 7111.

              Alcon is a research and development driven, global medical specialty company predominantly focused on eye care. Alcon develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment

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and devices and consumer eye care products to treat primarily diseases and disorders of the eye. Alcon's broad range of products represents one of the strongest portfolios in the ophthalmic industry.

              The Alcon shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "ACL". Alcon employed approximately 16,700 full-time employees as of December 31, 2010. Currently, Alcon's products are sold in over 180 countries.

Risk Factors (page 96)

              An investment in Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs involves risks, some of which are related to the merger. In considering the proposed merger, you should carefully consider the information about these risks set forth under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 96, together with the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

The Annual General Meeting of Alcon Shareholders (page 100)

              The annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders will be held on    •    , 2011, beginning at    •    Central European Time. The purposes of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders are:

Item 1

              The Alcon Board, by actions taken without the participation of two directors who recused themselves (Mr. Kevin Buehler, who recused himself because he has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, and Dr. Daniel Vasella, who recused himself because of his status as Chairman of Novartis) and one director who had participated in the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee, has unanimously approved the merger and unanimously recommends that Alcon shareholders vote "FOR" the approval of the merger agreement.

Item 2

              The Alcon Board proposes that the 2010 Annual Report and Accounts of Alcon and the 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements of Alcon and Subsidiaries, as set forth in the 2010 Business Report, be approved.

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Item 3

              The Alcon Board proposes that discharge be granted to the current and former members of the Alcon Board for their term of office from January 1, 2010 up to    •    , 2011, the last date on which Alcon shareholders may give voting instructions for the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

Item 4

              The Alcon Board proposes that KPMG AG, Zug, Switzerland ("KPMG AG"), be re-elected as Auditors for the period between the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis.

Item 5

              The Alcon Board proposes that each of Dr. Daniel Vasella, Mr. Cary R. Rayment, Mr. Thomas G. Plaskett, Dr. Enrico Vanni and Mr. Norman Walker be re-elected to the Alcon Board for the period between the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis.

Vote Required; Voting Agreements; Novartis Ownership

              Approval of the merger agreement requires 2/3 of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Novartis currently owns approximately 78% of the outstanding Alcon shares and has agreed in the merger agreement, subject to certain conditions, to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and the grant of discharge. Approval of the Alcon 2010 Business Report, approval of the discharge, re-election of KPMG AG as Auditors and re-election of the members of the Alcon Board require a majority of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

Alcon Shareholders Entitled to Vote; Admission Cards/Voting Material

              Alcon shareholders who are registered in the Alcon share register on    •    , 2011, will receive the proxy and admission form (including the voting material) directly from the Alcon share registrar. Beneficial owners of Alcon shares held by a broker or custodian will receive an instruction form from their broker or custodian with directions on how to instruct the broker or custodian to vote their Alcon shares. Beneficial owners who wish to attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders in person are requested to obtain a power of attorney from their broker or custodian that authorizes them to vote the Alcon shares held for them by the broker or custodian, and to request an admission card using the power of attorney.

              Beneficial owners of Alcon shares and Alcon shareholders registered in the Alcon share register as of    •    , 2011, are entitled to vote and may participate in the annual meeting of Alcon shareholders unless they sell their Alcon shares before the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders takes place. Each Alcon share carries one vote. As of    •    , there were    •    Alcon shares outstanding and entitled to be voted upon at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

              Persons who have acquired Alcon shares after    •    , 2011, but on or before     •    , 2011, will receive the proxy and admission form (including the voting material) shortly before the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Alcon shareholders who have acquired Alcon shares after    •    , 2011 may not attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Alcon shareholders who have sold their Alcon shares before    •    are not entitled to vote or participate in the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

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The Merger Agreement and the Merger (page 106)

              On December 14, 2010, Novartis and Alcon entered into the merger agreement, which provides for the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis, with Novartis continuing as the surviving corporation. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this prospectus. You are encouraged to read the entire merger agreement carefully because it is the principal legal document governing the merger.

Novartis Reasons for the Merger (page 50)

              The purpose of the merger is for Novartis to acquire the remaining outstanding Alcon shares that Novartis does not currently own. In unanimously approving the merger agreement and the merger, in addition to those discussed below, Novartis considered a variety of factors in favor of the merger. Among other things, Novartis believes that:

              The Novartis Board has unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to and are advisable and in the best interests of the shareholders of Novartis.

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Opinion of Credit Suisse (page 51)

              Credit Suisse rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by delivery of its written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, to the Novartis Board, to the effect that, as of December 14, 2010 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the written opinion, the Merger Consideration was fair to Novartis from a financial point of view. A copy of the full text of Credit Suisse's written opinion is attached to this document as Annex B. You are encouraged to read this opinion carefully in its entirety.

              Credit Suisse provided its opinion for the information of the Novartis Board in connection with its consideration of the merger, and Credit Suisse's opinion does not constitute advice or a recommendation to any shareholder of any party as to how such shareholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the merger or otherwise. Credit Suisse's opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Novartis of the Merger Consideration and does not address any other aspect or implication of the merger, including, without limitation, the structure or implementation of the merger or the structure of the Merger Consideration, or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into in connection with the merger or otherwise, including, without limitation, the fairness of the amount or nature of, or any other aspect relating to, any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any party to the merger, or class of such persons, relative to the Merger Consideration or otherwise.

Alcon Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Alcon Board as to Fairness of the Merger (page 61)

              In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and the merger, the Alcon Board consulted with Alcon's management and legal and financial advisors regarding strategic, legal, operational and financial aspects of the transaction and received the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee. In the course of reaching its unanimous decision among directors participating to approve the merger agreement, the Alcon Board considered a variety of factors in favor of approving the merger agreement and the merger. Among other things, Alcon believes:

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              The Alcon Board, by actions taken without the participation of two directors who recused themselves (Mr. Kevin Buehler, who recused himself because he has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, and Dr. Daniel Vasella, who recused himself because of his status as Chairman of Novartis) and one director who had participated in the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee, and after receiving the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee, has approved and declared advisable the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to and are advisable and in the best interests of the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders, in each case, by a unanimous decision of the directors participating. The Independent Director Committee and the Alcon Board each reached their conclusion after consultation with their own respective independent legal and financial advisors. The Alcon Board therefore recommends by unanimous decision among directors participating that you vote "FOR" the approval of the merger agreement.

              For additional information regarding the factors and reasons considered by the Alcon Board and the Novartis Board in approving the merger, the manner in which the Alcon Board and the Novartis Board made their decision, including the decisions of certain members of the Alcon Board to abstain from voting and the interest of certain directors and their affiliates in the merger, please see "Special Factors" beginning on page 34.

Opinions of Alcon's Financial Advisors

Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (page 65)

              In connection with the merger, on December 14, 2010, Alcon's investment banker, Lazard, rendered its oral opinion to Alcon's board of directors, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration (as defined in the merger agreement) to be paid

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to holders of Alcon shares (other than Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates) in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

              The full text of Lazard's written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Lazard in connection with its opinion is attached to this prospectus as Annex C and is incorporated into this prospectus by reference. We encourage you to read Lazard's opinion, and the section "Special Factors—Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC" beginning on page 65, carefully and in its entirety. Lazard's opinion was directed to Alcon's board of directors for the information and assistance of Alcon's board of directors in connection with its evaluation of the merger and only addressed the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Alcon shares (other than Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates) of the Merger Consideration to be paid to such holders in the merger as of the date of Lazard's opinion. Lazard's opinion did not address any other aspect of the merger and was not intended to and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act with respect to the merger or any matter relating thereto.

Opinion of Greenhill (page 75)

              On December 14, 2010, Greenhill rendered its oral opinion to the Independent Director Committee, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the limitations and assumptions set forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of the Alcon shares (other than Novartis) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

              The full text of Greenhill's written opinion dated December 14, 2010, which contains the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex D to this prospectus. We encourage you to read Greenhill's opinion, and the section "Special Factors—Opinion of Greenhill" beginning on page 75, carefully and in its entirety. The summary of Greenhill's opinion in this prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Greenhill's written opinion was addressed to the Independent Director Committee for the information of the Independent Director Committee in connection with its consideration of the merger agreement, and it was not a recommendation to the Independent Director Committee as to whether it should approve the merger or the merger agreement, nor does it constitute a recommendation as to whether the Alcon shareholders should approve the merger agreement or take any other action with respect to the merger at any meeting of the shareholders convened in connection with the merger. Greenhill was not requested to opine as to, and its opinion did not in any manner address, Alcon's underlying business decision to proceed with or effect the merger.

Merger Consideration (page 106)

              As defined and described in more detail under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" below, in the merger, each Alcon share will be converted into the right to receive consideration valued at $168 in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement, including up to 2.8 Novartis shares. If 2.8 Novartis shares are valued at less than $168, each Alcon share will be converted into the right to receive (i) 2.8 Novartis shares, (ii) an additional number of Novartis shares equal to 2.8 multiplied by the lesser of (x) the amount of any cash dividend with respect to one Novartis share declared or paid after the date of the merger agreement and on or prior to completion and (y) the amount by which $60 exceeds the value of one Novartis share, in each case divided by the value of one Novartis share and (iii) a cash-settled non-transferable put option that, when exercised by the election and exchange agent on the completion date in accordance with the merger agreement, will entitle the holder of such Alcon share to receive an amount in cash equal to the amount by which $168 exceeds the value of the total number of Novartis shares to be delivered

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under (i) and (ii) in respect of an Alcon share. Alcon shareholders may elect to receive Novartis shares or an equal number of Novartis ADSs. Each Novartis ADS represents one Novartis share. Alcon shareholders who make no election and whose registered address (which may be the address of a broker or custodian if the relevant Alcon shares are held through a brokerage or custodial account or a book-entry facility) is in Switzerland will receive Novartis shares, provided that such Alcon shareholders furnish appropriate account details and transfer instructions to the election and exchange agent by    •    on    •    . Alcon shareholders who make no election and whose registered address (which may be the address of a broker or custodian if such Alcon shares are held through a brokerage or custodial account or a book-entry facility such as DTC) is outside Switzerland or for which the election and exchange agent has not received appropriate account details or transfer instructions by    •    on    •    , will receive Novartis ADSs in lieu of Novartis shares. The Novartis share value for the purpose of determining the composition of the Merger Consideration will be determined in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement by calculating the daily volume-weighted average Novartis share prices on the SIX for each of the 10 trading days prior to the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders, by converting such daily volume-weighted average prices from Swiss francs into US dollars at the prevailing US dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate on each such trading day (less, for any such trading day prior to the applicable ex-dividend date, the value in US dollars of any Novartis cash dividend declared or paid after the date of the merger agreement and on or prior to the effective time of the merger) and by using the resulting daily volume-weighted US dollar prices to calculate a volume-weighted average price for the Novartis shares. Alcon shareholders will receive cash for any fractional Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs that they would otherwise receive in the merger. Novartis anticipates that, following the merger, Alcon shareholders (other than Novartis) will own approximately    •    % of Novartis on a fully diluted basis.

Conditions to the Completion of the Merger (page 116)

              Novartis and Alcon are obligated to complete the merger only if the following conditions are satisfied:

              Novartis and Alcon cannot assure you that all of the conditions to completing the merger will be satisfied or waived.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (page 116)

              Either Novartis (by decision of the Novartis Board) or Alcon (by decision of the Alcon Board) may terminate the merger agreement if the conditions described under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Conditions to the Completion of the Merger" on page 116 have not been satisfied by October 1, 2011, other than as a result of the fault of the party seeking termination.

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Fees and Expenses/Costs (page 117)

              Novartis and Alcon shall bear their own costs (such as attorneys' and bankers' fees). Costs that are jointly incurred (such as the fees of Ernst & Young, as the joint auditor in connection with the Audit Report required in connection with the merger) will be evenly divided.

Appraisal Rights (page 93)

              Alcon or Novartis shareholders whose shares are registered in their names can exercise appraisal rights under Article 105 of the Swiss Merger Act by filing a suit against Novartis with a Swiss civil court either in the Swiss Canton of Zug (the place of incorporation of Alcon) or in the Swiss Canton of Basel-Stadt (the place of incorporation of Novartis). The suit must be filed within two months after the merger has been published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. An appraisal suit can be filed by shareholders who voted against the merger, who have abstained from voting, or who have not participated in the shareholders meeting approving the merger. A shareholder who has voted in favor of the approval of the merger agreement may not be able to file a suit. If such a suit is filed, the court will determine the amount of compensation, if any. If a claim by one or more shareholders of either company is successful, all of the shareholders of that company who held shares at the time of the completion of the merger would receive a payment. The filing of an appraisal suit does not prevent completion of the merger. Beneficial owners whose Alcon shares are held in "street name" should consult with their broker or custodian.

Interests of Alcon's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (page 140)

              In considering the recommendation of the Alcon Board that you vote for the approval of the merger agreement, you should be aware that members of the Alcon Board and Alcon's executive officers have agreements and arrangements that provide them with interests in the merger that may differ from, or be in addition to, the interests of other Alcon shareholders. These interests include the vesting of certain equity awards upon the change of control that occurred in connection with the Second Stage Acquisition (as defined in "Special Factors—Background of the Merger" beginning on page 34) or upon certain terminations following such change of control, the conversion of equity awards into Novartis equity awards upon completion of the merger, the payment of severance benefits upon certain terminations of employment following the merger, and the vesting and payment of certain deferred compensation and retirement benefits. The Alcon Board was aware of these agreements and arrangements during its deliberations of the merits of the merger and in determining to recommend that you vote to approve the merger agreement.

Regulatory Filings and Approvals Necessary to Complete the Merger (page 117)

              No further regulatory filings or approvals will be required for the completion of the merger.

Litigation (page 94)

              Beginning on January 7, 2010, shareholder class action complaints relating to the January 3, 2010 proposal of Novartis to enter into a merger with Alcon were filed against Novartis and others, including in certain cases Alcon and certain members of the Alcon Board, by minority shareholders of Alcon. Nine actions were filed in the United States District Courts in New York and Texas, and four actions were filed in various Texas state courts. One of the federal actions was dismissed voluntarily, and the remaining eight actions were consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On May 24, 2010, that court dismissed the consolidated action based on the doctrine of forum non conveniens. On July 14, 2010, plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On January 5, 2011, plaintiffs-appellants moved to dismiss the appeal on grounds of mootness. The Second Circuit granted that motion for voluntary

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dismissal on January 6, 2011. On April 15, 2010, the actions pending in Texas state courts were consolidated in the District Court of Dallas County for pre-trial proceedings by the Texas Multidistrict Litigation Panel. On November 17, 2010, the court dismissed the consolidated Texas state court actions based on forum non conveniens without prejudice to re-filing in Switzerland. On December 17, 2010, plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals.

Financing of the Merger (page 95)

              The obligation of Novartis to complete the merger is not conditioned upon its ability to obtain financing for the merger. Novartis estimates that the total amount of funds necessary to fund the cash-settled put option component of the Merger Consideration will be approximately $1 billion, based on the market price of Novartis shares on the date of announcement of the merger. The actual amount of funds required (if any) will depend on the value of Novartis shares during the relevant measurement period as determined in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement. Please see "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" beginning on page 106.

Accounting Treatment (page 86)

              Novartis prepares its consolidated financial statements using International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). Novartis previously acquired approximately 77% of Alcon shares and therefore fully consolidates Alcon. In accordance with IFRS, the merger will be treated as a separate acquisition of the remaining non-controlling interests in Alcon that Novartis does not currently own and therefore will be accounted for as an equity transaction.

              As described in more detail under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" beginning on page 106, Novartis will pay consideration valued at $168 per Alcon share for each Alcon share outstanding at the effective time of the merger (other than Alcon shares owned by Novartis). Based on an estimated maximum number of Alcon shares outstanding at the effective time of the merger (other than Alcon shares owned by Novartis), Novartis therefore expects to deliver total Merger Consideration valued at approximately $12.9 billion to the non-controlling minority Alcon shareholders in connection with the merger. In accordance with IFRS, Novartis has recorded the value of the outstanding non-controlling interests at December 31, 2010 at approximately $6.5 billion. Based on this value, Novartis will therefore record the resulting excess of the value of the Merger Consideration of approximately $6.4 billion over the value ascribed to the outstanding non-controlling interests as a corresponding reduction in the consolidated equity of Novartis. This reduction in consolidated equity will be offset by an increase in consolidated equity in an amount equal to the market value at the effective time of the merger of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs that Novartis will deliver as part of the Merger Consideration. To the extent Novartis will be required to also pay cash as part of the Merger Consideration (upon exercise of the put option), there will be no such offsetting increase in the consolidated equity of Novartis, which will be potentially reduced by an amount equal to such payments, if any.

              For more detail on the accounting treatment of the merger, please see "Unaudited IFRS Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement—Notes to the Unaudited IFRS Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement—4. Adjustments arising from the merger" on page 129.

Tax Considerations (page 86)

              The characterization of the merger from a US federal income tax perspective is not clear. The question essentially turns on whether the acquisition by Novartis from Nestlé of its initial 25% non-controlling interest in Alcon in 2008 and the subsequent acquisition of a 52% controlling majority interest in Alcon on August 25, 2010 for cash should be integrated with the merger as part of a single

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plan. If the transactions were integrated then there would not be sufficient "continuity of interest", and the merger could not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code. Novartis acquired both its initial 25% interest in Alcon and the 52% controlling interest pursuant to a Purchase and Option Agreement (as defined below) between Novartis and Nestlé. As described in more detail under "Special Factors—Background of the Merger", Novartis acquired the 52% controlling interest in Alcon following exercise by Novartis, at the earliest possible date, of its call option under the Purchase and Option Agreement. The Purchase and Option Agreement also granted Nestlé an option to put its remaining 52% controlling interest in Alcon to Novartis, subject to the terms of the Purchase and Option Agreement. These facts, among other things, support integrating the acquisition transactions from a tax perspective. On the other hand, the acquisition by Novartis of the initial 25% interest in Alcon by Novartis occurred in 2008 and there was no legal requirement that either Novartis or Nestlé exercise their respective options under the Purchase and Option Agreement. This could support an argument that the initial 25% interest of Novartis in Alcon should be treated as "old and cold". If it was so treated, that 25% interest, together with the Novartis shares to be delivered to the non-controlling minority Alcon shareholders in connection with the merger, should satisfy the "continuity of interest" requirement, and the merger should then qualify as a tax-free reorganization. While the matter is not free from doubt, Novartis intends to treat the merger as a taxable transaction.

              Generally, from a Swiss tax perspective, although the merger has no direct tax consequences on the merging companies, the merger will result in an increase in nominal value, corresponding to the excess of the aggregate nominal value of Novartis shares issued to Alcon shareholders over the aggregate nominal value of the Alcon shares tendered. In the merger agreement, Novartis has agreed to pay and bear the Swiss withholding tax on such gain in nominal value. In addition, payments made under the put option, if any, are also subject to Swiss withholding tax.

              Because the tax consequences of the merger will depend in part on your particular facts and circumstances, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the appropriate characterization of the merger and the specific tax consequences to you. For more information on the material US federal income tax consequences and the material Swiss income tax consequences of the merger, including information with respect to the possible availability of a refund of withholding taxes paid and related tax reclaim services provided by Globe Tax Services, Inc., please see "Special Factors—Tax Considerations" beginning on page 86.

Comparison of Rights of Novartis and Alcon Shareholders (page 162)

              As described in more detail under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" beginning on page 106, as a result of the merger, your Alcon shares will be converted into the right to receive Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs as well as cash (upon exercise of the put option, if applicable, or as consideration for fractional Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs). While both Novartis and Alcon are companies organized under the laws of Switzerland, and accordingly their shareholder rights are both governed by Swiss law, there are certain differences between the rights of Alcon shareholders and the rights of holders of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, due to differences between the Articles of Association and Articles of Incorporation of Alcon and Novartis, respectively. For a discussion of these differences, please see "Comparison of Rights of Novartis and Alcon Shareholders" beginning on page 162. For descriptions of the rights of holders of Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs, please see "Description of the Novartis Shares" and "Description of the Novartis American Depositary Shares" beginning on page 148 and 152, respectively.

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Selected Historical Financial Data

              The following financial information is being provided to you to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the proposed merger. The selected historical consolidated financial data of Novartis and Alcon for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been derived from the respective audited historical consolidated financial statements of Novartis and Alcon. Each company's audited historical consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

              This information is only a summary, and you should read it in conjunction with the audited historical consolidated financial statements of Novartis and Alcon and the related notes contained in the annual reports and the other information that each of Novartis and Alcon have previously filed with or furnished to the SEC and which is incorporated in this prospectus by reference, including the audited consolidated financial statements of Alcon for the year ended December 31, 2010 contained in the Report on Form 6–K of Alcon furnished to the SEC on February 2, 2011. See "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on page 163 and 164, respectively.

              The selected historical consolidated financial data for Novartis has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The selected historical consolidated financial data for Alcon has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("US GAAP"). US GAAP differs in a number of significant respects from IFRS. For a general discussion of the relevant significant differences between US GAAP and IFRS, please see "Summary of Relevant Significant Differences between US GAAP and IFRS" on page 133.

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Selected IFRS Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Novartis

              The following table sets forth the selected IFRS historical consolidated financial data of Novartis for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2010.

 
   Year Ended December 31,  
IFRS
   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  
 
   ($ millions, except per share and ratio information)
  

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

                                

Net sales from continuing operations

     50,624     44,267     41,459     38,072     34,393  
                       

Gross profit from continuing operations

     37,073     32,924     31,145     27,915     25,694  

Operating income from continuing operations

    
11,526		    
9,982		    
8,964		    
6,781		    
7,642		  

Income from associated companies

     804     293     441     412     264  

Financial income

     64     198     384     531     354  

Interest expense

     (692 )   (551 )   (290 )   (237 )   (266 )
                       

Income before taxes from continuing operations

     11,702     9,922     9,499     7,487     7,994  

Taxes

     (1,733 )   (1,468 )   (1,336 )   (947 )   (1,169 )
                       

Net income from continuing operations

     9,969     8,454     8,163     6,540     6,825  

Net income from discontinued operations

                 70     5,428     377  
                       

Group net income

     9,969     8,454     8,233     11,968     7,202  
                       

Attributable to:

                                
 

Shareholders of Novartis AG

     9,794     8,400     8,195     11,946     7,175  
 

Non-controlling interests

     175     54     38     22     27  

Basic earnings per share ($):

                                

—Continuing operations

     4.28     3.70     3.59     2.81     2.90  

—Discontinued operations

                 0.03     2.34     0.16  

—Total

     4.28     3.70     3.62     5.15     3.06  

Diluted earnings per share ($):

                                

—Continuing operations

     4.26     3.69     3.56     2.80     2.88  

—Discontinued operations

                 0.03     2.33     0.16  

—Total

     4.26     3.69     3.59     5.13     3.04  

Cash dividends ($ millions)(1)

    
4,486		    
3,941		    
3,345		    
2,598		    
2,049		  

Cash dividends per share (CHF)(2)

     2.20     2.10     2.00     1.60     1.35  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(3)

    
15.2		    
16.3		    
24.0		    
21.4		    
21.7		  
(1)
Cash dividends represent cash payments in the applicable year that relate to earnings of the previous year.
(2)
Cash dividends per share represent dividends declared in the following year that relate to earnings of the applicable year.
(3)
For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings have been calculated by adding (i) income from continuing operations before taxes (after eliminating income from associated companies) (ii) fixed charges and (iii) dividends from associated companies. Fixed charges are defined as the total of (i) interest expense and (ii) an estimate of the interest within rental expense.

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   As at December 31,  
IFRS
   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  
 
   ($ millions, except share information)
  

BALANCE SHEET DATA

                                

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities & derivative financial instruments

     8,134     17,449     6,117     13,201     7,955  

Inventories

     6,093     5,830     5,792     5,455     4,498  

Other current assets

     12,458     10,412     8,972     8,774     8,215  

Non-current assets

     96,633     61,814     57,418     48,022     46,604  

Assets held for sale related to discontinued operations

                             736  
                       

Total assets

     123,318     95,505     78,299     75,452     68,008  
                       

Trade accounts payable

     4,788     4,012     3,395     3,018     2,487  

Other current liabilities

     19,870     15,458     13,109     13,623     13,540  

Non-current liabilities

     28,891     18,573     11,358     9,415     10,480  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

                             207  
                       

Total liabilities

     53,549     38,043     27,862     26,056     26,714  
                       

Issued share capital and reserves attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG

     63,196     57,387     50,288     49,223     41,111  

Non-controlling interests

     6,573     75     149     173     183  
                       

Total equity

     69,769     57,462     50,437     49,396     41,294  
                       

Total liabilities and equity

     123,318     95,505     78,299     75,452     68,008  
                       

Net assets

     69,769     57,462     50,437     49,396     41,294  

Outstanding share capital

     832     825     820     815     850  

Total outstanding shares (millions)

     2,289     2,274     2,265     2,264     2,348  

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Selected US GAAP Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Alcon

              The following table sets forth the selected US GAAP historical consolidated financial data of Alcon for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2010.

 
   Year Ended December 31,  
US GAAP

  
  2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  
 
   ($ millions, except per share and ratio information)
  

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

                                

Sales

     7,179     6,499     6,294     5,599     4,897  
                       

Gross profit

     5,504     4,885     4,822     4,201     3,682  

Operating income

    
2,475		    
2,261		    
2,213		    
1,883		    
1,572		  

Interest income

     29     46     76     69     74  

Interest expense

     (9 )   (16 )   (51 )   (50 )   (43 )

Other, net

     32     22     (155 )   27     14  
                       

Earnings before income taxes

     2,527     2,313     2,083     1,929     1,617  

Income taxes

     (317 )   (306 )   (36 )   (343 )   (269 )
                       

Net earnings

     2,210     2,007     2,047     1,586     1,348  
                       

Basic earnings per common share ($)

     7.34     6.72     6.86     5.32     4.43  

Diluted earnings per common share ($)

     7.27     6.66     6.79     5.25     4.37  

Dividends paid on common shares ($ millions)(1)

    
1,037		    
1,048		    
750		    
613		    
417		  

Dividends paid per common share ($)(2)

     3.44     3.50     2.50     2.04     1.38  

Dividends paid per common share (CHF)(2)

     3.95     3.95     2.63     2.50     1.68  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(3)

    
77.6		    
61.9		    
28.1		    
28.6		    
27.5		  
(1)
Dividends paid on common shares represent cash payments in the applicable year that relate to earnings of the previous year.
(2)
Consistent with Alcon's past disclosure practice, dividends paid per common share represent dividends paid in the applicable year that relate to earnings of the previous year. Novartis, however, discloses dividends declared in the following year that relate to earnings of the applicable year.
(3)
For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings have been calculated by adding (i) income from continuing operations before taxes (after eliminating income from associated companies) (ii) fixed charges and (iii) dividends from associated companies. Fixed charges are defined as the total of (i) interest expense and (ii) an estimate of the interest within rental expense.

 
   As at December 31,  
US GAAP

  
  2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  
 
   ($ millions, except share information)
  

BALANCE SHEET DATA

                                

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     3,414     3,486     3,013     2,804     1,810  

Inventories

     693     626     574     549     474  

Other current assets

     1,962     1,721     1,632     1,472     1,178  

Non-current assets

     4,004     2,853     2,332     2,191     1,965  
                       

Total assets

     10,073     8,686     7,551     7,016     5,427  
                       

Accounts payable

     370     321     199     209     169  

Other current liabilities

     1,421     1,654     1,991     2,653     1,832  

Non-current liabilities

     1,030     806     670     779     512  
                       

Total liabilities

     2,821     2,781     2,860     3,641     2,513  
                       

Equity attributable to shareholders of Alcon, Inc.

     7,252     5,905     4,691     3,375     2,914  
                       

Total equity

     7,252     5,905     4,691     3,375     2,914  
                       

Total liabilities and equity

     10,073     8,686     7,551     7,016     5,427  
                       

Net assets

    
7,252		    
5,905		    
4,691		    
3,375		    
2,914		  

Outstanding share capital

     42     41     41     41     41  

Total outstanding shares (millions)

     302     300     299     298     301  

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Selected Unaudited IFRS Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement Data

              The following selected unaudited IFRS pro forma condensed combined income statement data for the year ended December 31, 2010, has been derived from the unaudited IFRS pro forma condensed combined income statement presented beginning on page 118.

IFRS

   Year Ended
December 31, 2010 		 
 
   Pro Forma Combined
($ millions, except per share and ratio information)
  

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

        

Net sales

     55,371                      
       

Gross profit

     39,230                      

Operating income

    
12,011                    		  

Income from associated companies

     371                      

Financial income

     78                      

Interest expense

     (806)                     
       

Income before taxes

    
11,654                    		  

Taxes

     (1,860)                     
       

Net income

    
9,794                    		  
       

Attributable to:

        
 

Shareholders of Novartis AG

     9,714                      
 

Non-controlling interests

     80                      

Basic earnings per share ($)

    
3.91                    		  

Diluted earnings per share ($)

     3.86                      

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

    
13.4                    		  
(1)
For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings have been calculated by adding (i) income from continuing operations before taxes (after eliminating income from associated companies) (ii) fixed charges and (iii) dividends from associated companies. Fixed charges are defined as the total of (i) interest expense and (ii) an estimate of the interest within rental expense.

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Historical and Pro Forma Per Share Data

              The table on the following page presents, for the year ended December 31, 2010, selected historical per share data of Novartis and Alcon, as well as similar information reflecting the combination of Novartis and Alcon as if the acquisition of the 52% interest in Alcon, resulting in the change of majority ownership, and the proposed merger had occurred on January 1, 2010 and as a result was effective for the period presented, which we refer to as "pro forma combined" information. The pro forma combined Alcon equivalent per share data presented below is calculated by multiplying the pro forma combined amounts for the combined company by an exchange ratio of 2.8 Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs for each Alcon share.

              The pro forma combined information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily an indication of the results that would have been achieved had the proposed merger been completed as of the date indicated or that may be achieved by the combined company in the future. The selected comparative per share information of Novartis and Alcon set forth below has been derived from the respective audited historical consolidated financial statements of Novartis and Alcon for the year ended December 31, 2010. You should read the information in this section along with the respective audited historical consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes of Novartis and Alcon for the year ended December 31, 2010, which are included in the documents described under "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on pages 163 and 164, respectively. You should also read the unaudited IFRS pro forma condensed combined income statement information and accompanying discussion and notes included in this prospectus beginning on page 118.

              The audited historical consolidated financial statements for Alcon have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP. US GAAP differs in a number of significant respects from IFRS. For a general discussion of the relevant significant differences between US GAAP and IFRS, please see "Summary of Relevant Significant Differences between US GAAP and IFRS" beginning on page 133.

              The historical consolidated financial statements for Novartis, the unaudited IFRS pro forma combined income statement information and the hypothetical Alcon equivalent information have been prepared, where applicable, in accordance with IFRS as adopted by Novartis.

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   Year Ended
December 31, 2010 		 

Basic earnings per share / ADS

        

Novartis historical (IFRS)

              $      4.28            

Alcon historical (US GAAP)

              $      7.34            

Pro forma combined (IFRS)

              $      3.91            

Pro forma combined (IFRS) Alcon equivalent(1)

              $    10.95            

Diluted earnings per share / ADS

        

Novartis historical (IFRS)

              $      4.26            

Alcon historical (US GAAP)

              $      7.27            

Pro forma combined (IFRS)

              $      3.86            

Pro forma combined (IFRS) Alcon equivalent(1)

              $    10.81            

Dividends per share / ADS

        

Novartis historical

     CHF          2.20            

Alcon historical

     CHF          3.95            

Pro forma combined(2)

     CHF          2.20            

Pro forma combined Alcon equivalent(1)

     CHF          6.16            

Book value per share / ADS at period end

        

Novartis historical (IFRS)

              $    27.60            

Alcon historical (US GAAP)

              $    24.01            

Pro forma combined (IFRS)

              $         —            

Pro forma combined (IFRS) Alcon equivalent(1)

              $         —            
(1)
Alcon equivalent figures represent Novartis pro forma combined figures multiplied by 2.8, which is the maximum number of Novartis shares per Alcon share (assuming that the Dividend Adjustment Factor is inapplicable) that Novartis will deliver to Alcon shareholders in connection with the merger.
(2)
For purposes of determining the pro forma combined dividend per share, Novartis assumed that its dividend policy would not change because of the merger. As a result, the pro forma combined dividend per share amounts are identical to the Novartis historical dividend per share amounts.

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Comparative Market Price and Dividend Information

              The Novartis shares are listed on the SIX under the symbol "NOVN". The Novartis ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "NVS". The Alcon shares are currently listed on the NYSE under the symbol "ACL".

              The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the per share high and low closing sales prices for the Novartis shares, the Novartis ADSs, and the Alcon shares as well as any dividends paid by Novartis or Alcon in the relevant periods. The share price data for Novartis shares were taken from the SIX and the share price data for Novartis ADSs and Alcon shares were taken from Bloomberg. Unless otherwise noted, cash dividends paid by Novartis were translated into US dollars at the Reuters Market System Rate on the payment date. Cash dividends paid by Alcon were translated into US dollars at the exchange rate at 11:00 a.m. two days prior to the payment date as published by the New York Federal Reserve Bank for payments prior to December 31, 2008, and by Citibank as its benchmark rate for payments thereafter.

 
   Novartis shares
(in CHF)
   Novartis ADSs
(in $)
   Alcon shares
(in $ for shares)
 
   High   Low   Dividend   High   Low   Dividend   High   Low   Dividend
Annual information for the past
five years		                                                    
  2006     76.80     64.20     1.35         61.24     51.90     1.09         138.12     93.24   1.38
  2007     74.60     58.05     1.60         59.70     51.60     1.53         153.91     109.80   2.04
  2008     65.45     46.14     2.00         61.06     43.85     1.72         175.47     67.98   2.53
  2009     56.90     39.64     2.10         56.16     33.96     2.04         166.00     76.34   3.64
  2010     60.25     50.55     2.20 (1)     59.77     43.78     2.32 (2)     170.18     135.00   N/A
Quarterly information for the past two years and subsequent quarters 2009, quarter ended                                                    
  March 31     54.05     39.64     N/A         49.62     33.96     N/A         95.14     76.34   N/A
  June 30     45.48     41.50     N/A         42.22     35.42     N/A         117.74     86.28   N/A
  September 30     51.85     42.56     N/A         50.38     39.22     N/A         143.53     112.50   N/A
  December 31     56.90     51.20     N/A         56.16     49.50     N/A         166.00     136.23   N/A

2010, quarter ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  March 31     60.25     53.50     N/A         55.52     51.91     N/A         163.27     152.51   N/A
  June 30     56.90     50.75     N/A         53.83     43.78     N/A         161.38     135.00   N/A
  September 30     56.90     50.55     N/A         58.09     47.85     N/A         168.21     148.54   N/A
  December 31     57.35     53.10     N/A         59.77     53.41     N/A         170.18     157.25   N/A

Monthly information for the most recent six months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  August 2010     53.85     51.60     N/A         52.49     49.70     N/A         162.20     155.90   N/A
  September 2010     56.90     53.70     N/A         58.09     53.00     N/A         168.21     162.98   N/A
  October 2010     57.35     55.50     N/A         59.77     57.05     N/A         170.18     166.60   N/A
  November 2010     57.30     53.25     N/A         59.05     53.41     N/A         168.00     157.25   N/A
  December 2010     56.80     53.10     N/A         59.17     54.50     N/A         164.10     160.38   N/A
  January 2011     55.80     52.55     N/A         59.24     55.86     N/A         163.70     162.28   N/A
  February 2011(3)     54.40     53.15     N/A         56.77     55.75     N/A         164.59     163.82   N/A
(1)
2010 Novartis Annual Dividend of CHF 2.20 approved by the Novartis Board and announced on January 27, 2011.

(2)
Assumes that Novartis pays a dividend of $2.32 per Novartis share prior to completion of the merger, the US dollar value of the 2010 Novartis Annual Dividend of CHF 2.20 approved by the Novartis board and announced on January 27, 2011, converted into US dollars at a rate of CHF 1.00 = $1.0566, as quoted by Bloomberg on such date.

(3)
Through February 15, 2011.

              Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Swiss franc and the US dollar will affect any comparisons of Swiss Novartis share prices and US Novartis ADS prices.

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              The following table presents the last reported closing sale price per share of the Novartis shares on the SIX and of the Novartis ADSs and Alcon shares on the NYSE (i) on December 31, 2009, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement by Novartis of its intention to acquire a majority stake in Alcon from Nestlé, (ii) on December 14, 2010, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement by Novartis and Alcon of the execution of the merger agreement, and (iii) February 15, 2011, the last trading day for which this information could be calculated prior to the filing of this prospectus.

 
   Novartis shares   Novartis ADSs(2)   Alcon shares   Equivalent(3)
Value per Alcon share 		 
 
   (CHF)
   ($)
   ($)
   Per Novartis share ($)
  

                         

December 31, 2009(1)

     56.50     54.43     164.35     168.00  

December 14, 2010

     53.60     55.83     162.43     168.00  

February 15, 2011

     54.10     55.86     164.59     168.00  

              Alcon shareholders will not receive the Merger Consideration until the proposed merger is completed, which may be a substantial period of time after the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders to which this prospectus relates. There can be no assurance as to the trading prices of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs at the time of the closing of the proposed merger. The market prices of Novartis shares, Novartis ADSs and Alcon shares and the US dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate are likely to fluctuate prior to consummation of the merger and cannot be predicted. Novartis urges you to obtain current market information regarding Novartis shares, Novartis ADSs, Alcon shares and the US dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate.

Exchange Rates

              The following table shows, for the years and dates indicated, certain information concerning the rate of exchange of US dollar per Swiss franc based on exchange rate information found on Reuters Market System. The exchange rate in effect on February 15, 2011, as found on Reuters Market System, was CHF 1.00 = $1.04.

Year ended December 31,
($ per CHF)
   Period End
   Average(1)
   Low
   High

2006

     0.82   0.80   0.76   0.84

2007

     0.88   0.83   0.80   0.91

2008

     0.94   0.93   0.82   1.02

2009

     0.97   0.92   0.84   1.00

2010

     1.07   0.96   0.86   1.07

Month end,
    
    
   Low
   High

August 2010

               0.94   0.99

September 2010

               0.98   1.02

October 2010

               1.01   1.05

November 2010

               1.00   1.04

December 2010

               1.00   1.07

January 2011

               1.03   1.07

February 15, 2011(2)

               1.03   1.07
(1)
Represents the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each full month during the year.

(2)
Through February 15, 2011.

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SPECIAL FACTORS

Background of the Merger

              On April 6, 2008, Novartis and Nestlé S.A. ("Nestlé") entered into a Purchase and Option Agreement (the "Purchase and Option Agreement"), under which Novartis agreed to purchase approximately 25% of the then outstanding Alcon shares from Nestlé and obtained the right to acquire the remainder of Nestlé's majority stake in Alcon. Subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Option Agreement, Nestlé agreed to sell to Novartis, and Novartis agreed to purchase, 74,061,237 Alcon shares (the "First Stage Shares" and the acquisition of such First Stage Shares, the "First Stage Acquisition") from Nestlé for an aggregate purchase price of $10,603,962,009, or $143.18 per Alcon share, minus an amount equal to any dividends paid or declared by Alcon with respect to the First Stage Shares between April 6, 2008 and completion of the First Stage Acquisition. On May 22, 2008, Alcon paid a dividend of CHF 2.63 per Alcon share, which resulted in an aggregate purchase price of $10,416,238,992. On July 7, 2008, Novartis acquired the First Stage Shares and became a minority Alcon shareholder with approximately 25% of the then outstanding Alcon shares, while Nestlé remained Alcon's majority shareholder with 156,076,263 Alcon shares, or approximately 52% of the then outstanding Alcon shares.

              The Purchase and Option Agreement also contained put and call option rights with regard to all the remaining Alcon shares owned by Nestlé at the time of the exercise of the options (the "Second Stage Shares"). Either party had the right to exercise its option right on any business day between January 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011 as follows: (i) Novartis had the right to exercise a call option (the "Novartis Call Option") to acquire all but 4,088,485 of the Second Stage Shares at a fixed price of $181.00 per Alcon share and 4,088,485 Alcon shares at the First Stage Acquisition purchase price of $143.18 per Alcon share, and (ii) Nestlé had the right to exercise a put option (the "Nestlé Put Option") to sell all but 4,088,485 of the Second Stage Shares to Novartis at the lesser of (x) $181.00 per Alcon share or (y) a 20.47% premium above the volume-weighted average market price of Alcon shares during the week preceding the exercise date of the Nestlé Put Option, with the balance of 4,088,485 Alcon shares to be sold at the First Stage Acquisition purchase price of $143.18 per Alcon share ("Second Stage Acquisition"). The Second Stage Acquisition purchase price was to be adjusted to reflect any extraordinary dividends (as defined in the Purchase and Option Agreement) paid after April 6, 2008. Under the Purchase and Option Agreement, Novartis and Nestlé also agreed not to sell or buy any Alcon shares until the completion of the Second Stage Acquisition. The First Stage Acquisition and the Second Stage Acquisition were subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. In addition, the First Stage Acquisition was conditioned on the election of two additional members to the Alcon Board, with one of the additional members to be nominated by Novartis and one to be nominated by Nestlé. At the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders held on May 6, 2008, Mr. James Singh, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Nestlé, and Dr. Daniel Vasella, chairman of the Novartis Board, were elected to the Alcon Board for a three-year term of office.

              The Purchase and Option Agreement is attached as Exhibit 4.5 to Novartis AG's Annual Report on Form 20–F for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the SEC on January 28, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. The discussion of the Purchase and Option Agreement above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Purchase and Option Agreement.

              In December 2008, the Alcon Board established the Independent Director Committee as a standing committee of the Alcon Board consisting solely of three independent directors to serve as a disinterested body with respect to transactions that relate to Alcon, to Alcon shares or to related party transactions involving one or more major shareholders of Alcon, with a view to protect the interests of both Alcon and the minority Alcon shareholders (the "Minority Shareholders").

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              On December 1, 2009, the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) discussed the investment of Novartis in Alcon and certain strategic options in light of the fact that the Novartis Call Option would become exercisable (and Novartis could become subject to the Nestlé Put Option) in January 2010. Each member of the Novartis Board, with the exception of Mr. Alexandre Jetzer-Chung, was in attendance. In addition, Raymund Breu, then the Chief Financial Officer of Novartis, Jon Symonds, then the Deputy Chief Financial Officer of Novartis, and Thomas Werlen, the General Counsel of Novartis, were present by invitation.

              Messrs. Breu, Symonds and Werlen (along with Dr. Vasella) presented to the Novartis Board the key steps and options available to it with respect to Alcon, including, if the Novartis Call Option were to be exercised, whether or not to seek 100% ownership either at the time of exercise of the Novartis Call Option or at the time of consummation of the Second Stage Acquisition.

              The Novartis Board, in considering its strategic options with respect to Alcon, discussed the fact that acquiring 100% ownership was the option that offered increased strategic flexibility and greater synergies. The Novartis Board also assessed the pros and cons of announcing an intention to seek 100% ownership at the time of the exercise of the Novartis Call Option as opposed to after completion of the Second Stage Acquisition. The Novartis Board considered that announcing an intention at the time of exercise would result in greater certainty and less speculation with respect to Alcon shares. On the other hand, the Novartis Board considered the risk that the timing and progress of the merger discussions prior to the closing of the Second Stage Acquisition would be uncertain.

              Following the December 1, 2009 meeting, Dr. Breu and Mr. Symonds analyzed the exchange ratio to be proposed if Novartis were to seek 100% ownership of Alcon. Dr. Breu recommended the exchange ratio of 2.8 to the Novartis Board in materials provided to the Novartis Board in connection with the approval of the exercise of the Novartis Call Option and merger proposal that was sought from the Novartis Board on January 2. The recommendation of a 2.8 exchange ratio provided an implied price per Alcon share of $153, amounting to a premium of 12% to the unaffected Alcon share price (which Novartis determined to be $137 based on a number of methodologies disclosed in the January 3 Proposal (as defined below)). This recommendation was based upon the Novartis analysis of historical and current exchange ratios of Novartis and Alcon share prices, the unaffected share price of Alcon (as determined by Novartis), the cost of acquiring Nestlé's 77% stake, and the economic interests of Novartis shareholders.

              On January 2, 2010, acting without a meeting by written consent, the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) approved the exercise of the Novartis Call Option and the proposal to acquire the remaining approximately 23% of the Alcon shares being publicly traded (the "Minority Shares") through an all-share direct merger under the Swiss Merger Act with an exchange ratio of 2.8 Novartis shares for each Alcon share. The Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) based its approval on the analysis underlying the assessment as set forth in the preceding paragraph, including the Novartis analysis of historical and current exchange ratios of Novartis and Alcon share prices, the unaffected share price of Alcon (as determined by Novartis), the cost of acquiring Nestlé's 77% stake, and the economic interests of Novartis shareholders. In making this determination on January 2, the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) did not consider proposing—and did not discuss—an exchange ratio greater than 2.8. The materials provided to the directors in connection with the January 2 action by written consent included, for the directors' reference, a calculation of the merger consideration at various exchange ratios, some of which were higher than and some of which were lower than 2.8, but these were for information purposes only.

              Following the Novartis Board meeting, Dr. Vasella called Mr. Buehler and informed him that Novartis intended to exercise the Novartis Call Option and propose a merger. Dr. Vasella and Mr. Buehler agreed that Novartis would announce that Mr. Buehler would lead a new eye care division at Novartis if the proposed transaction were consummated. No terms of employment for the position

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were discussed during this call or at any time thereafter; the terms of employment have not yet been determined, and Novartis is not currently in a position to speculate as to such terms. Following this discussion, Mr. Buehler recused himself from deliberating and voting on the merger at subsequent meetings of the Alcon Board and did not participate in the merger negotiations.

              On January 3, 2010, Novartis exercised the Novartis Call Option to acquire the Second Stage Shares. Pursuant to the Purchase and Option Agreement, the Second Stage Acquisition was subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and to the election of five new members to the Alcon Board to be nominated by Novartis, replacing the current board members nominated by Nestlé. Following completion of the Second Stage Acquisition, Novartis would own approximately 77% of the outstanding Alcon shares.

              The Novartis Call Option was exercised on the earliest date possible under the terms of the Purchase and Option Agreement, the date on which both the Novartis Call Option and the Nestlé Put Option became exercisable. The Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) believed that the occasion of the exercise of the Novartis Call Option was the most opportune time to seek full ownership of Alcon, as otherwise the situation would result in unending speculation and uncertainty as to whether or when Novartis would move to acquire the Minority Shares. Novartis believed that this speculation would be a distraction for management, employees and customers with potentially adverse effects on the business. For example, if employees were distracted by speculation about the intentions of Novartis, the result could be less time spent focusing on executing the Alcon business strategy. In fact, market speculation about whether Novartis would acquire the Minority Shares had already begun, including in various publications and media outlets.

              Accordingly, the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) had come to the view that the existing ownership structure of Alcon with Minority Shares being publicly traded was suboptimal for Alcon's business and employees and the Minority Shareholders. In addition, 100% ownership would provide incremental operational efficiency and simplicity, capital markets and customer clarity and elimination of the duplicative costs associated with Alcon remaining a public reporting company. After careful consideration, the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) concluded that it was in the best interest of all stakeholders — the shareholders of Alcon and Novartis, their employees and the patients who benefit from their products — for Novartis to simplify Alcon's ownership structure by making a proposal to acquire the Minority Shares by way of an all-share direct merger of Alcon into Novartis under the Swiss Merger Act.

              The Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) chose an all-share direct merger of Alcon into Novartis under the Swiss Merger Act as the best method of acquiring the entire minority interest in Alcon at the same time as it decided to exercise the Novartis Call Option and propose to acquire the Minority Shares. It elected to proceed with an all-share direct merger because, given that Novartis had paid or would be paying a total of more than $39 billion in cash to Nestlé in connection with the First Stage Acquisition and the Second Stage Acquisition, it wanted to use equity as consideration in order to enable Novartis to maintain its credit rating, preserve its financial foundation and provide strategic flexibility for future growth.

              The decision to propose an exchange ratio of 2.8 Novartis shares for every Alcon share was made after considering a variety of valuation methodologies and data points, including the weighted average price of $168 per share that Novartis would be paying Nestlé for its entire 77% stake after giving effect to the exercise of the Novartis Call Option, an analysis of what the "unaffected" market price of Alcon would have been in the absence of takeover speculation, incremental cost synergies provided by the merger, an analysis of the premia paid to unaffected market prices in certain precedent transactions and the economic interests of the shareholders of Novartis.

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              On January 3, 2010, Novartis delivered the following letter to Mr. Cary Rayment, then Chairman of the Alcon Board (the "January 3 Proposal"):

    Board of Directors
Alcon Inc.
Bösch 69
CH-6331 Hünenberg
Switzerland

 
 
Attention: Mr. Cary Rayment, Chairman of the Board

 
 
January 3, 2010

 
 
Dear Cary,

 
 
I am now able to confirm that Nestlé and Novartis have formally agreed to complete the agreement we reached in April 2008, whereby Novartis will exercise its call option to acquire Nestlé's remaining 52% stake in Alcon and bring our total interest to 77%.

 
 
First, I want to express how delighted I am that Novartis will increase its ownership position in Alcon and can welcome you to our company as a majority-owned subsidiary. This will end a period of uncertainty for all stakeholders. Alcon will quickly become an important contributor to our strategic portfolio focused on growth-oriented healthcare businesses.

 
 
My colleagues and I have long admired what Alcon has achieved to become a trusted leader in ophthalmics through your consistent focus on the eye care needs of patients. I personally believe Alcon can become an even stronger business by drawing on the global operations, expertise and resources of Novartis, especially our research capabilities.

 
 
The Novartis Board of Directors has discussed the position of the Alcon minority shareholders. Although we believe more than USD 200 million of the USD 300 million in total potential pre-tax annual cost synergies are available through our 77% majority ownership, our view is that the existing ownership structure is suboptimal for the business, employees and minority shareholders. Retaining a minority stake means it will take longer to achieve the full potential of our combined operations. This situation will remain a distraction, resulting in unending speculation as to whether or when Novartis will move to acquire the minority stake. In the end, this benefits no one.

 
 
Our proposal

 
 
After careful consideration, the Novartis Board of Directors believes it is in the best interest of all stakeholders – the shareholders of Alcon and Novartis, their employees and the patients who benefit from their products – for Novartis to simplify Alcon's ownership structure by making a proposal to acquire the remaining 23% minority stake.

 
 
To attain full ownership, we propose an all-share direct merger of Alcon into Novartis AG under the Swiss Merger Act. Novartis proposes a fixed exchange ratio of 2.80 Novartis shares for each outstanding Alcon share. Alcon's shareholders would have the choice of receiving Novartis American Depositary Shares (ADSs) as merger consideration. Providing equity as consideration to Alcon's minority shareholders enables Novartis to maintain its strong credit rating, preserving its firm financial foundation and providing strategic flexibility for future growth.

 
 
Based on the Novartis closing share price of CHF 56.50 on December 30, 2009 (last trading day before this letter) and an exchange rate of CHF 1.04 = USD 1.00, our proposal represents an implied price per Alcon share of USD 153. This amounts to a 12% premium to our determination of Alcon's unaffected publicly-traded share price.

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    The merger would be conditional on the closing of the 52% stake acquisition from Nestlé and would require approval by the Boards of Directors of Novartis and Alcon. The merger would also require two-thirds approval by the shareholders of Novartis and Alcon voting at their respective meetings. Our proposal does not include a due diligence condition.

 
 
In arriving at this proposal, we have considered a number of important factors, including: our assessment of the fundamental value of Alcon; the underlying Alcon share price as adjusted for speculation regarding our intentions; the total per-share price of acquiring Nestlé's 77% majority stake and the governance rights afforded under Swiss law; the lower earnings expectations for Alcon since April 2008; incremental cost synergies provided by the merger; appropriately comparable premiums typically applied to unaffected share prices for acquiring a minority stake; and, of course, the economic interests of our own shareholders.

 
 
Fair proposal in the best interest of Alcon and Novartis shareholders

 
 
I believe our proposal for a 12% premium to acquire the minority stake is fair to Alcon. This proposal is also in the best interest of our own shareholders as full ownership will enable a more rapid realization of synergies. This premium for a minority stake compares favorably to the 17% premium we paid to acquire the 77% Alcon majority stake at an average share price of USD 168, which conferred control under Swiss law.

 
 
Our proposal is based on what we consider to be Alcon's unaffected share price. Employing a variety of objective measures using relevant benchmarks, we have sought to determine the underlying Alcon share price unaffected by the uncertainty as to whether the second step of the Nestlé transaction would be completed or whether Novartis would make an offer for the minority shares. Since the time of the Nestlé agreement in April 2008, Alcon's business and share price have encountered considerable volatility due to economic and business-specific factors that have included deteriorating equity market indices and reduced earnings expectations. As a result of our analysis, we have concluded that Alcon's unaffected share price is USD 137.

 
 
Many benefits to Alcon shareholders and employees

 
 
We believe our proposal is highly attractive to Alcon's minority shareholders for the following reasons:

 
 
•
 
12% premium to the unaffected share price represents a value unobtainable by Alcon on a stand-alone basis or from any other purchaser;

 
 
•
 
12% premium to the unaffected share price compares favorably to the 17% premium paid to Nestlé, recognizing the rights conferred to Novartis through the majority stake;

 
 
•
 
Highly accretive on a pro-forma basis to both Alcon's shareholders' earnings per share (on both a book and adjusted basis) and dividends per share;

 
 
•
 
Offers greater liquidity through Novartis shares with much reduced volatility than historically provided by Alcon shares;

 
 
•
 
Opportunity to own shares in Novartis, a global healthcare company with a solid product pipeline and attractive growth prospects; and

 
 
•
 
Participation in all synergies created between Novartis and Alcon.

 
 
We also believe our proposal is highly attractive to Alcon's employees:

 
 
•
 
Alcon will be an important component to our growth-oriented healthcare businesses;

 
 
•
 
Alcon will benefit from access to the global operations, expertise and resources of Novartis;

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    •   Attaining 100% ownership avoids speculation and enables us to move faster to achieve the full potential of the combined business; and

 
 
•
 
Alcon and its employees will constitute the major part of a new eye care division that will also include CIBA Vision and some of our ophthalmic medicines in the Pharmaceuticals division.

 
 
Conclusion

 
 
I understand that you and our fellow members of the Alcon Board of Directors will take your responsibilities very seriously. I hope that the Board will see, as I do, that this proposal is in the best interest of all stakeholders and fair to the Alcon minority shareholders given the considerable degree of control and majority of synergies already contained in our 77% stake. After you have had a chance to consult with the Board and consider our offer, we would very much welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposal.

 
 
As I am sure you will appreciate, and consistent with our obligations under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this letter will become publicly available when we file it with our amended Schedule 13D.

 
 
I very much hope that you and your highly regarded management team will continue to play an active role in the future of Alcon. My wish is that we can meet as soon as regulatory restrictions allow so that we can begin developing a shared vision of the future for our new eye care division, aligning our strengths to offer even more compelling products that will make a difference in the lives of patients around the world.

 
 
Very truly yours,
Daniel Vasella, M.D.

              On January 3, 2010, the Independent Director Committee confirmed the retention of Greenhill as financial advisor, the law firms Pestalozzi Attorneys at Law AG ("Pestalozzi") and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP ("Sullivan & Cromwell") as legal advisors and a communications advisor.

              On January 4, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued the following press release in response to the January 3 Proposal:

    ALCON INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR COMMITTEE RESPONDS TO NOVARTIS

 
 
HUENENBERG, Switzerland – January 04, 2010 – The Alcon, Inc. (NYSE: ACL) Independent Director Committee, in response to comments made today by Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS), stated its belief that Alcon has established certain important protections for the benefit of Alcon's minority shareholders against a coercive takeover bid and is disappointed that Novartis is attempting to circumvent those protections and corporate governance best practices.

 
 
Alcon, a majority-controlled entity since it became a public company in 2002, established certain protections in its governing documents for the benefit of its minority shareholders. For example, Article V, Section 5 of Alcon's Organizational Regulations requires approval by a committee of independent directors (as defined under the New York Stock Exchange rules) in connection with a number of transactions, including any proposed merger with a majority shareholder. The full Organizational Regulations are available on Alcon's website at www.alcon.com/en/investors-media/ (click through Corporate Governance).

 
 
Following Novartis' initial purchase from Nestlé of an approximately 25 percent stake in Alcon, the Alcon Board of Directors recognized the need for the establishment of a standing committee of independent directors whose stated purpose is to protect the minority shareholders in connection with a number of transactions, including related party transactions between Alcon and major

 
 
 
 
 

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    shareholders of Alcon. This action was approved by the full Alcon Board of Directors in December 2008.

 
 
Novartis appears to be attempting to circumvent the minority protection principles embodied in the actions noted above by claiming that the Alcon minority shareholders are neither accorded minority protections under the Swiss Takeover Code nor the rules under the NYSE.

 
 
Under any circumstance, Swiss corporate law requires any merger proposal to be approved by a majority of the Alcon Board of Directors with "interested" directors abstaining. Assuming that the Novartis and Nestlé board representatives along with the Alcon executive board representative abstain, approval by the independent directors comprising the Independent Director Committee would be required to approve a merger with Novartis.

 
 
On its investor conference call this morning, Novartis expressed its view that, if it were unable to obtain the required approval of the Alcon Board of Directors and the Independent Director Committee, Novartis would simply wait until it owned 77 percent of Alcon to then unilaterally impose the terms of the proposed merger on the minority shareholders. Such a unilateral action would clearly be inconsistent with the minority protection principles upon which Alcon established itself and Alcon shareholders rely.

 
 
While Novartis has expressed its view that the merger proposal is fair, the Independent Director Committee and its advisors will inform the Alcon shareholders of its formal position once the Committee and its advisors complete their evaluation.

              On January 20, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued a press release and delivered the following letter to Novartis (to the attention of Dr. Vasella):

    Novartis AG
Lichtstrasse 35
4056 Basel
Switzerland
Attention: Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO

 
 
January 20, 2010

 
 
Dr. Vasella,

 
 
I am writing to you on behalf of the Independent Director Committee (the "Committee") of the Alcon, Inc. ("Alcon") Board of Directors in response to the January 4th proposal by Novartis AG ("Novartis") to attempt to squeeze-out Alcon's minority shareholders in a compulsory merger in which each Alcon share would be exchanged for 2.8 shares of Novartis stock (the "Novartis Merger Proposal"), which is currently valued at approximately US$151.43 per Alcon share in Novartis shares (as compared to the US$180 in cash that Novartis has agreed to pay Nestlé AG ("Nestlé")).

 
 
Response to Novartis Merger Proposal

 
 
After careful consideration with its independent financial and legal advisors, the Committee has determined that the Novartis Merger Proposal is grossly inadequate, that the analysis underlying the Novartis Merger Proposal is fundamentally flawed and that the Novartis Merger Proposal is not in the best interests of Alcon and its minority shareholders. For these reasons, as more fully explained below and in the attached "Summary of Financial Analysis" exhibit, the Committee rejects the Novartis Merger Proposal.

    •   The Committee believes, based on the advice of its independent financial advisor, Greenhill & Co., that the fundamental value of Alcon on a standalone basis significantly exceeds the price that Novartis has offered.

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    •   The Committee believes that Alcon's "unaffected share price" is significantly greater than the US$137 share price asserted by Novartis and that the analysis that Novartis employs to support such assertion is fundamentally flawed.

 
 
 
 
•
 
As described in the attached Summary of Financial Analysis, Novartis' "Methodology 1" applies price-to-earnings ratios across inconsistent time periods. Correcting this misleading approach would produce a range of implied unaffected share prices that approximates the US$164.35 closing price of Alcon as of December 31, 2009.

 
 
 
 
•
 
Novartis' "Methodology 2" asserts that Alcon should trade in line with a number of broad healthcare stock indices, ignoring the fact that, since its IPO in 2002, Alcon has consistently outperformed every one of the 12 indices that Novartis cited (both through April 4, 2008 and since).

 
 
 
 
•
 
Novartis' "Methodology 3" selectively chooses comments from the equity analyst community in an attempt to demonstrate support for Novartis' viewpoint, highlighting three analysts (of 12 who cover Alcon) who refer to an unaffected share price that approximates US$137. While not all analysts covering Alcon comment on unaffected share price, seven of the eight analysts (including the three cited by Novartis) who express a view of the expected Novartis squeeze-out price cite prices of US$181 or greater.

 
 
•
 
Based on input from Alcon's management, the Committee believes that Novartis has understated achievable synergies in the transaction, by failing to quantify the significant revenue synergies that exist. Additionally, Novartis has overstated its ability to realize cost synergies absent a full combination and Novartis does not accord the minority shareholders any synergy value.

 
 
•
 
The Committee disagrees with Novartis' assertion that a 12% premium to the unaffected share price is "very much in line with what minority shareholders in similar transactions have received."

 
 
 
 
•
 
A review of the approximately 250 squeeze-out transactions (of US$100 million in size or greater) that were announced over the past decade shows that the final premium paid for the minority shares over the share price one week and one month prior to announcement were 27% and 30% on average, respectively, with median values of 18% and 21%, respectively.

 
 
 
 
•
 
Indeed, Novartis itself set a precedent in 2005 when it paid a premium of approximately 25% to the unaffected share price to squeeze-out the minority shareholders of Eon Labs, which also represented a premium of 9% to the price paid for the majority stake.

 
 
•
 
In addition to undervaluing Alcon's minority shares, the Committee notes the compulsory nature of Novartis' proposal.

 
 
•
 
Due to the uncertainties in value inherent in using equity (as opposed to cash) as transaction currency, the Committee views Novartis' proposal to exchange its shares for Alcon shares as inferior to the terms offered to Nestlé.

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              On February 12, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued a press release, reiterating its opposition to the January 3 Proposal in view of Alcon's financial results for fiscal year 2009, which Alcon released on February 11, 2010.

              On February 16, 2010, at the direction of Novartis and the Independent Director Committee, respectively, representatives of Goldman Sachs International ("Goldman Sachs"), the financial advisor to Novartis, met with representatives of Greenhill. At the meeting with Goldman Sachs, in order to support the negotiating position of the Independent Director Committee, Greenhill provided discussion materials explaining why the Independent Director Committee rejected the January 3 Proposal. The discussion materials also addressed, among other things, the Independent Director Committee's view with respect to the unaffected trading price of Alcon shares and data based on various financial analyses, including a discounted cash flow analysis of Alcon on a standalone basis based on Alcon management's preliminary 2010 strategic plan, an analysis of premia paid in selected minority buy-out transactions, and a review of announced synergies in selected transactions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The representatives of Greenhill expressed the view on behalf of the Independent Director Committee that the financial analyses supported a price substantially in excess of the January 3 Proposal and that the proposal of Novartis should be in the mid-$190s per Alcon share. A copy of the discussion materials delivered by Greenhill to Goldman Sachs in connection with the February 16, 2010 meeting has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 163. Such materials were prepared by Greenhill for the purpose of supporting the Independent Director Committee's negotiating position and neither represent reports or opinions of Greenhill as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be received by the Minority Shareholders in the merger or any other aspect of the merger to the Independent Director Committee, Alcon, Novartis or their respective affiliates, nor represent any opinion or appraisal as to the value of Novartis, Alcon or the combined company or any other opinion. Goldman Sachs did not use written materials at this meeting.

              On March 8, 2010, the Independent Director Committee retained Professor Hans Caspar von der Crone of the law firm von der Crone Rechtsanwälte AG ("von der Crone") as special counsel to the Independent Director Committee with respect to Swiss law and corporate governance standards. The Independent Director Committee retained von der Crone based on its qualifications and expertise in providing legal advice and on the reputation of Professor von der Crone in Switzerland, particularly with respect to matters relating to corporate governance standards. During the two years preceding the date of von der Crone's retention, von der Crone had not been engaged by, performed any services for or received any compensation from, any party to the merger. Under the terms of von der Crone's engagement letter with the Independent Director Committee, von der Crone received legal fees and reimbursement of expenses from Alcon in connection with von der Crone's services.

              On March 24, 2010, at the direction of Novartis and the Independent Director Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs and Greenhill had a follow-up meeting at which Goldman Sachs explained the position of Novartis and the background to the January 3 Proposal. Goldman Sachs explained the view of Novartis that the $168 blended price Novartis agreed to pay in April 2008 for Nestlé's entire 77% stake was a full price, and that, since the original transaction in 2008, there have

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been multiple adverse developments in the economic environment, market indices, relevant market valuation multiples and in Alcon's financial performance. Goldman Sachs noted the view of Novartis that, as a result of these changed circumstances, the value to be transferred to the Minority Shareholders, who, among other things, did not possess a controlling interest in Alcon, should be less than $168. At this meeting, Goldman Sachs verbally provided an updated review of its financial analyses of the proposed transaction. According to Goldman Sachs' financial analyses, Alcon's unaffected share price was $137. Goldman Sachs relayed the view of Novartis that the Alcon business plan was too aggressive, particularly in terms of pharmaceutical sales given scheduled patent expirations. Goldman Sachs communicated that Novartis would not support a transaction at the valuation levels suggested by Greenhill on February 16, 2010. Goldman Sachs did not use written materials at this meeting. At the meeting, in order to support the negotiating position of the Independent Director Committee, Greenhill provided discussion materials to Goldman Sachs, including additional data regarding Greenhill's analyses, data based on an updated discounted cash flow analysis of Alcon on a standalone basis based on Alcon management's 2010 operating plan, premia paid in selected precedent transactions and on estimates of potential cost and revenue synergies. Greenhill reiterated the view on behalf of the Independent Director Committee that the January 3 Proposal was inadequate. A copy of the discussion materials delivered by Greenhill to Goldman Sachs in connection with the March 24, 2010 meeting has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 163. Such materials were prepared by Greenhill for the purpose of supporting the Independent Director Committee's negotiating position and neither represent reports or opinions of Greenhill as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be received by the Minority Shareholders in the merger or any other aspect of the merger to the Independent Director Committee, Alcon, Novartis or their respective affiliates, nor represent any opinion or appraisal as to the value of Novartis, Alcon or the combined company or any other opinion.

              On April 22, 2010, Dr. Raymund Breu, on behalf of Novartis, proposed to Mr. Thomas Plaskett, on behalf of the Independent Director Committee, a meeting to discuss the January 3 Proposal and related valuations. However, the Independent Director Committee opted not to have this meeting because it decided that such a meeting was premature given the preliminary stage of discussions between Greenhill and Goldman Sachs regarding valuation of Alcon.

              On April 27, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued a press release, reiterating its opposition to the January 3 Proposal in view of Alcon's financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, which Alcon released on April 26, 2010.

              On April 29, 2010, at the direction of Novartis and the Independent Director Committee, Goldman Sachs and Greenhill met to discuss the respective negotiation positions of the parties. At the meeting, in order to support the negotiating position of the Independent Director Committee, Greenhill provided discussion materials to Goldman Sachs that contained information and analyses previously provided by Greenhill to Goldman Sachs and compared that information and analyses to information and analyses orally presented by Goldman Sachs to Greenhill at their meeting on March 24, 2010. The discussion materials also contained a comparison of the respective viewpoints of Novartis and the Independent Director Committee concerning the First Stage Acquisition and Second Stage Acquisition and the purchase price that Novartis paid for control of Alcon in connection with such transactions, and a comparison of the respective viewpoints of Novartis and the Independent Director Committee with respect to synergy opportunities and certain projections prepared by Alcon's management. In addition, Greenhill reiterated the positions taken by the Independent Director Committee and made it clear that the Independent Director Committee believed that Alcon's intrinsic value exceeded the value provided by the January 3 Proposal and that the unaffected market price of Alcon was between approximately $150 and $164 per Alcon share. Greenhill also indicated that the Independent Director Committee disagreed with the assertion of Novartis that the price reflected in the Purchase and Option Agreement represented a full price for Alcon, asserting that the valuation

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agreed in 2008 represented then-current and projected 2010 market values and not a control premium and, furthermore, that the $181 price should not necessarily set a ceiling on valuation for the Minority Shareholders. Greenhill relayed the position of the Independent Director Committee that the patent expirations cited by Novartis would have a smaller effect than anticipated by Novartis because of the significant portion of Alcon sales that occur outside the US and Alcon's demonstrated ability to move patients to newer, differentiated and patent-protected products, which would offset some of the financial impact of loss of patent exclusivity, and reiterated its view that Alcon's intrinsic value was greater than the January 3 Proposal. A copy of the discussion materials delivered by Greenhill to Goldman Sachs in connection with the April 29, 2010 meeting has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 163. Such materials were prepared by Greenhill for the purpose of supporting the Independent Director Committee's negotiating position and neither represent reports or opinions of Greenhill as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be received by the Minority Shareholders in the merger or any other aspect of the merger to the Independent Director Committee, Alcon, Novartis or their respective affiliates, nor represent any opinion or appraisal as to the value of Novartis, Alcon or the combined company or any other opinion. Goldman Sachs did not use written materials at this meeting.

              On May 27, 2010, at the direction of Novartis and the Independent Director Committee, a representative of Goldman Sachs met with a representative of Greenhill to further articulate Novartis' rationale for the January 3 Proposal and provided written materials for the consideration of the Independent Director Committee and its advisors in order to support the negotiating position of Novartis. The Goldman Sachs presentation reviewed the context of Novartis' merger proposal, noting that the purchase of a 77% majority controlling stake of Alcon from Nestlé was a single negotiated transaction agreed in April 2008, structured as two integrated steps, and that the integrated transaction was effected at a price no greater than $168 per Alcon share in 2010 value terms. The Goldman Sachs presentation noted Novartis' view that in April 2008, the integrated price of $168 was considered a full price to pay for majority control, and given the multiple adverse developments since then, $168 had become a fuller price by May 27, 2010. Novartis believed that this value erosion, along with the fact that the merger would be equivalent to an acquisition of a minority, non-controlling block of Alcon stock, required that the merger proposal be at a lower value than $168. Further, Goldman Sachs indicated that Novartis was comfortable owning a majority 77% stake, as such stake provided control and full flexibility to effect 100% ownership. Goldman Sachs noted that the relevant standard for assessing an exchange ratio is the relative financial contribution of each company, absent synergy or premium considerations. Goldman Sachs also noted that the proposed merger was highly accretive to Alcon's minority shareholders. Goldman Sachs reviewed Alcon's management plan and noted that the management plan in Novartis' view was too aggressive, in particular with respect to Alcon's pharmaceutical sales in consideration of significant patent expiration and potential at-risk launches, consumer sales growth and increasing margins. Goldman Sachs observed the underlying relative value of Novartis and Alcon and the potential dilution to Novartis' fully synergized core earnings per share on a pro forma basis, restricted Novartis' ability to increase the exchange ratio. Finally, Goldman Sachs noted that Alcon shares, adjusted for dividends, were trading at $137 per share and had traded, on average, at a 5.5% premium to the January 3 Proposal since it had been announced. Goldman Sachs observed that the market anticipated a final merger agreement nearer to the Novartis proposal than to the Independent Director Committee's request as conveyed by Greenhill. A copy of the discussion materials delivered to Greenhill by Goldman Sachs in connection with the May 27, 2010 meeting has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 163. Such materials were prepared by Goldman Sachs for the purpose of supporting the negotiating position of Novartis and neither represent reports or opinions of Goldman Sachs as to the fairness of the merger consideration to be offered in the merger or any other aspect of the merger to Novartis, Alcon or their respective affiliates, the holders of Alcon common stock and Novartis common stock or any other person nor represent any opinion or

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appraisal as to the value of Novartis, Alcon or the combined company or any other opinion. The representative of Greenhill noted that the Independent Director Committee had a fundamentally different perspective regarding the appropriate transaction context. Greenhill did not use written materials at this meeting.

              On June 21, 2010, in order to support the negotiating position of the Independent Director Committee, Greenhill provided Goldman Sachs with discussion materials that addressed the points that were set out in the materials that Goldman Sachs provided to Greenhill in the May 27, 2010 meeting. The discussion materials provided a summary of responses of, and supporting analyses to, the positions of the Independent Director Committee refuting the assertions and analyses contained in the materials that were provided to Greenhill by Goldman Sachs in connection with the May 27, 2010 meeting, including the Independent Director Committee's position that the relative value of Alcon and Novartis, and not their relative pro forma financial contribution, is the relevant standard for assessing an exchange ratio in a Swiss law merger context, that the merger proposal should not be at a value lower than $168 per Alcon share, that Novartis could not implement a merger without the approval of the Independent Director Committee and that any commercial arrangements between Alcon and Novartis (as a majority shareholder of Alcon) would have to be entered into pursuant to arm's-length negotiations followed by Independent Director Committee approval. A copy of the discussion materials delivered by Greenhill to Goldman Sachs on June 21, 2010 has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 163. Such materials were prepared by Greenhill for the purpose of supporting the Independent Director Committee's negotiating position and neither represent reports or opinions of Greenhill as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be received by the Minority Shareholders in the merger or any other aspect of the merger to the Independent Director Committee, Alcon, Novartis or their respective affiliates, nor represent any opinion or appraisal as to the value of Novartis, Alcon or the combined company or any other opinion. Goldman Sachs did not provide written materials to Greenhill on June 21, 2010.

              On June 28, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued a press release and released the opinion of von der Crone, its special counsel with respect to Swiss law and corporate governance standards. In the opinion, von der Crone concluded that, under the circumstances, the Alcon Board would not be able to validly decide on a merger proposal from Novartis without the prior recommendation of that proposal by the Independent Director Committee. In reaching this conclusion, von der Crone reasoned that: (i) a board with a majority of its members appointed by the company's majority shareholder is conflicted with respect to a merger between the company and such majority shareholder; (ii) a merger agreement signed on the basis of the decision of a conflicted board will not be legally effective if the counterparty to the agreement was aware of the conflict of interests at the board level; (iii) a decision of a conflicted board will only be valid if the conflict of interests at the board level has been cured by implementing specific measures; (iv) by establishing the Independent Director Committee, the Alcon Board has chosen its system of mitigating such conflict of interests in its decision-making process with regard to a merger with a majority shareholder; and (v) good corporate governance practice requires that such choice should not be altered in the course of a specific transaction. A copy of the legal opinion delivered by von der Crone has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 163. The foregoing summary of von der Crone's opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Von der Crone's legal opinion neither represents a report or opinion as to the fairness of the merger to Novartis, Alcon or their respective affiliates, the holders of Alcon common stock and Novartis common stock or any other person, nor does von der Crone's legal opinion represent any opinion or appraisal as to the value of Novartis, Alcon or the combined company or any other opinion.

              On June 30, 2010, Alcon announced that Dr. Enrico Vanni, Mr. Norman Walker, Dr. Paul Choffat, Dr. Urs Bärlocher and Dr. Jacques Seydoux had been nominated by Novartis to replace the

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Nestlé-nominated directors on the Alcon Board, conditioned on the closing of the Second Stage Acquisition, to be elected at an extraordinary general meeting of Alcon shareholders to be held on August 16, 2010.

              On July 1, 2010, Novartis retained Professor Dr. Peter Nobel of the law firm Nobel & Hug Rechtsanwälte ("Nobel & Hug") as special counsel to Novartis with respect to Swiss law and corporate governance standards. Novartis retained Nobel & Hug based on its qualifications and expertise in providing legal advice and on the reputation of Professor Dr. Nobel in Switzerland, particularly with respect to matters relating to corporate governance standards. During the past two years, Nobel & Hug's material relationships with Novartis and its affiliates consisted of the issuance of affidavits on behalf of Novartis concerning jurisdictional issues of the Swiss Merger Act. Nobel & Hug received legal fees and reimbursement of expenses from Novartis in connection with Nobel & Hug's engagement.

              On July 8, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued a press release announcing the creation by the Alcon Board on July 7, 2010 of a litigation trust with funding from Alcon equal to $50 million and with the current members of the Independent Director Committee as trustees (the "Alcon Litigation Trust"), intended to provide the financial means to commence, defend or maintain litigation relating to any transaction between Alcon and a majority shareholder.

              On July 14, 2010, the Independent Director Committee and its advisors held a meeting with the Minority Shareholders in New York, New York to discuss aspects of the January 3 Proposal. At the meeting, the Independent Director Committee presented its view that the January 3 Proposal undervalued Alcon and that the effective price that Novartis had agreed to pay for its control position was approximately $182 as opposed to $168. In addition, the Independent Director Committee explained the Alcon Litigation Trust and its views regarding Swiss law issues relating to the Alcon Board's approval of the January 3 Proposal.

              On July 26, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued a press release, reiterating its opposition to the January 3 Proposal in view of Alcon's financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, which Alcon released earlier that day.

              On August 9, 2010, Mr. Plaskett requested to meet with Novartis representatives at the extraordinary general meeting of Alcon shareholders to be held on August 16, 2010, in order to discuss the January 3 Proposal.

              On August 16, 2010, at an extraordinary general meeting of Alcon shareholders, the five directors nominated by Novartis were elected to the Alcon Board to replace five existing board members of Alcon (nominated by Nestlé), conditioned on the closing of the Second Stage Acquisition. On that same day, Mr. Joseph Jimenez and Dr. Breu, representatives of Novartis, met with Mr. Plaskett and Mr. Rayment. During the meeting, Mr. Plaskett indicated that the Independent Director Committee would be interested in recommending to the Alcon Board a transaction at a value level of $175 per Alcon share.

              On August 19, 2010, representatives of the Alcon Board (including the Independent Director Committee) and representatives of Novartis spoke again by telephone, but there were no new positions articulated by the parties.

              On August 25, 2010, Nestlé and Novartis consummated the Second Stage Acquisition and Novartis acquired the Second Stage Shares from Nestlé, thereby becoming a 77% shareholder of Alcon.

              Also on August 25, 2010 and in connection with the closing of the Second Stage Acquisition, the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) discussed the status of the merger proposal, including the 7% decline of the implied value of the January 3 proposal (from $153 per Alcon share to $142 per Alcon share) and the counterproposal by the Independent Director Committee of $175 per Alcon share. Mr. Jimenez and Mr. Symonds presented a financial analysis, comparing the financial impact of a merger proposal at an implied value of $142 per Alcon share, $168 per Alcon share (the blended price paid to Nestle) and $175 per Alcon share (the counterproposal from the Independent Director Committee). However, these were illustrative examples only and there was no consideration given to

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increasing the offer based on these examples. Mr. Jimenez and Mr. Symonds also presented the impact of including cash in the offer and flowback considerations, but there was no proposal made based on this analysis and the purpose was informational only. Further, there was no discussion as to fairness to the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders. The Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) concluded that the merger proposal of January 3 should remain unchanged. Each member of the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) was in attendance. In addition, Mr. Joseph Jimenez, Dr. Juergen Brokatzky-Geiger, Mr. David Epstein, Dr. Mark C. Fishman, Mr. Jeff George, Mr. George Gunn, Dr. Andrin Oswald, Mr. Jonathan Symonds, and Dr. Thomas Werlen were present by invitation.

              On September 30, 2010, Novartis issued a press release citing the legal analysis of Nobel & Hug in support of certain legal aspects of its merger proposal. Nobel & Hug confirmed the Novartis view that Novartis-nominated directors of Alcon were not conflicted, as neither Swiss law nor the Alcon Organizational Regulations provided a valid basis for considering board members conflicted solely by virtue of their being nominated by a majority shareholder. Nobel & Hug concluded that, under Swiss law, an Alcon Board that included Novartis-nominated directors could validly approve a merger with Novartis and Novartis could vote its Alcon shares in favor of the merger at a general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Nobel & Hug further concluded that the Independent Director Committee's assertions that a merger of Alcon with Novartis required its approval were inconsistent with well-accepted principles of Swiss law and that the approval of the merger must be subject to the vote of the full Alcon Board and not to a veto by a subset or committee of directors.

              Nobel & Hug also concluded that, were a conflict of interest to exist, there are various mechanisms contemplated by Swiss jurisprudence and legal doctrine to overcome it, such as to disclose the conflict of interest, to use an objective valuation (e.g. fairness opinion), to obtain approval of a body of the same or a higher level or by a combination of such measures. Nobel & Hug noted that fairness opinions have gained importance in mergers because they allow a board of directors to base its decision concerning the adequacy of the merger consideration on a third party evaluation. Finally, Nobel & Hug concluded that the view expressed in the von der Crone opinion that the established rules must be maintained once a transaction is envisaged is incorrect. Rather, a board of directors can select a different mechanism to overcome a conflict of interest while a merger proposal is pending.

              A copy of the legal opinion delivered by Nobel & Hug has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 163. The opinion of Nobel & Hug does not represent a report or opinion of Nobel & Hug as to the fairness of the Merger Consideration to Novartis, Alcon or their respective affiliates, the holders of Alcon shares or Novartis shares or any other person nor represents any opinion or appraisal as to the value of Novartis, Alcon or the combined company or any other opinion.

              Also on September 30, 2010, the Independent Director Committee issued a press release reiterating its opposition to the assertions of Novartis regarding its legal position relating to the January 3 Proposal.

              On October 4, 2010, Alcon announced the appointment of Mr. Robert Karsunky, the former CFO of the Consumer Health Division of Novartis, as its new CFO, effective November 1.

              On October 20, 2010, Dr. Vasella and Mr. Lodewijk J.R. de Vink discussed a meeting to be attended by representatives of Novartis, Mr. de Vink and Mr. Rayment on October 26, 2010.

              On October 20, 2010, the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) discussed the status of the merger proposal, including the potential introduction of a cash component as part of the merger consideration. It was decided that a cash alternative to the 2.8 exchange ratio could be proposed as part of the negotiations as a means to provide price certainty and to limit the dilution to Novartis shareholders. An exchange ratio in excess of 2.8 was not discussed or considered, nor was the topic of fairness to the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders reconsidered at this time. Each member of the Novartis Board (including Dr. Vasella) was in attendance, with the exception of Mr. Pierre Landolt and Ms. Marjorie Mun Tak Yang.

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              On October 24, 2010, at the Alcon Board meeting, Dr. Vasella was elected as Chairman of Alcon, replacing Mr. Rayment (who was appointed Vice Chairman).

              On October 26, 2010, Dr. Vasella, Mr. Jimenez and Dr. Breu met with Mr. de Vink, Mr. Rayment and Mr. Plaskett to discuss alternative transaction structures and corresponding valuations. On November 1, there was a call among the aforementioned persons regarding the same.

              Following the October 26 meeting, representatives of Novartis considered various structural changes to the existing all-stock fixed exchange ratio merger proposal that would offer more certainty as to value to the Alcon shareholders, while offering Novartis certainty as to the maximum number of Novartis shares it would have to issue in the transaction. Accordingly, the Novartis representatives developed a transaction structure where the maximum number of Novartis shares to be issued would be capped but contingent cash consideration would be payable if necessary to protect Alcon shareholders against a decline in value of the Novartis shares prior to the closing.

              On November 9, 2010, Novartis proposed a revised merger consideration structure consisting of (i) a stock component with an exchange ratio of up to 2.8 Novartis shares (but that would be reduced accordingly if the Novartis share price increased above $60 per share) and (ii) a contingent cash amount to the extent necessary to provide downside protection.

              Thereafter, representatives of the Independent Director Committee informed representatives of Novartis that the Independent Director Committee would be interested in receiving a draft merger agreement that incorporated the structure proposed on November 9, 2010.

              On November 14, 2010, Novartis engaged Credit Suisse to undertake an analysis of the proposed merger consideration and render an opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view to Novartis of the proposed merger consideration to be paid by Novartis.

              On November 15, 2010, Dr. Vasella updated the Alcon Board as to the status of the Novartis merger proposal negotiations between the Independent Director Committee and its representatives and Novartis and its representatives.

              On November 23, 2010, Novartis provided a draft merger agreement to Alcon.

              On November 25, 2010, Novartis received separate comments on the draft merger agreement from Alcon and the Independent Director Committee, which were consolidated by the Independent Director Committee and sent to Novartis on November 28, 2010. Mr. Buehler participated in internal discussions among Alcon management (but not the Alcon Board) regarding Alcon's comments to the merger agreement.

              On December 1, 2010, Dr. Vasella and Mr. Plaskett agreed to certain principles for a transaction that the Independent Director Committee would be able to recommend to the Alcon Board, including a guaranteed merger consideration of $168.

              On December 2, 2010, the Alcon Board resolved that it would retain its own financial advisor (with the Independent Director Committee retaining Greenhill). On that same date, the Alcon Board retained Lazard as its investment banker.

              On December 3, 2010, the parties' Swiss legal advisors met to negotiate the terms of the merger agreement. The negotiations encompassed, among other things, various technical issues of Swiss law (including Swiss withholding tax provisions), timing and logistical matters, mechanics for settlement and share issuances, treatment of equity awards under the Amended 2002 Alcon Incentive Plan, the provisions relating to the agreement by Novartis to vote Alcon shares owned by it in favor of the merger and related resolutions and the manner in which the recommendation of the Independent Director Committee would be reflected in the merger agreement. These representatives met again on December 6 to further negotiate the merger agreement, following receipt by Novartis of a revised draft of the merger agreement on December 5.

              On December 6, 2010, representatives of Credit Suisse participated in a due diligence investigation of Alcon. Lazard and Greenhill held a diligence call with Alcon management.

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              On December 7, 2010, representatives of Lazard and Greenhill participated in a due diligence investigation of Novartis.

              Between December 7, 2010 and December 10, 2010, the parties finalized the terms of the merger agreement.

              On December 8, 2010, Lazard conducted due diligence on Alcon.

              Early on December 14, 2010, the Independent Director Committee met with Greenhill, Pestalozzi and Sullivan & Cromwell. At this meeting, Greenhill reviewed with the Independent Director Committee certain financial analyses in connection with the proposed transaction and rendered its oral opinion (subsequently confirmed in writing) that, as of the date of its written opinion and based upon and subject to the limitations and assumptions set forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be received by Alcon shareholders (other than Novartis) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such Alcon shareholders. After receipt of advice from its legal and financial advisors at such meeting, the Independent Director Committee unanimously resolved to recommend to the Alcon Board that the Alcon Board approve the merger agreement in the form circulated on December 13, 2010.

              On December 14, 2010, the Alcon Board held a meeting with Lazard, its investment banker, and Homburger AG and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, its legal advisors. The Independent Director Committee reported to the Alcon Board its earlier unanimous resolution to recommend to the Alcon Board that the Alcon Board approve the merger agreement in the form circulated on December 13, 2010. At this meeting, Lazard reviewed with the Alcon Board certain financial analyses in connection with the proposed transaction and rendered its oral opinion to the Alcon Board, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration (as defined in the merger agreement) to be paid to Alcon shareholders (other than Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates) in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such Alcon shareholders. Following the discussion, the Alcon Board attendees (Dr. Vasella, who is Chairman of the Novartis Board, recused himself from deliberations and voting of the Alcon Board with respect to the transaction, and Mr. Buehler, who has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, also recused himself, and Dr. Joan W. Miller, who participated in the unanimous resolution of the Independent Director Committee to recommend to the Alcon Board that the Alcon Board approve the merger agreement, was not present) voted unanimously to approve the merger agreement and to execute the merger agreement.

              On December 14, 2010, the Novartis Board held a meeting. At this meeting, Credit Suisse reviewed with the Novartis Board certain financial analyses in connection with the proposed transaction and rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by delivery of its written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, to the Novartis Board, to the effect that, as of the date thereof and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the written opinion, the Merger Consideration was fair to Novartis from a financial point of view. Following the discussion, the Novartis Board attendees (including Dr. Vasella) voted unanimously to approve the merger agreement and to execute the merger agreement.

              On the morning of December 15, 2010, Novartis and Alcon announced the execution of the merger agreement. Novartis also announced its intention to reactivate its share buyback program, subject to applicable legal restrictions and market conditions.

Novartis Reasons for the Merger

              The purpose of the merger is for Novartis to acquire the remaining outstanding Alcon shares that Novartis does not currently own. In unanimously approving the merger agreement and the merger,

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in addition to those discussed above, Novartis considered a variety of factors in favor of the merger. Among other things, Novartis believes that:

              The Novartis Board has unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to and are advisable and in the best interests of the shareholders of Novartis.

Opinion of Credit Suisse

              Novartis retained Credit Suisse to render an opinion to the Novartis Board with respect to the fairness of the Merger Consideration (as defined in the merger agreement) to Novartis from a financial point of view. On December 14, 2010, the Novartis Board met to review the merger and the terms of the merger agreement. During this meeting, Credit Suisse reviewed with the Novartis Board certain financial analyses with respect to the merger and rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by delivery of its written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, to the Novartis Board, to the effect that, as of the date thereof and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the written opinion, the Merger Consideration was fair to Novartis from a financial point of view.

              The full text of Credit Suisse's written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, which sets forth assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex B to this prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. You are encouraged to read the opinion carefully in its entirety. Credit Suisse provided its opinion for the information of the Novartis Board in connection with its consideration of the merger and Credit Suisse's opinion does not constitute advice or a recommendation to any shareholder of any party as to how such shareholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the merger or otherwise.

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Credit Suisse's opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Novartis of the Merger Consideration and does not address any other aspect or implication of the merger, including, without limitation, the structure or implementation of the merger or the structure of the Merger Consideration, or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into in connection with the merger or otherwise, including, without limitation, the fairness of the amount or nature of, or any other aspect relating to, any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any party to the merger, or class of such persons, relative to the Merger Consideration or otherwise. The following is a summary of Credit Suisse's opinion and is qualified by reference to the full text of the opinion attached as Annex B to this prospectus.

              In arriving at its opinion, Credit Suisse, among other things:

              In connection with its review, Credit Suisse did not independently verify any of the foregoing information and assumed and relied on such information being complete and accurate in all material respects. With respect to the financial forecasts for Alcon provided to Credit Suisse by Alcon and Novartis, the managements of Alcon and Novartis advised, and Credit Suisse assumed, that such forecasts were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the managements of Alcon and Novartis as to the future financial performance of Alcon. With respect to the financial forecasts for Novartis provided to Credit Suisse by Novartis, the management of Novartis advised, and Credit Suisse assumed, that such forecasts were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of Novartis as to the future financial performance of Novartis. With respect to the estimates provided to Credit Suisse by the management of Novartis with respect to the cost savings and synergies anticipated to result from the merger, the management of Novartis advised, and Credit Suisse assumed, that such forecasts were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of Novartis as to such cost savings and synergies and will be realized in the amounts and the times indicated thereby.

              Credit Suisse also assumed, with the consent of the Novartis Board, that, in the course of obtaining any regulatory or third-party consents, approvals or agreements in connection with the merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on Alcon, Novartis or the contemplated benefits of the merger and that the merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement without waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof. In addition, Credit Suisse was not

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requested to make, and did not make, an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Alcon, nor was Credit Suisse furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals.

              The issuance of Credit Suisse's opinion was approved by its authorized internal committee.

              Credit Suisse's opinion was necessarily based upon information made available to Credit Suisse as of the date of the opinion and financial, economic, market and other conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on such date. Credit Suisse did not express any opinion as to what the value of Novartis shares actually will be when issued to Alcon shareholders pursuant to the merger or the prices at which the Novartis shares will trade at any time. Credit Suisse's opinion did not address the relative merits of the merger as compared to alternative transactions or strategies that might be available to Novartis, nor did it address the underlying business decision of Novartis to proceed with the merger.

              In preparing its opinion to the Novartis Board, Credit Suisse performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses, including those described below. The summary of the analyses described below is not a complete description of the analyses underlying Credit Suisse's opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving various quantitative and qualitative judgments and determinations with respect to the financial, comparative and other analytic methods employed and the adaptation and application of these methods to the unique facts and circumstances presented. As a consequence, neither a fairness opinion nor its underlying analyses are readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Credit Suisse arrived at its opinion based on the results of all analyses undertaken by it and assumed as a whole and did not draw, in isolation, conclusions from or with regard to any individual analysis, analytic method or factor. Accordingly, Credit Suisse believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses, analytic methods and factors, without considering all analyses and factors or the narrative description of the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying its analyses and opinion.

              In performing its analyses, Credit Suisse considered financial, economic, market and other conditions as they existed on, or could be evaluated as of, December 13, 2010. No company or business used in Credit Suisse's analyses for comparative purposes is identical to Novartis or Alcon, and no transaction used in Credit Suisse's analyses for comparative purposes is identical to the merger. An evaluation of the results of Credit Suisse's analyses is not entirely mathematical. Rather, Credit Suisse's analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading or other value of the companies, businesses or transactions analyzed. The estimates contained in Credit Suisse's analyses and the implied reference ranges indicated by Credit Suisse's analyses are illustrative and not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by the analyses. In addition, any analyses relating to the value of assets, businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which the assets, businesses or securities actually may be sold, which may depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of Novartis, Alcon and Credit Suisse. Much of the information used in, and accordingly the results of, Credit Suisse's analyses are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty.

              Credit Suisse's opinion and analyses were provided to the Novartis Board in connection with its evaluation of the fairness of the merger and were among many factors considered by the Novartis Board in evaluating the merger. Neither Credit Suisse's opinion nor its analyses were determinative of the value or composition of the Merger Consideration or of the views of the Novartis Board or the management of Novartis with respect to the merger or the value or composition of the Merger Consideration. The Merger Consideration was determined through arm's-length negotiations between Novartis and Alcon and was approved by the Novartis Board. Credit Suisse was not requested to recommend, and it did not recommend, any specific merger consideration to Novartis or that any specific merger consideration constituted the only appropriate merger consideration for the merger.

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              The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by Credit Suisse in connection with the preparation of its opinion and reviewed with the Novartis Board. The financial analyses use a per share value of the Merger Consideration of $168 for comparison purposes. The actual Merger Consideration is comprised of both Novartis shares and a put option in amounts determined in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. Please see "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" on page 106 for a description of the components and value of the Merger Consideration. The analyses summarized below include information presented in a tabular format. To understand the analyses, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the analyses. Considering the data in the tables below without considering the full narrative description of the analyses, as well as the methodologies underlying and the assumptions, qualifications and limitations affecting each analysis, could create a misleading or incomplete view of Credit Suisse's analyses.

Alcon Analysis

Historical Stock Price Analysis

              Credit Suisse reviewed the historical daily high and low trading prices of the Alcon shares for the 52 weeks ending December 13, 2010. This review indicated that the high and low trading prices of the Alcon shares for the 52 weeks ending December 13, 2010 were $170.18 and $135.00, respectively. Credit Suisse also reviewed the high and low research analyst target prices of the Alcon shares, which were $192.00 and $168.00, respectively. Some of the research analyst target prices reflect an expectation of Novartis acquiring the remaining publicly held Alcon shares.

Alcon Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

              Credit Suisse calculated the estimated present value of the unlevered, free cash flows that Alcon could generate during the period from September 30, 2010 to December 31, 2014, both before and after giving effect to potential cost savings and synergies anticipated by the management of Novartis to result from the proposed merger, based on the consolidated forecasts of Novartis for Alcon for calendar years 2010-2014, which were provided, reviewed and approved by the management of Novartis. The management of Novartis advised Credit Suisse that the consolidated forecasts for Alcon were based on publicly available consensus analyst projections as adjusted and approved by Novartis. Credit Suisse then calculated a range of terminal values by multiplying calendar year 2014 estimated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") by selected EBITDA multiples ranging from 11.0x to 14.0x. The estimated free cash flow and terminal values were then discounted to present value using discount rates from 7% to 9%. Based on this analysis, Credit Suisse derived an implied per share equity value reference range for the Alcon shares. Credit Suisse compared the results of this analysis to the $168 per share value of the Merger Consideration established pursuant to the merger agreement. Credit Suisse also calculated an implied per share equity value for the Alcon shares after giving effect to the potential cost savings and synergies anticipated by the management of Novartis to result from the merger. Credit Suisse calculated this implied per share equity value reference range by adding 100% of the net present value of the potential cost savings and associated restructuring costs (based on estimates provided by Novartis management and using discount ranges ranging from 7% to 9%) to the implied per share equity value reference range for the Alcon shares derived above. These analyses indicated the following implied per share equity reference ranges for the Alcon shares, as compared to the Merger Consideration:

Implied per Share Equity Reference Range for the Alcon shares
(Excluding Synergies) 		  $141.07 - $180.40
Implied per Share Equity Reference Range for the Alcon shares
(Including Synergies)		   $142.90 - $182.22
Merger Consideration   $168.00

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Alcon Selected Companies Trading Comparables Analysis

              Using publicly available information, Credit Suisse reviewed certain financial and stock market information for the following publicly traded companies in the pharmaceuticals, surgical and consumer industries:

              Pharmaceuticals

              Surgical

              Consumer

              None of the companies utilized in the selected companies analysis is identical or directly comparable to Alcon. The selected companies were chosen because they are publicly traded companies that operate in, or have divisions or subsidiaries that operate in, similar industries to Alcon, or comparable divisions of Alcon, and they have lines of business and financial and operating characteristics similar to Alcon or to comparable divisions of Alcon. Credit Suisse determined using its professional judgment that these selected companies were the most appropriate for purposes of this analysis.

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              With respect to the selected companies and Alcon, Credit Suisse reviewed, among other things, enterprise values as multiples of calendar year 2011 estimated EBITDA. Credit Suisse also reviewed per share equity values of the selected publicly traded companies and Alcon as a multiple of calendar year 2011 estimated earning per share ("EPS"). Credit Suisse calculated the multiples for the selected companies and Alcon using closing stock prices as of December 13, 2010, and information it obtained from public filings, publicly available consensus research analyst estimates and other publicly available information. Credit Suisse then compared these multiples derived for the selected publicly traded companies and Alcon to corresponding estimated data for Alcon, based on consolidated forecasts of Novartis for Alcon for calendar year 2011, which were provided, reviewed and approved by Novartis management. Novartis management advised Credit Suisse that the consolidated forecasts for Alcon were based on publicly available consensus analyst projections as adjusted and approved by Novartis. This analysis indicated the following implied high and low multiples for Alcon and the selected publicly traded companies:

 
   Implied Multiples
for Selected
Companies

   Enterprise Value
Range

  
 
   Low
   High
   Low
   High
  
 
      

Enterprise Value as Multiple of 2011E EBITDA

     10.5x     13.5x              

Implied Value per Alcon Share

              

$

 116.93  

$

 147.59  

Closing Stock Price as Multiple of 2011E EPS

    

16.5x

    

20.0x

              

Implied Value per Alcon Share

              

$

 140.96  

$

 170.86  

Precedent Premia Paid Analysis

              Using publicly available information, Credit Suisse analyzed the premia offered in selected global and US transactions announced since January 1, 2006, in which (i) the acquiror held more than 50% of the target's capital prior to the transaction, (ii) more than $100 million was paid for the minority stake and (iii) the acquiror was seeking to obtain 100% ownership of the target upon consummation of the transaction.

              For each of these transactions, Credit Suisse calculated the premium represented by the implied merger consideration value over the closing share price one trading day, one week and one month prior to the public announcement of the transaction. The premia paid analysis indicated the following ranges of premia paid in the selected transactions:

 
   Global Transactions

   US Transactions
Premium to Closing Price (%)
   Mean   Median   Mean   Median

One Trading Day Prior to Announcement

  

17.1

  

14.8

  

17.9

  

15.9

One Week Prior to Announcement

  

19.3

  

16.3

  

21.0

  

16.8

One Month Prior to Announcement

  

22.4

  

18.9

  

22.7

  

18.3

              Credit Suisse then applied the midpoint of the foregoing premia range to the range of comparable companies set forth above to calculate the implied estimated range of takeover values for the Alcon shares, based on both enterprise value as a multiple of calendar year 2011 estimated EBITDA and share price as a multiple of calendar year 2011 estimated EPS and found that the $168 per share value of the Merger Consideration fell within the range in both cases.

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Novartis Analysis

Historical Stock Price Analysis

              Credit Suisse reviewed the historical daily high and low trading prices of Novartis shares for the 52 weeks ending December 13, 2010. This review indicated that the high and low trading prices of Novartis shares for the 52 weeks ending December 13, 2010 were $62.27 and $52.25, respectively. Credit Suisse also reviewed the high and low research analyst target prices of Novartis shares, which were $77.52 and $49.61, respectively.

Novartis Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

              Credit Suisse calculated the estimated present value of the unlevered, free cash flows that Novartis could generate during the period from September 30, 2010 to December 31, 2014, based on both financial projections provided by Novartis management and consensus research analyst estimates. Credit Suisse then calculated a range of terminal values by multiplying calendar year 2014 estimated EBITDA by selected EBITDA multiples ranging from 7.0x to 9.0x. The estimated free cash flow and terminal values were then discounted to present value using discount rates from 7% to 9%. Based on this analysis, Credit Suisse derived an implied per share equity value reference range for Novartis shares. This analysis indicated the following implied per share equity reference ranges for Novartis:

Novartis Management Projections

  $53.33 - $71.36

Consensus Research Analyst Estimates

  

$47.38 - $63.12

Novartis Selected Companies Trading Comparables Analysis

              Using publicly available information, Credit Suisse reviewed certain financial and stock market information for the following publicly traded corporations in the pharmaceuticals industry:

              The selected companies were chosen because they are publicly traded companies that operate in similar industries to Novartis and have lines of business and financial and operating characteristics similar to Novartis. Credit Suisse determined using its professional judgment that these selected companies were the most appropriate for purposes of this analysis.

              With respect to the selected companies and Novartis, Credit Suisse reviewed, among other things, enterprise values as multiples of calendar year 2011 estimated EBITDA. Credit Suisse also reviewed per share equity values of the selected publicly traded companies and Novartis as a multiple of calendar year 2011 estimated EPS. Credit Suisse calculated the multiples for the selected companies

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and Novartis using closing stock prices as of December 13, 2010, and information it obtained from public filings, publicly available consensus research analyst estimates and other publicly available information. Credit Suisse then compared these multiples derived for the selected publicly traded companies and Novartis to corresponding estimated data for Novartis, based on Novartis management projections for calendar years 2010-2014. This analysis indicated the following implied high and low multiples for Novartis and the selected publicly traded companies:

 
   Implied Multiples
for Selected Companies

   Enterprise Value
Range

  
 
   Low
   High
   Low
   High
  
 
      
Enterprise Value as Multiple of 2011E EBITDA     7.5x                 9.0x                          

Implied Value per Novartis Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$      46.01        
 
 
$      57.16        
 

Closing Stock Price as Multiple of 2011E EPS
 
 
9.5x            
 
 
12.0x            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Implied Value per Novartis Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$      54.60        
 
 
$      68.97        
 

Miscellaneous

              Novartis engaged Credit Suisse to render an opinion to the Novartis Board with respect to the fairness to Novartis, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration. Novartis selected Credit Suisse based on Credit Suisse's qualifications, experience and reputation, and its familiarity with Novartis and its business. Credit Suisse is an internationally recognized investment banking firm and is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes. Pursuant to the engagement letter of Novartis with Credit Suisse, Novartis agreed to pay Credit Suisse a customary fee upon the delivery of its opinion. In addition, Novartis agreed to reimburse Credit Suisse on a monthly basis for its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the engagement, including the fees and expenses of its legal counsel. Novartis has agreed to indemnify Credit Suisse and certain related parties for certain liabilities and other items arising out of or related to Credit Suisse's engagement.

              Credit Suisse and its affiliates have in the past provided, and are currently providing, investment banking and other financial services to Alcon and its affiliates, including having provided or providing certain foreign exchange services and products to Alcon. Credit Suisse and its affiliates also have in the past provided and are currently providing and in the future may provide, investment banking and other financial services to Novartis and its affiliates, for which Credit Suisse and its affiliates have received, and would expect to receive, compensation, including: having acted as a lead underwriter in connection with public offerings of debt securities by Novartis; a lender in connection with the revolving credit facility of Novartis; and having provided or providing certain asset management, foreign exchange and trade finance services and products to Novartis. Credit Suisse and its affiliates may have provided other financial advice and services, and may in the future provide financial advice and services, to Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates, for which Credit Suisse and its affiliates have received, and would expect to receive, compensation. In addition, in connection with the acquisition by Novartis of its 77% stake in Alcon, Credit Suisse acted as financial advisor to the seller in that transaction. Credit Suisse is a full service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, Credit Suisse and its affiliates may acquire, hold or sell, for its and its affiliates' own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of Alcon, Novartis and any other company that may be involved in the merger, as well as provide investment banking and other financial services to such companies.

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Position of Novartis Regarding Fairness of the Merger

              The rules of the SEC require Novartis to express its belief as to the fairness of the merger to the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders. Novartis believes that the merger is fair to the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders. Novartis bases this belief on the following factors, each of which, in its judgment, supports its view as to the fairness of the merger:

              Novartis did not consider the per Alcon share price of $181 paid to Nestlé for all but 4,088,485 of the Second Stage Shares (which 4,088,485 shares were purchased for $143.18 per Alcon share) because of its view that an acquisition of a controlling majority position should be valued at a premium that would not be applicable to a merger transaction that does not similarly confer control. Novartis did not consider the premium paid for shares in prior squeeze-out transactions involving Novartis in considering the substantive fairness of the transaction to the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders because Novartis does not consider the merger to be a squeeze-out transaction, and as such those premia would not be relevant. Novartis did consider appropriately comparable premia typically applied to unaffected share prices for acquisitions of a minority stake, including certain transactions cited in the precedent premia paid analysis prepared by Credit Suisse.

              In reaching its conclusion as to fairness, Novartis expressly adopted the conclusions and analyses of Credit Suisse, as described in "—Opinion of Credit Suisse" beginning on page 51, in addition to the other factors described herein. Novartis considered the fact that certain of the valuation methodologies and metrics (including trading prices) considered by Credit Suisse included prices and per share equity reference ranges in excess of $168, while other analyses indicated values below $168.

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              Novartis also believes that sufficient procedural safeguards were present to ensure the fairness of the transaction to the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders. Novartis reached this conclusion based on, among other things:

              Swiss law requires that the merger agreement be approved by 2/3 of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Swiss law does not provide for, and it is not a recognized practice under Swiss law to structure the transaction so that the merger would require, the approval of at least a majority of the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders.

              Novartis also considered the following factors, each of which it considered to be negative in its considerations concerning the fairness of the terms of the transaction:

              Novartis did not find it practicable to assign, nor did it assign, relative weights to the individual factors considered in reaching its conclusion as to fairness.

              In reaching its conclusion as to fairness, Novartis did not consider the liquidation value of Alcon because it considers Alcon to be a viable going concern and has no plans to liquidate Alcon. The liquidation of Alcon was not considered to be a viable course of action based on the desire of Novartis for Alcon to continue to conduct its business following completion of the merger and remain an integral component of the overall strategy of Novartis. Therefore, Novartis believes that the liquidation value of Alcon is irrelevant to a determination as to whether the merger is fair to Alcon shareholders unaffiliated with Novartis, and no appraisal of liquidation value was sought for purposes of valuing the Alcon shares.

              Further, net book value, which is an accounting concept, was not considered as a factor because Novartis believes that net book value is not a material indicator of the value of Alcon as a going concern but rather is primarily indicative of historical costs.

              Novartis is not aware of any firm offers made by a third party to acquire Alcon during the past two years and in any event Novartis does not have any intention of selling or otherwise disposing of the

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Alcon shares that are currently owned by it. Third-party offers were therefore not considered by Novartis in reaching its conclusion as to fairness.

              Novartis did not consider alternative means (other than the merger) to acquire shares held by the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders.

              The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered and given weight by Novartis is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the factors considered by Novartis that it believes to be material.

Alcon Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Alcon Board as to Fairness of the Merger

              The Alcon Board, by the unanimous vote of those directors who voted (Dr. Vasella, who is the Chairman of the Novartis Board, and Mr. Buehler, who has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, recused themselves and Dr. Joan W. Miller, who participated in the unanimous resolution of the Independent Director Committee to recommend to the Alcon Board that the Alcon Board approve the merger agreement, was not present), determined to approve the merger agreement and the merger. In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and the merger, the Alcon Board consulted with Alcon's management and legal and financial advisors regarding strategic, legal, operational and financial aspects of the transaction, and it considered a variety of factors in favor of the merger. Among other things, Alcon believes:

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              In reaching its determination that the merger agreement and the merger are fair and are advisable and in the best interests of the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders, the Alcon Board determined that the analyses of the Independent Director Committee in considering whether to recommend the merger agreement to the Alcon Board were reasonable, and expressly adopted the conclusions and analyses of the Independent Director Committee. In determining the fairness of the transaction, the Alcon Board considered and relied upon:

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              The Alcon Board also believes that sufficient procedural safeguards were present to ensure the fairness of the transaction. The Alcon Board reached this conclusion based on, among other things:

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              The Alcon Board also considered a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. These factors included:

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              In view of the wide variety of factors considered by the Alcon Board in evaluating the merger and the complexity of these matters, the directors did not find it practicable, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weight to those factors. To avoid any actual conflict of interest or the appearance of any conflict of interest, Dr. Vasella, who is the Chairman of the Novartis Board, and Mr. Buehler, who has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, did not participate in any deliberations of the Alcon Board relating to the merger agreement and the merger and abstained from voting on the approval of the merger agreement.

              In reaching its determination and making its recommendation, the Alcon Board did not consider the liquidation value of Alcon to be a relevant valuation method because it considered Alcon to be a viable going concern. Furthermore, the Alcon Board did not consider net book value to be a useful indicator of Alcon's value because the Alcon Board believed that net book value is primarily indicative of historical costs but is not a material indicator of the value of Alcon as a going concern. The Merger Consideration is approximately 654% greater than Alcon's net book value per share of $22.27 on a shares outstanding basis as of September 30, 2010. In addition, the Alcon Board did not consider firm offers made by unaffiliated persons during the last two years (other than the transactions pursuant to the Purchase and Option Agreement described in "Special Factors—Background of the Merger" beginning on page 34), as no such offers were made during that time.

              In connection with the consummation of the merger, certain of Alcon's officers may receive benefits and compensation that may differ from the Merger Consideration you would receive. Please see "Interests of Alcon's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 140.

              Based in part on the recommendation of the Independent Director Committee, the Alcon Board, by the unanimous vote of the those directors voting (Dr. Vasella, who is Chairman of the Novartis Board, and Mr. Buehler, who has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger, recused themselves and Dr. Joan W. Miller, who participated in the unanimous resolution of the Independent Director Committee to recommend to the Alcon Board that the Alcon Board approve the merger agreement, was not present) recommends that Alcon shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement. This recommendation was made after consideration of all the material factors, both positive and negative, as described above.

Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC

              Alcon retained Lazard to act as its investment banker and to render an opinion to Alcon's board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to holders of Alcon shares (other than Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates) of the Merger Consideration (as defined in the merger agreement) to be paid to such holders in the merger. On December 14, 2010, Lazard rendered its oral opinion to Alcon's board of directors, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be paid to holders of Alcon shares (other than Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates) in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

              The full text of Lazard's written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Lazard in connection with its opinion is attached to this prospectus as Annex C and is incorporated into this prospectus by reference. The description of Lazard's opinion set forth in this prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Lazard's written opinion attached as Annex C. We encourage you to read Lazard's opinion and this section carefully and in their entirety.

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              Lazard's engagement and its opinion were for the benefit of Alcon's board of directors (in its capacity as such) and Lazard's opinion was rendered to Alcon's board of directors in connection with its evaluation of the merger and only addressed the fairness, from a financial point of view, to holders of Alcon shares (other than Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates) of the Merger Consideration to be paid to such holders in the merger as of the date of Lazard's opinion. Alcon did not request Lazard to consider, and Lazard's opinion did not address, the relative merits of the merger as compared to any other transaction or business strategy in which Alcon might engage or the merits of the underlying decision by Alcon to engage in the merger. Lazard's opinion was not intended to and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act with respect to the merger or any matter relating thereto. Lazard's opinion was necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Lazard as of, the date of Lazard's opinion. Lazard assumed no responsibility for updating or revising its opinion based on circumstances or events occurring after the date of Lazard's opinion. Lazard did not express any opinion as to the prices at which the Alcon shares or the Novartis shares may trade at any time subsequent to the announcement of the merger. Lazard's opinion is delivered in accordance with, and on the express condition that it may only be interpreted in accordance with, custom and practice in the United States.

              The following is a summary of Lazard's opinion. We encourage you to read Lazard's written opinion carefully in its entirety.

              In connection with its opinion, Lazard:

              Lazard assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing information, without independent verification of such information. Lazard did not conduct any independent valuation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Alcon or Novartis or concerning the solvency or fair value of Alcon or Novartis, and Lazard was not furnished with such valuation or appraisal. With respect to the financial forecasts for Alcon utilized in Lazard's analyses and provided to Lazard by the management of Alcon, Lazard assumed, with the consent of Alcon, that they were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments

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as to the future financial performance of Alcon. As Alcon was aware, the management of Alcon did not prepare forecasts beyond 2013; accordingly, the financial information used for purposes of Lazard's analyses for years 2014 through 2022 was extrapolated based on guidance from the management of Alcon and Lazard assumed, with the consent of Alcon, that such extrapolated financial information was a reasonable basis upon which to evaluate the future financial performance of Alcon, and was appropriate to use in Lazard's analyses. As Alcon was also aware, the management of Novartis did not make available its forecasts of the future financial performance of Novartis but directed Lazard to publicly available estimates for Novartis. Lazard assumed, with the consent of Alcon, that such publicly available estimates for Novartis were a reasonable basis upon which to evaluate the future financial performance of Novartis, and were appropriate for Lazard to utilize in its analyses. Lazard assumed no responsibility for and expressed no view as to any such forecasts, extrapolated financial information or publicly available estimates or the assumptions on which they were based. Lazard further assumed, with the consent of Alcon, that adjustments (if any) to the Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 2.1(c) of the merger agreement would not be material in any respect to Lazard's analyses or opinion.

              In connection with its engagement, Lazard was not authorized to, and Lazard did not, solicit indications of interest from third parties regarding a potential transaction with Alcon, nor was Lazard requested to consider, and Lazard's opinion does not address, the relative merits of the merger as compared to any other transaction or business strategy in which Alcon might engage. Lazard was not involved in the negotiation or execution of the merger, nor was Lazard requested to consider the merits of the process relating to the merger or whether a different process may have resulted in different or greater consideration to be paid to holder of Alcon shares or the merits of the underlying decision by Alcon to engage in the merger.

              In rendering its opinion, Lazard assumed, with the consent of Alcon, that the merger would be consummated on the terms described in the merger agreement, without any waiver or modification of any material terms or conditions, and that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated therein comply with Swiss law. Lazard also assumed, with the consent of Alcon, that obtaining the necessary governmental, regulatory or third party approvals and consents for the merger would not have an adverse effect on Alcon, Novartis or the merger. Lazard's opinion did not address any legal, tax, regulatory or accounting matters, as to which Lazard understood that Alcon obtained such advice as it deemed necessary from qualified professionals. Lazard expressed no view or opinion as to any terms or other aspects (other than the Merger Consideration to the extent expressly specified in Lazard's opinion) of the merger, nor did Lazard express any view or opinion regarding the nature or components of the Merger Consideration. In addition, Lazard expressed no view or opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of, or any other aspects relating to, the compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any parties to the merger, or class of such persons, relative to the Merger Consideration or otherwise.

              The following is a brief summary of the material financial analyses and reviews that Lazard deemed appropriate in connection with rendering its opinion. The brief summary of Lazard's analyses and reviews provided below is not a complete description of the analyses and reviews underlying Lazard's opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of analysis and review and the application of those methods to particular circumstances, and, therefore, is not readily susceptible to summary description. Considering selected portions of the analyses and reviews in the summary set forth below, without considering the analyses and reviews as a whole, could create an incomplete or misleading view of the analyses and reviews underlying Lazard's opinion.

              In arriving at its opinion, Lazard considered the results of all of its analyses and reviews and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor, analysis or review considered by it; rather, Lazard made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses and reviews.

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              For purposes of its analyses and reviews, Lazard considered industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Alcon and Novartis. No company, business or transaction used in Lazard's analyses and reviews as a comparison is identical to Alcon, Novartis or the merger, and an evaluation of the results of those analyses and reviews is not entirely mathematical. Rather, the analyses and reviews involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading or other values of the companies, businesses or transactions used in Lazard's analyses and reviews. The estimates contained in Lazard's analyses and reviews and the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis or review are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by Lazard's analyses and reviews. In addition, analyses and reviews relating to the value of companies, businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which companies, businesses or securities actually may be sold. Accordingly, the estimates used in, and the results derived from, Lazard's analyses and reviews are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty.

              The summary of the analyses and reviews provided below includes information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand Lazard's analyses and reviews, the tables must be read together with the full text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of Lazard's analyses and reviews. Considering the data in the tables below without considering the full description of the analyses and reviews, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses and reviews, could create a misleading or incomplete view of Lazard's analyses and reviews.

              In Lazard's analyses and reviews set forth below, each implied price per share range was rounded to the nearest dollar. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before December 13, 2010 and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions. For purposes of Lazard's opinion and analyses, Lazard assumed that the Merger Consideration would have a value of US$168.00.

Financial Analyses

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

              Lazard performed a discounted cash flow analysis of Alcon based on financial forecasts for Alcon for years 2011 through 2013 prepared by the management of Alcon and financial information for Alcon for years 2014 through 2022 that was extrapolated based on guidance from, and with the consent of, the management of Alcon. Lazard calculated a present value of the forecasted unlevered free cash flows of Alcon for years 2011 through 2013. Lazard then determined a total terminal value for Alcon by calculating and adding together an interim terminal value for Alcon for years 2014 through 2022 based on the financial information referenced above and a perpetuity terminal value for Alcon post 2022 using perpetuity growth rates of 2.0% to 3.0%. Lazard discounted the unlevered free cash flows of Alcon for years 2011 through 2013 as well as the total terminal value for Alcon to December 31, 2010, in each case using discount rates ranging from 8.5% to 9.5%, which range was based on a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) analysis of the selected companies used in the comparable companies analysis described below. Based on the foregoing, Lazard calculated an implied price per share range for Alcon of US$150.00 to US$189.00.

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Comparable Companies Analysis

              Lazard analyzed the market values and trading multiples of Alcon and generally comparable publicly traded healthcare companies. Using publicly available information and Institutional Brokers' Estimates System (IBES) mean estimates, Lazard analyzed the market values and trading multiples for the healthcare companies listed below:

              Healthcare Companies

              Although none of the selected companies is directly comparable to Alcon, the companies selected are publicly traded companies with criteria, such as lines of business, markets, business risks, growth prospects, maturity of business and size and scale of business, that for purposes of analysis Lazard considered similar to Alcon.

              Lazard calculated the range of trading multiples for all of the companies listed above based on the closing stock prices of the selected companies on December 13, 2010. In particular, Lazard reviewed the enterprise value of the selected companies as a multiple of, among other things, estimated year 2010 and estimated year 2011 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. Lazard calculated enterprise value as the market capitalization (or equity value), plus total debt and minority interests and preferred stock, less cash and cash equivalents. Lazard also reviewed price to earnings, or P/E, multiples, which is the per share equity value of the selected companies as a multiple of earnings per share, or EPS. Estimated financial data for Alcon was based on the financial forecasts provided to Lazard by Alcon's management.

              The following table presents the reference range of trading multiples for all companies selected by Lazard as well as the individual trading multiples for Allergan, which Lazard considered to be more comparable to Alcon relative to the other companies selected for the analysis due to its business profile:

 
   Healthcare Companies   Allergan  

Enterprise Value / 2010E EBITDA

     9.2x – 13.5x     13.4x  

Enterprise Value / 2011E EBITDA

    

8.4x – 12.0x

    

11.9x

  

2010E P / E

    

16.1x – 22.5x

    

21.9x

  

2011E P / E

    

13.7x – 19.8x

    

19.1x

 

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              Based upon the foregoing, Lazard applied the selected ranges to the relevant statistic for Alcon and calculated an implied range of Alcon share prices. The following table presents the results of such analysis:

 
  
Implied Price per Alcon share
Enterprise Value / EBITDA
(all healthcare companies)		   US$96.00 – US$137.00

Enterprise Value / EBITDA (Allergan)
 
US$134.00 – US$137.00

P / E (all healthcare companies)
 
US$116.00 – US$171.00

P / E (Allergan)
 
US$160.00 – US$166.00

Precedent Transactions Analysis

              Lazard reviewed and analyzed selected precedent merger and acquisition transactions involving companies in the healthcare industry. In performing these analyses, Lazard analyzed certain publicly available financial information and transaction multiples relating to companies in the selected transactions and compared such information to the corresponding financial information for Alcon. The financial information for Alcon was based on the financial forecasts provided to Lazard by Alcon's management.

              Specifically, Lazard reviewed ten merger and acquisition transactions since January 2006 involving healthcare companies with a transaction value greater than US$5 billion. Lazard also reviewed the two additional merger and acquisition transactions that had a transaction value less than US$5 billion, Abbott Laboratories' acquisition of Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. and Warburg Pincus's acquisition of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, because they were the only sizeable ophthalmology transactions since January 2006.

              The precedent transactions reviewed were (listed by announcement date followed by the acquirer and target company):

Date Announced
   Acquiror
   Target
February 2010   Merck KGaA   Millipore Corp.

January 2009
 
Abbott Laboratories
 
Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

June 2008
 
Invitrogen Corp.
 
Applied Biosystems Inc.

April 2008
 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
 
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

July 2007
 
Siemens AG
 
Dade Behring, Inc.

May 2007
 
Warburg Pincus
 
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

April 2007
 
AstraZeneca PLC
 
MedImmune, Inc.

December 2006
 
Private Equity Consortium (The Blackstone Group L.P., Goldman Sachs & Co., Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. and TPG Capital)
 
Biomet, Inc.

June 2006
 
Siemens AG
 
Bayer Diagnostics (a division of Bayer AG)

June 2006
 
Johnson & Johnson
 
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (a division of Pfizer Inc.)

May 2006
 
Thermo Electron Corp.
 
Fisher Scientific International Inc.

March 2006
 
Bayer AG
 
Schering AG

              Using publicly available information and market data, Lazard calculated and analyzed the transaction value in each of the selected precedent transactions as a multiple of each target company's

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last twelve months (LTM) EBITDA and next twelve months (NTM) EBITDA, in each case with respect to the date of announcement of the transaction.

              Based upon its analysis, Lazard calculated a LTM enterprise value to EBITDA multiple reference range of 14.4x to 17.4x and applied such range to Alcon's estimated year 2010 EBITDA. Lazard then calculated an implied enterprise value reference range for Alcon, resulting in an implied price per share range for Alcon of US$146.00 to US$175.00.

              Lazard also calculated a NTM enterprise value to EBITDA multiple reference range of 11.7x to 16.0x and applied such range to Alcon's estimated year 2011 EBITDA. Lazard then calculated an implied enterprise value reference range for Alcon, resulting in an implied price per share range for Alcon of US$120.00 to US$161.00.

Other Analyses and Reviews

Minority Squeeze-Out Premiums Analysis

              Lazard performed a minority squeeze-out premiums analysis based publicly available information on premiums paid in the 17 public company transactions with a US or European target company announced since 2006 with a transaction value greater than US$1 billion in which the acquiror owned between 50% and 80% of the target company. The implied premiums in this analysis were calculated by comparing the per share transaction price to the closing price of the target company's stock one day prior to announcement of the transaction and to the target company's 1-month, 3-month and 6-month average closing price per share prior to announcement of the transaction. Based on the foregoing, Lazard applied the mean to median range of such implied premiums to Alcon's closing share price one-day prior to December 1, 2009 (the last unaffected trading day prior to the announcement of a proposed transaction between Alcon and Novartis), and to Alcon's 1-month, 3-month and 6-month average closing share price prior to December 1, 2009, which resulted in an implied price per share range for Alcon of US$152.00 to US$175.00.

52-Week High/Low

              Lazard reviewed share price data for Alcon for the 52-week period ended December 13, 2010, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the merger. Lazard observed that, during this period, the closing share price for Alcon ranged from US$135.00 per share to US$170.18 per share.

Miscellaneous

              In connection with Lazard's services as Alcon's investment banker, Alcon agreed to pay Lazard an aggregate fee of US$1.5 million, which was payable in full upon the earliest of (i) the date on which Lazard rendered its opinion, (ii) the date on which Lazard provided Alcon's board of directors, at its request, with a presentation in lieu of an opinion regarding Lazard's views concerning the fairness of the consideration proposed to be paid in the merger, and (iii) public announcement of the merger (subject to certain circumstances). Alcon also agreed to reimburse Lazard for certain expenses incurred in connection with Lazard's engagement and to indemnify Lazard and certain related persons under certain circumstances against certain liabilities that may arise from or relate to Lazard's engagement, including certain liabilities under US federal securities laws.

              Lazard, as part of its investment banking business, is continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements, leveraged buyouts, and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. Lazard and its affiliates have in the past provided, currently are providing and in the future may provide certain investment banking services to Alcon, Novartis and certain of their respective affiliates, for which Lazard or its affiliates have received and

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may receive compensation, including, during the past two years, having performed certain financial advisory services for Novartis unrelated to the merger. In addition, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, Lazard, LFCM Holdings LLC (an entity indirectly owned in large part by managing directors of Lazard) and their respective affiliates may actively trade securities of Alcon, Novartis and certain of their respective affiliates for their own accounts and for the accounts of their customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities, and may also trade and hold securities on behalf of Alcon, Novartis and certain of their respective affiliates. The issuance of Lazard's opinion was approved by an authorized committee of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC.

              Lazard is an internationally recognized investment banking firm providing a full range of financial advisory and other services. Lazard was selected to act as investment banker to Alcon because of its qualifications, expertise and reputation in investment banking and mergers and acquisitions, as well as its familiarity with the business of Alcon.

              Alcon and Novartis determined the Merger Consideration to be paid to the holders of Alcon shares in the merger through arm's-length negotiations, and Alcon's board of directors approved the Merger Consideration. Lazard conducted the analyses and reviews summarized above for the purpose of providing an opinion to Alcon's board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Alcon shares (other than Alcon, Novartis and their respective affiliates) of the Merger Consideration to be paid to such holders in the merger. Lazard did not recommend any specific consideration to Alcon's board of directors or any other person or indicate that any given consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the merger.

              Lazard's opinion was one of many factors considered by Alcon's board of directors. Consequently, the summary of the analyses and reviews provided above should not be viewed as determinative of the opinion of Alcon's board of directors with respect to the Merger Consideration or of whether Alcon's board of directors would have been willing to recommend a different transaction or determine that a different Merger Consideration was fair. Additionally, Lazard's opinion is not intended to confer any rights or remedies upon any employee or creditor of Alcon.

Recommendation of the Independent Director Committee

              The Independent Director Committee, acting with the advice and assistance of independent legal and financial advisors, evaluated and negotiated the terms and conditions of the merger agreement with Novartis. The Independent Director Committee unanimously resolved to recommend to the Alcon Board that the Alcon Board approve the merger agreement.

              In the course of reaching its determination and making the recommendation described above, the Independent Director Committee considered a number of factors, including the following:

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              The Independent Director Committee also considered a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. These factors included:

              This discussion of the information and factors considered by the Independent Director Committee in reaching recommendation includes all of the material factors considered by the Independent Director Committee, but is not intended to be exhaustive. In view of the wide variety of factors the Independent Director Committee considered in evaluating the merger agreement, and the complexity of these matters, the Independent Director Committee did not find it practicable, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weight to the factors. In addition, different members of the Independent Director Committee may have given different weight to different factors.

              In reaching its determination to make its recommendation, the Independent Director Committee did not consider the liquidation value of Alcon to be a relevant valuation method because it considered Alcon to be a viable going concern. The Independent Director Committee did not consider net book value to be a useful indicator of Alcon's value because the Independent Director Committee believed that net book value is indicative of historical costs but is not a material indicator of the value of Alcon as a going concern. In addition, the Independent Director Committee did not consider firm offers made by unaffiliated persons during the last two years (other than the transactions pursuant to the Purchase and Option Agreement described in "Special Factors—Background of the Merger" beginning on page 34), as no such offers were made during that time.

              The Independent Director Committee believes that sufficient procedural safeguards were and are present to permit the Independent Director Committee to represent effectively the interests of the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders. These procedural safeguards include the following:

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              In light of the procedural safeguards described above, the Independent Director Committee did not consider it necessary to retain an unaffiliated representative to act solely on behalf of the unaffiliated Alcon shareholders for purposes of negotiating the terms of the merger agreement or preparing a report concerning the fairness of the merger agreement and the merger.

Opinion of Greenhill

              The Independent Director Committee retained Greenhill to act as its financial advisor in connection with the Independent Director Committee's consideration of the proposed terms of the potential merger. On December 14, 2010, at a meeting of the Independent Director Committee, Greenhill rendered to the Independent Director Committee an oral opinion, which was confirmed by

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delivery of a written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, to the effect that, as of the date of the opinion, and based upon and subject to the limitations and assumptions set forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of the Alcon shares (other than Novartis) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

              The full text of Greenhill's written opinion dated December 14, 2010, which contains the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex D to this prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of Greenhill's opinion in this prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.

              In arriving at its opinion, Greenhill, among other things:

              Greenhill's written opinion was addressed to the Independent Director Committee. It was not a recommendation to the Independent Director Committee as to whether it should approve the merger

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or the merger agreement, nor does it constitute a recommendation as to whether the shareholders of Alcon should approve or take any other action with respect to the merger at any meeting of the shareholders convened in connection with the merger. Greenhill was not requested to opine as to, and its opinion did not in any manner address, the underlying business decision of Alcon or the Independent Director Committee to proceed with or effect the merger, the requirements of the laws of Switzerland, or other legal matters. Greenhill did not express any opinion as to any aspect of the merger other than the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to the holders of Alcon shares (other than Novartis) and, in particular, Greenhill did not express an opinion as to the prices at which Novartis shares will trade at any future time. Greenhill did not express any opinion on the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of Alcon, or any class of such persons, relative to the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of the Alcon shares in the merger or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation.

              In conducting its review and analysis and rendering its opinion, Greenhill assumed and relied upon, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the information publicly available, supplied or otherwise made available to it by representatives and management of Alcon and Novartis for the purposes of its opinion and further relied upon the assurances of the representatives and management of Alcon and Novartis that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make such information inaccurate or misleading. With respect to the financial forecasts and other data concerning Alcon that was furnished or otherwise provided to Greenhill, Greenhill assumed that such forecasts and data were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the management of Alcon as to those matters, and Greenhill relied upon such financial forecasts and data in arriving at its opinion. Novartis did not provide Greenhill with internally prepared forecasts, analyses or estimates and did not endorse the Novartis street forecasts or any other publicly available forecasts relating to the business and financial prospects of Novartis. Novartis did, however, participate in a discussion with Greenhill regarding its future business and financial prospects in which Novartis' management responded to questions posed by Greenhill based on the Novartis street forecasts and commented on the future business and financial prospects of Novartis. On the basis of the foregoing and with the Independent Director Committee's consent, Greenhill assumed that the Novartis street forecasts were a reasonable basis upon which to evaluate the business and financial prospects of Novartis and used the Novartis street forecasts for the purposes of its opinion. Greenhill expressed no opinion with respect to the Novartis street forecasts and the financial forecasts and other data concerning Alcon that was furnished or otherwise provided to Greenhill or other data or the assumptions upon which they were based.

              Greenhill did not make any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Alcon, nor was it furnished with any such appraisals. Greenhill assumed for purposes of its opinion that the merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the final, executed merger agreement, without waiver of any material terms or conditions set forth in the merger agreement. Greenhill further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory and other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger will be obtained without any effect on Alcon or the merger meaningful to its analysis.

              Greenhill's opinion was necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to it, as of December 14, 2010. Subsequent developments may affect its opinion, and Greenhill does not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm its opinion.

              Greenhill was not requested to and did not solicit any expressions of interests from any other parties with respect to the sale of Alcon, the sale of the Alcon shares held by Alcon shareholders (other than Novartis) or any other alternative transaction. Greenhill expressed no opinion as to whether any alternative transaction might produce consideration for the shareholders of Alcon (other than Novartis) in an amount in excess of that contemplated in the merger.

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              The Independent Director Committee retained Greenhill based on its qualifications and expertise in providing financial advice and on its reputation as an internationally recognized investment banking firm. During the two years preceding the date of Greenhill's written opinion, Greenhill had not been engaged by, performed any services for or received any compensation from Alcon or any other parties to the merger (other than amounts that were paid to Greenhill under the letter agreement pursuant to which Greenhill was retained as a financial advisor to the Independent Director Committee in connection with the merger). Under the terms of Greenhill's engagement letter with the Independent Director Committee, Greenhill will receive a customary fee from the Independent Director Committee in connection with the merger, of which a portion has been paid, and of which a portion is contingent on the consummation of the merger. Alcon has also agreed to indemnify Greenhill for certain liabilities that may arise out of Greenhill's engagement. Greenhill's opinion was approved by its fairness committee.

              Greenhill's opinion was one of the many factors considered by the Independent Director Committee in evaluating the merger agreement and the merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the Independent Director Committee with respect to the merger agreement or the merger.

Summary of Greenhill's Financial Analyses

              The following is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by Greenhill to the Independent Director Committee in connection with rendering its opinion described above. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Greenhill, nor does the order of the analyses described represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Greenhill. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand the financial analyses performed by Greenhill, the tables must be read together with the full text of each summary and are not alone a complete description of Greenhill's financial analyses. Considering the data set forth in the tables below without considering the narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of Greenhill's financial analyses. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before December 13, 2010, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

Selected Comparable Company Analysis

              Greenhill performed a selected comparable company analysis of Alcon, an analysis that is based on factors such as the then-current market values, capital structure and operating statistics of other publicly traded companies believed to be generally relevant, in order to derive trading multiples for these companies, which then could be applied to Alcon to derive an implied per share equity value range for Alcon.

              In this analysis, Greenhill reviewed, to the extent publicly available, selected financial and stock market data for the following publicly traded companies, which are collectively referred to below as the selected companies:

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              Greenhill selected these companies because, among other reasons, they are publicly traded companies with operations or businesses that for purposes of analysis may be considered similar or reasonably comparable to those of Alcon. Greenhill believes that none of the selected companies is directly comparable to Alcon. Out of the selected companies, Greenhill considered Allergan to be more comparable than the others given Allergan's participation in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry. Financial data of the selected companies was based on publicly available data, including Capital IQ, Inc., FactSet Research Systems, Inc., the Institutional Brokers' Estimate System, public filings and other publicly available information as of December 13, 2010. Financial data of Alcon was based on the financial forecasts and other financial and operating data concerning Alcon prepared by or discussed with the management of Alcon, and which Alcon provided to Greenhill to utilize for purposes of its analyses.

              Selected Companies Analysis. For purposes of this analysis, Greenhill analyzed the following information for the selected companies, as well as for Alcon:

              Based on these analyses and applying its professional judgment and experience, Greenhill selected a range of enterprise value multiples of estimated EBITDA between 8.0x and 9.0x for calendar year 2010 and between 7.5x and 8.5x for calendar year 2011 and selected a range of equity value multiples of estimated net income between 12.5x and 13.5x for calendar year 2010 and between 11.5x and 12.5x for calendar year 2011.

              Because Alcon's share price has historically traded at a premium compared to the selected companies, Greenhill, in order to derive an implied per share equity value range for Alcon, calculated Alcon's average historical EBITDA and EPS to the selected companies for the three years prior to April 4, 2008 (the date of Novartis' announcement of its intent to purchase the shares of Alcon that at the time were held by Nestlé) and Greenhill then applied the same multiple premia to the multiples of the selected companies derived by Greenhill as discussed above.

              For purposes of calculating Alcon's implied enterprise and per share equity value ranges for this analysis, Greenhill assumed a net cash position of $2,469 million and a fully diluted share count of Alcon. When applied to Alcon, the enterprise value multiples of estimated EBITDA and Alcon's historical multiple premium as described above yielded an implied per share equity value range of approximately $131 to $147 and the equity value multiples of estimated net income and Alcon's historical multiple premium as described above yielded an implied per share equity value range of approximately $140 to $151. Greenhill compared these ranges to the Merger Consideration to be received by holders of Alcon shares (other than Novartis) in the merger.

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              Allergan Analysis. As Greenhill viewed Allergan as the most comparable of the selected companies to Alcon, Greenhill conducted an additional comparable company valuation analysis based on Allergan's enterprise value multiples of estimated EBITDA and equity value multiples of estimated net income in order to derive an implied per share equity value range for Alcon. Based on these analyses and applying its professional judgment and experience, Greenhill selected a range of enterprise value multiples of estimated EBITDA for Allergan between 12.0x and 14.0x for calendar year 2010 and between 10.5x and 12.5x for calendar year 2011 and equity value multiples of estimated net income between 21.5x and 23.5x for calendar year 2010 and between 18.5x and 20.5x for calendar year 2011. For purposes of calculating Alcon's implied enterprise and per share equity value ranges for this analysis, Greenhill assumed a net cash position of $2,469 million and a fully diluted share count of Alcon. When applied to Alcon, the enterprise value multiples of estimated EBITDA yielded an implied per share equity value range of approximately $120 to $140 and the equity value multiples of estimated net income yielded an implied per share equity value range of approximately $159 to $175. This resulted in an average implied per share equity value range of Alcon of approximately $140 to $157. Greenhill compared this range to the Merger Consideration to be received by holders of Alcon shares (other than Novartis) in the merger.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

              Greenhill performed a discounted cash flow analysis of Alcon on a standalone basis using financial forecasts and estimates prepared by Alcon's management, and provided to Greenhill, for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. Greenhill calculated a range of implied present values per Alcon share by discounting to present value as of September 30, 2010 (a) estimates of Alcon's unlevered free cash flow for the calendar years 2010 through 2013 calculated using the financial forecasts and estimates prepared by Alcon's management and provided to Greenhill and (b) terminal values for Alcon as of December 31, 2027 using an intermediate unlevered free cash flow growth rate range of 6.0% to 7.0% for fiscal years 2014 through 2022 (in order to reflect Alcon's intermediate term growth potential) and using a terminal perpetuity growth rate of 2.5% after the end of 2022. These unlevered free cash flows and terminal values were then discounted to calculate an indication of present values using the discount rates ranging from 8.75% to 9.25%, which range was selected using a weighted average cost of capital methodology. The analysis also assumed, among other factors, (a) at the instruction of Alcon management, an approximately 1.1% per annum increase in Alcon's effective tax rate from fiscal years 2014 through 2027 and thereafter a constant tax rate of 27% in perpetuity and (b) for purposes of calculating Alcon's implied enterprise and per share equity value ranges, a net cash position of $2,469 million as of September 30, 2010 and a fully diluted share count of Alcon as of November 30, 2010. This methodology resulted in an implied per share equity value range of Alcon of approximately $154 to $175. Greenhill compared this range to the Merger Consideration to be received by holders of Alcon shares (other than Novartis) in the merger.

Precedent Transaction Analysis

              Greenhill performed an analysis of selected recent change of control transactions (the "Precedent Transactions") involving companies engaged in the medical device industry (the "Precedent Medical Device Transactions") and specialty pharmaceuticals industry (the "Precedent Specialty Pharmaceutical Transactions") consisting of selected transactions announced since January 1, 2007 and valued at greater than $1 billion, based on publicly available information.

              Although Greenhill analyzed the valuation multiples implied by the Precedent Transactions and compared them to the transaction multiples implied by the merger, none of these transactions is identical to the acquisition of Alcon by Novartis pursuant to the merger agreement, especially since a change of control of Alcon will not occur in the merger. Accordingly, Greenhill's analysis of the Precedent Transactions necessarily involved complex considerations and judgments concerning the

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differences in financial and operating characteristics, the parties involved and terms of their transactions and other factors that would necessarily affect the implied value of Alcon versus the values of the companies in the selected transactions. In evaluating the precedent transactions, Greenhill made judgments and assumptions concerning industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters. Greenhill also made judgments as to the relative comparability of those companies to Alcon and judgments as to the relative comparability of the various valuation parameters with respect to the companies. Greenhill also noted that the multiples implied by the Merger Consideration to be paid pursuant to the merger agreement are attractive relative to those paid in change-of-control transactions.

              Using publicly available information for the Precedent Transactions, Greenhill reviewed the consideration paid in each of the Precedent Transactions and analyzed (a) the enterprise value implied by such consideration as a multiple of EBITDA and revenues and (b) such consideration as a multiple of net income, in each case for the twelve month period preceding the applicable transaction, such twelve month period referred to herein as LTM.

              The following table identifies the selected transactions considered in this analysis:

Date Announced   Acquiror / Target    
  10/28/2010  

Stryker Corp. / Boston Scientific (Neurovascular division)

    
 

10/15/2010

  

St. Jude Medical Inc. / AGA Medical Holdings, Inc.

    
 

6/6/2010

  

Grifols USA, LLC / Talecris Biotherapeutics Holdings Corp.

    
 

6/1/2010

  

Covidien Group S.a.r.l. / ev3 Inc.

    
 

2/28/2010

  

Merck KGaA / Millipore Corp.

    
 

1/11/2009

  

Abbott Laboratories / Advanced Medical Optics Inc.

    
 

12/1/2008

  

ETHICON, INC. / Mentor Corporation

    
 

7/23/2008

  

GE Healthcare Ltd. / Vital Signs, Inc.

    
 

6/11/2008

  

Life Technologies Corporation / Applied Biosystems, Inc.

    
 

5/2/2008

  

Nordic Capital; Avista Capital Holdings, L.P. / ConvaTec, Inc.

    
 

4/7/2008

  

Kinetic Concepts Inc. / LifeCell Corporation

    
 

12/20/2007

  

Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV / Respironics Inc.

    
 

7/25/2007

  

Siemens Medical Solutions Inc. / Dade Behring Holdings Inc.

    
 

6/7/2007

  

Investor Group / Biomet Inc.

    
 

5/16/2007

  

Warburg Pincus LLC / Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

    

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Date Announced   Acquiror / Target    
 

10/11/2010

  

Pfizer Inc. / King Pharmaceuticals Inc.

    
 

6/20/2010

  

Biovail Corporation / Valeant Pharmaceuticals International

    
 

5/21/2010

  

Abbott Laboratories / Piramal (Domestic Formulations Business)

    
 

12/20/2009

  

Sanofi Aventis / Chattem Inc.

    
 

9/26/2009

  

Abbott Laboratories / Solvay Pharmaceuticals S.A.

    
 

9/3/2009

  

Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co Ltd / Sepracor, Inc.

    
 

8/24/2009

  

Warner Chilcott plc / Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    
 

4/20/2009

  

GlaxoSmithKline plc / Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

    

              Greenhill derived from the Precedent Transactions a reference range of valuation multiples for such transactions. The median LTM enterprise value to EBITDA multiple for the Precedent Medical Device Transactions was 17.8x and the median enterprise value to LTM for the Precedent Specialty Pharmaceutical Transactions was 8.4x. Based on this analysis, Greenhill derived a LTM enterprise value to EBITDA multiple range of 13.0x to 15.0x for the Precedent Transactions. Greenhill then applied these multiples to Alcon in order to derive an implied per share equity value range for Alcon, which resulted in an implied per share equity value of approximately $129 to $147 for Alcon.

              The median LTM price to earnings ratio for the Precedent Medical Device Transactions was 33.2x and the median LTM price to earnings ratio for the Precedent Specialty Pharmaceutical Transactions was 12.6x. Based on this analysis, Greenhill derived a LTM price to earnings multiple range of 22.0x to 25.0x for the Precedent Transactions. Greenhill then applied these multiples to Alcon in order to derive an implied per share equity value range for Alcon, which resulted in an implied per share equity value of approximately $163 to $185 for Alcon.

              Greenhill then averaged the LTM enterprise value to EBITDA implied per share equity value range and the LTM price to earnings ratio equity value range as described above to derive an average implied per share equity value of approximately $146 to $166 for Alcon. Greenhill then compared this range to the Merger Consideration to be received by holders of Alcon shares (other than Novartis) in the merger.

Squeeze-Out Premiums Paid Analysis

              Using publicly available information, Greenhill analyzed the premiums offered in 88 selected public company minority shareholder squeeze-out transactions valued at greater than $1 billion and announced since January 1, 2000 in which 15% to 50% of the target company's shares were acquired in such transactions.

              For each of these transactions, Greenhill reviewed the premiums represented by the acquisition price per share in each such transaction as compared to the average closing price per share of the target company one day, one week and one month prior to the announcement of such transaction. This analysis indicated the following mean and median premiums for those time periods prior to announcement:

 
   One Day Prior to
Announcement
   One Week Prior to
Announcement
   One Month Prior to
Announcement
  

Mean

     15.2%     17.8%     19.8%  

Median

    

12.5%

    

15.2%

    

16.9%

  

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              Based on this analysis, Greenhill applied a summary range based on the median premia for the transactions described above to (a) the unaffected Alcon closing share price on December 1, 2009, one day prior to the UBS research report published on December 2, 2009 speculating about a potential purchase of the shares of Alcon held by minority shareholders and (b) research analysts' consensus on the fundamental value of Alcon's share price prior to Novartis' offer to acquire Alcon's remaining shares on January 4, 2010, in order to derive an implied per share value range for Alcon's shares.

              This methodology resulted in an implied per share value range of approximately $162 to $168 for Alcon. Greenhill compared this range to the Merger Consideration to be received by holders of Alcon shares (other than Novartis) in the merger.

              Greenhill noted that the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, each of the transactions reviewed were diverse and that the premiums fluctuated based on such factors as perceived growth, synergies, strategic value and type of consideration utilized in such acquisition transactions. None of the target companies in the these transactions is identical to Alcon and, accordingly, Greenhill's analysis of these transactions necessarily involved complex considerations and judgments concerning the differences in financial and operating characteristics and other factors that would necessarily affect the comparison of the premium implied by the merger versus the premiums implied by these transactions.

Contribution Analysis of Alcon and Novartis

              Greenhill examined the implied contribution of each of Novartis and Alcon's Minority Shareholders to the combined company's estimated EBIT, net income and revenues for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, in each case using projections derived from the Alcon management financial forecasts and from financial forecasts prepared by research analysts. As is customary in a contribution analysis with stock consideration, Greenhill did not take into account potential synergies in conducting contribution analyses, due to the difficulty of projecting the level and timing around recognition of such synergies. The following table sets forth the results of this analysis, which assumes a base of 2.8 Novartis shares for every Alcon share in the merger and does not include potential adjustments to be made in cash or Novartis shares pursuant to the merger agreement:

 
   Novartis   Alcon – Minority Shareholders  

EBIT

              

2011

     94.4%     5.6%  

2012

     94.2%     5.8%  

2013

     93.4%     6.6%  

Net Income

              

2011

     94.1%     5.9%  

2012

     93.9%     6.1%  

2013

     93.0%     7.0%  

Revenue

              

2011

     96.7%     3.3%  

2012

     96.5%     3.5%  

2013

     96.2%     3.8%  

              Greenhill compared the percentages of the measures described above contributed by the Minority Shareholders' interest in Alcon to their estimated percentage ownership in the combined entity after giving effect to the merger.

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Other Considerations

              In connection with its analyses, Greenhill also assumed that Novartis' publicly traded share price is an accurate reflection of its intrinsic value. Greenhill based such assumption upon certain factors, including:

              Greenhill also analyzed Novartis' share price performance for the past two years and relative share price performance for the past five years and performed a selected comparable companies analysis. In addition, Greenhill conducted a due diligence meeting with Novartis management on December 7, 2010 to confirm that there was no material non-public information that would have a meaningful negative impact on the price of Novartis shares if disclosed.

              The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by Greenhill, but simply describes, in summary form, the material analyses that Greenhill considered in connection with its opinion. The preparation of an opinion regarding fairness is a complex analytical process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances, and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. The preparation of an opinion regarding fairness does not involve a mathematical evaluation or weighing of the results of the individual analyses performed, but requires Greenhill to exercise its professional judgment, based on its experience and expertise, in considering a wide variety of analyses taken as a whole. Each of the analyses conducted by Greenhill was carried out in order to provide a different perspective on the financial terms of the merger and add to the total mix of information available. Greenhill did not form a conclusion as to whether any individual analysis, considered in isolation, supported or failed to support an opinion about the fairness of the Merger Consideration to be paid to the holders of Alcon shares (other than Novartis) pursuant to the merger agreement. Rather, in reaching its conclusion, Greenhill considered the results of the analyses in light of each other and without placing particular reliance or weight on any particular analysis, and concluded that its analyses, taken as a whole, supported its determination. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors summarized above, Greenhill believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors considered by it, without considering all analyses and factors, may create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion. In performing its analyses, Greenhill made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions and other matters. The analyses performed by Greenhill are not necessarily indicative of future actual values or results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which Alcon shares or Novartis shares might actually be sold.

Effects of the Merger on Alcon

              As a result of the merger, Alcon will merge with and into Novartis. Novartis will be the surviving corporation in the merger. Following completion of the merger, the Articles of Incorporation of Novartis in effect as of completion of the merger will be the Articles of Incorporation of the surviving corporation, and the Organizational Regulations of Novartis in effect as of the completion of the merger will be the Organizational Regulations of the surviving corporation.

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Public Shareholders

              Following completion and as a result of the merger, there will no longer be any publicly held Alcon shares. Alcon's public shareholders will only participate in the surviving corporation's future earnings and potential growth through their ownership of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs.

Stock Exchange Delisting and Deregistration

              As promptly as practicable following completion of the merger, Novartis will cause Alcon shares to be delisted from the NYSE and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Registration under the Exchange Act may be terminated upon application to the SEC if the Alcon shares are neither listed on a national securities exchange nor held by 300 or more holders of record. As a result of such deregistration, Alcon will no longer be required to file reports with the SEC or otherwise be subject to the United States federal securities laws applicable to public companies.

Effect on the Interest of Novartis in the Net Book Value and Net Earnings of Alcon

              The table below sets forth the interest of Novartis in Alcon's net book value and net earnings before and after the merger, based on the historical net book value of Alcon as of, and the historical net earnings of Alcon for, the year ended December 31, 2010. As discussed in "—Position of Novartis Regarding Fairness of the Merger", Novartis does not believe that net book value is a material indicator of the value of Alcon as a going concern but rather is primarily indicative of historical costs.

Novartis Ownership Prior to the Merger   Novartis Ownership After the Merger
 
    
   Net Earnings   Net Book Value   Net Earnings
Net Book Value
  $(in millions)    
   $(in millions)    
   $(in millions)    
$(in millions)   %   %   %   %

$

 5,657   78%   $ 1,724   78%   $ 7,252   100%   $ 2,210   100%

Plans for Alcon

              Upon completion of the merger, Alcon will be merged with and into Novartis and Novartis will be the surviving corporation. Following such completion, Alcon will become the new eye care division of Novartis. The new eye care division will be the second largest division of Novartis and Mr. Kevin Buehler, current President and CEO of Alcon, will lead this new division.

              Novartis has reviewed and will continue to review various potential business strategies that it may consider in the event that the merger is completed. Novartis expects to continue to review Alcon's assets, corporate structure, capitalization, operations, properties, policies, management and personnel to consider and determine what other changes, if any, would be appropriate or desirable. Novartis expressly reserves the right to make any changes that it deems necessary, appropriate or convenient in light of its review or future developments. Subject the preceding sentences of this paragraph, Novartis has no current plans or proposals or negotiations that relate to or would result in: (i) an extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation involving Alcon or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) any purchase, sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of Alcon or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) any material change in the indebtedness or capitalization of Alcon; (iv) any change in the present board of directors or management of Alcon, including, but not limited to, any plans or proposals to change the number or the term of directors and to fill any existing vacancies on the Alcon Board or to change any material term of the employment contract of any executive officer; or (v) any other material change in Alcon's corporate structure or business.

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Accounting Treatment

              Novartis prepares its consolidated financial statements using IFRS, as issued by IASB. Novartis previously acquired approximately 77% of Alcon shares and therefore fully consolidates Alcon. In accordance with IFRS, the merger will be treated as a separate acquisition of the remaining non-controlling interests in Alcon that Novartis does not currently own and therefore will be accounted for as an equity transaction.

              As described in more detail under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" beginning on page 106, Novartis will pay consideration valued at $168 per Alcon share for each Alcon share outstanding at the effective time of the merger (other than Alcon shares owned by Novartis). Based on an estimated maximum number of Alcon shares outstanding at the effective time of the merger (other than Alcon shares owned by Novartis), Novartis therefore expects to deliver total Merger Consideration valued at approximately $12.9 billion to the non-controlling minority Alcon shareholders in connection with the merger. In accordance with IFRS, Novartis has recorded the value of the outstanding non-controlling interests at December 31, 2010 at approximately $6.5 billion. Based on this value, Novartis will therefore record the resulting excess of the value of the Merger Consideration of approximately $6.4 billion over the value ascribed to the outstanding non-controlling interests as a corresponding reduction in the consolidated equity of Novartis. This reduction in consolidated equity will be offset by an increase in consolidated equity in an amount equal to the market value at the effective time of the merger of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs that Novartis will deliver as part of the Merger Consideration. To the extent Novartis will be required to also pay cash as part of the Merger Consideration (upon exercise of the put option), there will be no such offsetting increase in the consolidated equity of Novartis, which will be potentially reduced by an amount equal to such payments, if any.

              For more detail on the accounting treatment of the merger, please see "Unaudited IFRS Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement—Notes to the Unaudited IFRS Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement—4. Adjustments arising from the merger" on page 129.

Tax Considerations

Material Swiss Income Tax Consequences

              Generally, from a Swiss tax perspective, the merger has no direct tax consequences on the merging companies, a fact that was confirmed to Novartis in a tax ruling by the Swiss Federal Tax authorities.

              The merger will result in an increase in nominal value, corresponding to the excess of the aggregate nominal value of Novartis shares issued to Alcon shareholders over the aggregate nominal value of the Alcon shares tendered. The increase in nominal value per Alcon share is subject to 35% Swiss federal withholding tax. Novartis has agreed to pay and bear the withholding tax. Accordingly, the amount subject to withholding tax is grossed up and corresponds to approximately 153.8% of the increase in nominal value per Alcon share. Swiss resident shareholders are in principle entitled to a full refund or tax credit of the withholding tax against their income tax liability, if they duly report the taxable amount. Non-Swiss resident Alcon shareholders may be entitled to a partial refund of the withholding tax pursuant to the terms of any Swiss international double taxation treaty that may be applicable to them. In particular, US resident Alcon shareholders are in principle entitled to a refund of 20% of the taxable amount (or, in the case of qualified US pension funds as defined for the purposes of the Switzerland-US income tax treaty, to a full refund of the Swiss tax withheld in respect of their Alcon shares) if they meet all requirements that apply to them pursuant to the applicable tax treaty.

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              Payments made under the put option, if any, are also subject to Swiss federal withholding tax at a rate of 35%; Alcon shareholders can, should such a payment be made, reclaim the full amount of the Swiss tax withheld if they are resident for tax purposes in Switzerland, or if they hold their Alcon shares through a fixed base or a permanent business establishment located in Switzerland, and if they duly report the respective payments subject to income tax. Alcon shareholders who are resident in the United States for tax purposes may generally reclaim a portion of the withholding tax representing 20% of the gross payment under the put option (subject to further conditions as stipulated in the US-Switzerland income tax treaty). Alcon shareholders who are qualified US pension funds (as defined for the purposes of the US-Switzerland income tax treaty) are eligible for a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax. Alcon shareholders who are resident for tax purposes in other jurisdictions may be eligible for a partial (or full) refund of the Swiss withholding tax pursuant to the terms of any Swiss international double taxation treaty that may be applicable to them.

              For Alcon shareholders who are Swiss resident individuals holding their Alcon shares as private property, the share component of the Merger Consideration will not be subject to any Swiss income tax, except for the amount of increase in nominal value per Alcon share, including the federal withholding tax thereon paid and borne by Novartis (as described above). Such amount will be subject to income taxes at federal and, in general, at cantonal and communal levels. For all other Swiss resident Alcon shareholders and Alcon shareholders who hold their Alcon shares through a fixed base or permanent establishment in Switzerland, the receipt of Novartis shares may be treated as an income tax neutral exchange if the aggregate book value of the Alcon shares used by the Alcon shareholder is maintained for income tax purposes. The refund claim for the withholding tax paid and borne by Novartis in respect of the increase in nominal value per Alcon share is reportable as taxable investment income.

              For any Alcon shareholders who are tax residents of jurisdictions other than Switzerland and the United States, the receipt of Novartis shares will not be subject to any Swiss taxes other than the federal withholding tax in respect of the increase in nominal value per Alcon share, which will be paid and borne by Novartis and may entitle such Alcon shareholder to a partial or full reclaim of such tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty. The receipt, if any, of payments under the put option will be subject to 35% Swiss federal dividend withholding tax, which may be reclaimed in full or in part by such Alcon shareholders pursuant to the terms of any Swiss international double taxation treaty that may be applicable to them.

              Alcon shareholders other than Swiss residents may submit withholding tax reclaims through Globe Tax Services, Inc. ("GlobeTax"). Alcon shareholders who are US residents may file withholding tax reclaims via GlobeTax's global refunding procedure for a fee of $0.004 per Alcon share or via GlobeTax's long-form process for a fee of $0.005 per Alcon share. Alcon shareholders who are tax residents of a jurisdiction (other than Switzerland or the United States) with a Swiss international double taxation treaty may file reclaims via the long-form process for a fee of $0.005 per Alcon share. Fees will be deducted from the payment of the withholding tax refund. Non-Swiss resident shareholders may not be able to file claims for the reduction of withholding tax directly with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration.

              Alcon shareholders should consult with their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the receipt of Novartis shares and/or cash and/or reclaims of Swiss withholding taxes pursuant to the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which they are resident for tax purposes. Alcon shareholders who hold their Alcon shares in "street name" through a broker or custodian should consult with their broker or custodian.

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Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

              The following discussion is based on the advice of Allen & Overy LLP and contains a general discussion of the material US federal income tax consequences of the merger and the ownership and disposition of the Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs that may be relevant to you if you are a US Holder (as defined below). This summary is based on the Code, final, temporary and proposed US Treasury regulations, administrative and judicial interpretations, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Because this discussion does not consider any specific circumstances of any particular holder of Alcon shares, Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, persons who are subject to US taxation are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the overall US federal, state and local tax consequences, as well as to the overall Swiss and other foreign tax consequences, of the ownership and disposition of Alcon shares, Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. In particular, additional or different rules may apply to US expatriates, banks and other financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, dealers in securities or currencies, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, broker-dealers, investors liable for alternative minimum tax, investors that hold shares or ADSs as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, US Holders whose functional currency is not the US dollar, partnerships or other pass through entities, persons who acquired Alcon shares, Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation and persons who hold directly, indirectly or by attribution, 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding Alcon shares or of the outstanding Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs. This discussion generally applies only to US Holders who hold the Alcon shares, Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs as a capital asset (generally, for investment purposes), and whose functional currency is the US dollar. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning whether they are eligible for benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Switzerland as currently in force.

              For purposes of this discussion, a "US Holder" is a beneficial owner of Alcon shares, Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs who is:

              If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes) holds shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership that holds shares or ADSs are urged to consult their own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences of the owning and disposing of such shares or ADSs by the partnership.

              For US federal income tax purposes, a US Holder of ADSs generally will be treated as the beneficial owner of the shares represented by the ADSs. However, please see the discussion under "—Dividends" beginning on page 91 regarding certain statements made by the US Treasury concerning depositary arrangements.

              This discussion assumes that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

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Consequences of the Merger

              The characterization of the merger from a US federal income tax perspective is not clear. The question essentially turns on whether the acquisition by Novartis from Nestlé of its initial 25% non-controlling interest in Alcon in 2008 and the subsequent acquisition of a 52% controlling majority interest in Alcon on August 25, 2010 for cash should be integrated with the merger as part of a single plan. If the transactions were integrated then there would not be sufficient "continuity of interest", and the merger could not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code. Novartis acquired both its initial 25% interest in Alcon and the 52% controlling interest pursuant to a Purchase and Option Agreement between Novartis and Nestlé. As described in more detail under "—Background of the Merger" beginning on page 34, Novartis acquired the 52% controlling interest in Alcon following exercise by Novartis, at the earliest possible date, of its call option under the Purchase and Option Agreement. The Purchase and Option Agreement also granted Nestlé an option to put its remaining 52% controlling interest in Alcon to Novartis, subject to the terms of the Purchase and Option Agreement. These facts, among other things, support integrating the acquisition transactions from a tax perspective. On the other hand, the acquisition by Novartis of the initial 25% interest in Alcon occurred in 2008, and there was no legal requirement that either Novartis or Nestlé exercise their respective options under the Purchase and Option Agreement. This could support an argument that the initial 25% interest of Novartis in Alcon should be treated as "old and cold". If it was so treated, that 25% interest, together with the Novartis shares to be delivered to the non-controlling minority Alcon shareholders in connection with the merger, should satisfy the "continuity of interest" requirement, and the merger should then qualify as a tax-free reorganization. While the matter is not free from doubt, Novartis intends to treat the merger as a taxable transaction. US Holders should consult their own tax advisors as to the proper characterization of the merger and consider the consequences of either treatment, each of which is described below.

              The discussion set forth below assumes that Alcon does not constitute, and has not in the past constituted, a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") for US federal income tax purposes. If this assumption is incorrect, the US federal income tax consequences of the merger to a US Holder of Alcon shares will differ from those set forth above. While it is not expected that Alcon has constituted or does constitute a PFIC, no investigation or representation has been or is being made in that regard.

              A US Holder that subsequently converts Swiss francs received in connection with the merger into US dollars will generally recognize exchange gain or loss equal to the difference between the US Holder's basis in the Swiss francs (as described above) and the US dollars received in exchange therefor. Exchange gain or loss will generally be treated as US source ordinary income or loss.

              If the merger is taxable under section 368(a) of the Code, a US Holder would generally recognize gain or loss upon the receipt of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs and cash, whether paid in Swiss francs or US dollars, in exchange for such US Holder's Alcon shares in connection with the merger in an amount equal to the difference between: (i) the sum of (x) the fair market value of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs received; (y) the amount of Swiss withholding tax paid by Novartis on behalf of the US Holder with respect to the gain in nominal value per Alcon share; and (z) the amount of US dollars, if any, received or, in the case of cash received in Swiss francs; the US dollar value of such Swiss francs determined based on the USD/CHF spot rate on the date payment is received (with respect to either cash in settlement of the Put Option or cash received in lieu of fractional shares), including any cash withheld to pay Swiss withholding tax; and (ii) the US Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Alcon shares exchanged in the merger.

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              Gain or loss would generally be capital gain or loss, and any such gain or loss would generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the US Holder's holding period for such Alcon shares exceeds one year at the time of the exchange. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate US Holders are currently subject to reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

              A US Holder's initial tax basis in the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs would be the fair market value of such Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs on the date of receipt. The holding period for the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs would begin on the day following the day the merger closes. A US Holder's tax basis in any Swiss francs received would equal the US dollar value of those Swiss francs using the same USD/CHF spot rate used to determine the amount of gain or loss recognized.

              In the case of a US Holder who holds Alcon shares with differing tax bases and/or holding periods, the preceding rules must be applied separately to each identifiable block of Alcon shares.

              If the merger qualifies as a tax-free reorganization, a US Holder will not recognize any loss and will recognize gain equal to the lesser of: (i) the cash (other than cash attributable to fractional Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs) received and (ii) the gain realized by the US Holder in the merger (i.e., the amount the US Holder would have recognized in a taxable merger). For US Federal income tax purposes, cash includes (x) the amount of US dollars, if any, received, or, in the case of cash received in Swiss francs, the US dollar value of such Swiss francs determined based on the USD/CHF spot rate on the date payment is received, (y) the amount of Swiss withholding tax paid by Novartis on behalf of the US Holder with respect to the gain in nominal value per Alcon share and (z) any cash withheld to pay Swiss withholding tax.

              Any gain recognized by a US Holder with respect to Alcon shares as a consequence of participating in the merger will generally be capital gain and will generally be long-term capital gain if such Alcon shares have been held for more than one year on the closing date of the merger. It is possible, however, that a US Holder would instead be required to treat all or part of such gain as dividend income if the US Holder's percentage ownership in Novartis (including Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs that the US Holder is deemed to own under certain attribution rules) after the transaction is not meaningfully reduced from what the US Holder's percentage ownership would have been if the US Holder had received solely Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs rather than a combination of cash and Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs in the merger. If a US Holder who has a relatively minimal stock interest in Alcon and Novartis suffers a reduction in its proportionate interest in Novartis relative to what its proportionate interest in Novartis would have been had it received solely Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs in the merger, the US Holder should be regarded as having suffered a meaningful reduction in interest. A US Holder should consult its own tax advisor as to whether its receipt of cash in the merger will be treated as capital gain or dividend income under the Code.

              A US Holder who receives Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs will have an adjusted tax basis in the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs received in the merger (including fractional Novartis shares or ADSs deemed received) equal to the adjusted tax basis of the Alcon shares surrendered, increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized, including any portion of the gain that is treated as a dividend, and decreased by the amount, if any, of any cash received. The holding period for Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs received in exchange for Alcon shares in the merger will include the holding period for the Alcon shares surrendered in the merger.

              US Holders will recognize gain or loss on any cash received in lieu of fractional Novartis shares or ADSs equal to the difference between the amount of cash received in lieu of fractional Novartis shares or ADSs and the US Holder's tax basis in the fractional Novartis shares or ADSs. A US Holder's tax basis in a fractional share or ADS will be determined by allocating the US Holder's tax basis in the Novartis shares or ADSs between the Novartis shares or ADSs received and the

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fractional share or ADS, in accordance with their respective fair market values. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period in the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs is more than one year as of the closing date of the merger.

              In the case of a US Holder who holds Alcon shares with differing tax bases and/or holding periods, the preceding rules must be applied separately to each identifiable block of Alcon shares.

              The preceding discussion under "Tax-Free Reorganization" assumes that at least 67 percent of the Merger Consideration will consist of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, which will depend upon the value of the Novartis stock price at the time of the merger.

              Any gain recognized by a US Holder of Alcon shares attributable to payments under the Put Option or to Swiss withholding tax paid by Novartis with respect to gain in nominal value per Alcon share will be treated as US source income. Although the United States generally grants a foreign tax credit on income subject to both US and foreign tax, the tax credit is subject to limitation in the case of US taxpayers with insufficient foreign source income in the relevant category. Accordingly, a US Holder of Alcon shares may not be eligible to claim a full foreign tax credit for any Swiss withholding taxes on these payments. Although Section 865(h) of the Code provides an election to recharacterize gain from the sale of stock in a foreign corporation as foreign source income, it does not apply unless the relevant treaty overrides the applicable source rule under US law. Because the US-Switzerland income tax treaty does not include such a provision, Section 865(h) does not apply. Accordingly, absent "competent authority" relief under the US-Switzerland income tax treaty, certain US Holders may be subject to double taxation on these payments.

              The rules governing the various limitations on the US foreign tax credit are extremely complex. US Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these limitations to their particular situation.

Ownership of the Novartis Shares and Novartis ADSs

              This discussion assumes that Novartis is not, and will not become, a PFIC, as described below.

              US Holders of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs will be required to include in gross income, as an item of ordinary income, the full amount (including the amount of any withholding tax) of a dividend paid with respect to the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs at the time that such dividend is received by the US Holder, in the case of Novartis shares, or by the depositary, in the case of Novartis ADSs. For this purpose, a "dividend" will include any distribution paid by Novartis with respect to the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs (other than certain pro rata distributions of Novartis capital stock) paid out of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of Novartis, as determined under US federal income tax principles. To the extent the amount of a distribution by Novartis exceeds its current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a US Holder's tax basis in the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs (with a corresponding reduction in such tax basis), and thereafter will be treated as capital gain, which will be long-term capital gain if the US Holder held the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs for more than one year. Under the Code, dividend payments by Novartis on the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs are not eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporate shareholders.

              Dividend income in respect of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs will constitute income from sources outside the United States for US foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to the limitations and conditions provided in the Code, US Holders of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs generally may claim as a credit against their US federal income tax liability, any withholding tax withheld from a

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dividend. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Each US Holder is urged to consult its own tax advisor concerning whether, and to what extent, a foreign tax credit will be available with respect to dividends received from Novartis. Alternatively, a US Holder may claim the withholding tax as a deduction for the taxable year within which the withholding tax is paid or accrued, provided a deduction is claimed for all of the foreign income taxes the US Holder pays or accrues in the particular year. A deduction does not reduce US tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis like a tax credit. The deduction, however, is not subject to the limitations applicable to foreign tax credits.

              The US Treasury has expressed concern that parties to whom ADSs are released may be taking actions inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for US Holders of ADSs. Accordingly, the summary above of the creditability of the withholding tax could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the US Treasury.

              In general, a US Holder will be required to determine the amount of any dividend paid in Swiss francs, including the amount of any withholding tax imposed thereon, by translating the Swiss francs into US dollars at the USD/CHF spot rate on the date the dividend is actually or constructively received by a US Holder, in the case of shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the Swiss francs are in fact converted into US dollars. If a US Holder converts the Swiss francs so received into US dollars on the date of receipt, the US Holder generally should not recognize foreign currency gain or loss on such conversion. If a US Holder does not convert the Swiss francs so received into US dollars on the date of receipt, the US Holder will have a tax basis in the Swiss francs equal to the US dollar value on such date. Any foreign currency gain or loss that a US Holder recognizes on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Swiss francs generally will be treated as US source ordinary income or loss.

              For a non-corporate US Holder, the US dollar amount of any dividends paid to it prior to January 1, 2013 that constitute qualified dividend income generally will be taxable at a maximum rate of 15%, provided that the US Holder meets certain holding period and other requirements. Novartis currently believes that dividends paid with respect to the Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs will constitute qualified dividend income for US federal income tax purposes. However, the US Treasury and the US Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") have announced their intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which US Holders of shares and ADSs, among others, will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividends. US Holders of shares or ADSs are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability to them of the reduced dividend rate in light of their own particular situation and the computations of their foreign tax credit limitation with respect to any qualified dividends paid to them, as applicable.

              Upon a sale or other taxable disposition of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, US Holders generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realized on the disposition and the US Holder's tax basis (determined in US dollars) in the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. This capital gain or loss generally will be US source gain or loss and will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period in the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs exceeds one year. In the case of certain US Holders (including individuals), any long term capital gain generally will be subject to US federal income tax at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations under the Code. Deposits or withdrawals of the Novartis shares by US Holders in exchange for Novartis ADSs will not result in the realization of gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes.

              Novartis believes that Novartis was not a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes for its 2009 taxable year and does not expect to become one in the foreseeable future. If Novartis were a PFIC for

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any taxable year during which a US Holder held the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, gain recognized by the US Holder on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs would be allocated ratably over the US Holder's holding period for the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before Novartis became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for such taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the amount allocated to such taxable year. Similar rules would apply to any distribution in respect of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs in excess of 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs received during the preceding three years or the US Holder's holding period, whichever is shorter. Certain elections may be available that would result in alternative treatments (such as a mark-to-market treatment) of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. US Holders should consult their tax advisors to determine whether any such elections are available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative treatments would be in their particular circumstances.

              Pursuant to recently enacted legislation, US Holders that are PFIC shareholders may also be required to report additional information to the IRS regarding such shares, although any such reporting requirement will not be effective until the IRS issues further guidance thereunder.

              Dividend payments with respect to Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs and proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs received in the United States or through US-related financial intermediaries may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and possible US backup withholding at a current rate of 28%. Certain exempt recipients are not subject to these information reporting and backup withholding requirements. Backup withholding will not apply to a US Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. Any US Holders required to establish their exempt status generally must provide a properly-executed IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a US Holder's US federal income tax liability, and a US Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by timely filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information.

              Beginning in 2011, recently enacted legislation may require individual US Holders to report to the IRS certain information with respect to their beneficial ownership of certain foreign financial assets, such as the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, if the aggregate value of such assets exceeds $50,000. US Holders who fail to report required information could be subject to substantial penalties.

Appraisal Rights

              The following description is a summary of the appraisal rights available to the shareholders of both Alcon and Novartis under Article 105 of the Swiss Merger Act and of certain other provisions of Swiss law. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the relevant Swiss statutory provisions and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Swiss Merger Act and the Swiss Code of Obligations. Any Alcon shareholders who are considering bringing an appraisal suit under Article 105 of the Swiss Merger Act are strongly urged to read the Swiss Merger Act and the Swiss Code of Obligations and to consult their own Swiss legal advisors. In this summary, certain Swiss legal concepts are expressed in English and not in their original German, French or Italian terms. The concepts used in Swiss law may not be identical to the concepts described by the same English terms as they exist under the laws of other jurisdictions.

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              Alcon or Novartis shareholders whose shares are registered in their names can exercise appraisal rights under Article 105 of the Swiss Merger Act by filing a suit against Novartis with a Swiss civil court either in the Swiss Canton of Zug (the place of incorporation of Alcon) or in the Swiss Canton of Basel-Stadt (the place of incorporation of Novartis). The suit must be filed within two months after the merger has been published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. An appraisal suit can be filed by shareholders who voted against the merger, who have abstained from voting, or who have not participated in the shareholders meeting approving the merger. A shareholder who has voted in favor of the approval of the merger agreement may not be able to file a suit. Alcon shareholders who filed an appraisal suit will receive the Merger Consideration for their Alcon shares at the same time as all other Alcon shareholders. If a claim by one or more shareholders of either company is successful, all of the shareholders of that company who held shares at the time of the completion of the merger would receive a payment.

              If an appraisal suit is filed, the court will determine the amount of compensation, if any. The Swiss Merger Act does not prescribe any specific valuation reference points that a court should use in making its determination, and to the knowledge of Novartis, there are no precedents yet of a successful appraisal claim. Article 105 of the Swiss Merger Act only states that a court shall award an "adequate compensation" (angemessene Ausgleichszahlung) and Article 7 of the Swiss Merger Act provides that the shareholders of both companies involved in a merger are entitled to a share in the surviving company that reflects the respective net assets (Vermögen) of the two merging companies, the apportionment of voting rights as well as other relevant factors. The court would therefore consider the respective net assets of Novartis and Alcon and the audit report, which will confirm that the merger consideration is justifiable (vertretbar) and adequate (angemessen) based on Article 15(4)(c) and (d) of the Swiss Merger Act. In addition, a court will also consider other relevant factors (such as the negotiation process and the fairness opinions).

              The procedural costs (but not necessarily all of the Alcon shareholder's own litigation costs) of the appraisal proceedings will be borne by the company surviving the merger (in this case, Novartis). Under special circumstances, the court may require the plaintiffs to bear these costs. The filing of an appraisal suit does not prevent completion of the merger.

              Beneficial owners whose Alcon shares are held in "street name" should consult with their broker or custodian.

Litigation

              Beginning on January 7, 2010, shareholder class action complaints relating to the January 3, 2010 proposal of Novartis to enter into a merger with Alcon were filed against Novartis and others, including in certain cases Alcon and certain members of the Alcon Board, by minority shareholders of Alcon. Nine actions were filed in the United States District Courts in New York and Texas, and four actions were filed in various Texas state courts. One of the federal actions was dismissed voluntarily, and the remaining eight actions were consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On May 24, 2010, that court dismissed the consolidated action based on the doctrine of forum non conveniens. On July 14, 2010, plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On January 5, 2011, plaintiffs-appellants moved to dismiss the appeal on grounds of mootness. The Second Circuit granted that motion for voluntary dismissal on January 6, 2011. On April 15, 2010, the actions pending in Texas state courts were consolidated in the District Court of Dallas County for pre-trial proceedings by the Texas Multidistrict Litigation Panel. On November 17, 2010, the court dismissed the consolidated Texas state court actions based on forum non conveniens without prejudice to re-filing in Switzerland. On December 17, 2010, plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals.

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Financing of the Merger

              The obligation of Novartis to complete the merger is not conditioned upon its ability to obtain financing for the merger. Novartis estimates that the total amount of funds necessary to fund the cash-settled put option component of the Merger Consideration will be approximately $1 billion, based on the market price of Novartis shares on the date of announcement of the merger. The actual amount of funds required (if any) will depend on the value of Novartis shares during the relevant measurement period as determined in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement. Please see "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" beginning on page 106.

Fees and Expenses Relating to the Merger

              Fees and expenses incurred or expected to be incurred by Novartis and Alcon in connection with the merger are estimated as of the date of this prospectus to be as follows:

Type of Fee
  Amount ($)  

Filing Fees

                               $ 886,592.59  

Financial advisors' fees and expenses

   $ 50,047,000.00  

Accounting fees and expenses

   $ 1,370,000.00  

Legal fees and expenses

   $ 13,346,200.00  

Printing fees and expenses

   $ 699,000.00  

Miscellaneous fees and expenses

   $ 807,000.00  

Total

   $ 67,155,792.59  

              Please see also "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Fees and Expenses/Costs" on page 117.

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RISK FACTORS

              Investing in Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs involves risks, some of which are related to the merger. In considering the proposed merger, you should carefully consider the following information about these risks, as well as the other information included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including Novartis AG's Annual Report on Form 20–F for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the extensive risk factors relating to the businesses of Novartis described therein beginning on page 6 thereof. The business of Novartis as well as its financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties not currently known to Novartis or not currently deemed to be material.

              Novartis also encourages you to read and consider the risk factors specific to Alcon's businesses (that may also affect Novartis) described in Alcon, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 20–F for the year ended December 31, 2009 beginning on page 9 thereof.

              Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on page 163 and 164, respectively, for information on where you can find the periodic reports and other documents Novartis and Alcon have filed with or furnished to the SEC and which are incorporated into this prospectus by reference.

Risks Related to the Merger

The market price of the Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs may decline following completion of the merger.

              The market prices of the Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs may decline following completion of the merger if, among other reasons, Novartis does not achieve the expected cost savings and other benefits to the merger with Alcon as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by it, financial analysts or investors or at all, Alcon shareholders sell a significant number of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs after consummation of the merger or the effect of the merger with Alcon on the financial results of Novartis is not consistent with the expectations of financial analysts or investors.

The consideration received by Alcon shareholders may be less than $168 because the market value of the Novartis shares to be delivered in the merger could fluctuate between the date of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion date of the merger.

              There will be a time lapse between the date on which Alcon shareholders vote on the merger agreement at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the date on which Alcon shareholders entitled to receive Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs actually receive such Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. The market value of Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs may fluctuate during this period. These fluctuations may be caused by changes in the businesses, operations, results and prospects of both Novartis and Alcon, market expectations of the likelihood that the merger will be completed and the timing of the completion, general market and economic conditions, such as the US dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate, or other factors. At the time Alcon shareholders cast their votes regarding approval of the merger agreement, Alcon shareholders will not know the actual market value of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs they will receive when the merger is finally completed. The actual market value of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, when received by Alcon shareholders, will depend on the market value of those Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs on that date. This market value may be less than the value used to determine the number of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs to be received, as the determination will be made with respect to a period occurring prior to the consummation of the merger.

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The consideration received by Alcon shareholders may be less than $168 because the market value of the Novartis shares to be delivered in the merger could be different from the value used to determine the allocation of the Merger Consideration in accordance with the procedures set forth in the merger agreement.

              As described in more detail under "The Merger Agreement and the Merger—Merger Consideration" the number of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration in respect of each Alcon share is determined in accordance with certain definitions set forth in the merger agreement. In order to value Novartis shares for purposes of determining the Merger Consideration, the merger agreement requires that a volume-weighted average price for the Novartis shares be calculated over a ten trading day period prior to the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. If the market value of Novartis shares decreases over the measurement period, the average price used to determine the Merger Consideration could be more than the market value of Novartis shares on the last day of the measurement period or on the date of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. If that occurs, the Merger Consideration could have a value that is less than $168.

The fairness opinions obtained by Novartis, Alcon and the Independent Director Committee will not reflect changes in circumstances between the dates of the respective opinions and the consummation of the merger.

              Alcon and the Independent Director Committee have received fairness opinions from their respective financial advisors. Credit Suisse rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by delivery of its written opinion, dated December 14, 2010, to the Novartis Board, to the effect that, as of the date thereof and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the written opinion, the Merger Consideration was fair to Novartis from a financial point of view. Changes in factors that are beyond the control of Alcon and Novartis, including changes in the business, operations or prospects of Novartis or Alcon, the prospects of post-merger operations, regulatory considerations, general market and economic conditions and other factors on which the opinions of Credit Suisse, Lazard and Greenhill are based, may alter the value of Novartis or Alcon, or the prices of the Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs and/or the value of the Alcon shares, by the time the merger is consummated. As a result of this, you should be aware that the fairness opinions of Credit Suisse, Lazard and Greenhill do not speak as of the effective time of the merger or as of any date other than the date of the relevant opinions. For a description of the opinion obtained by Novartis, Alcon and the Independent Director Committee, please see the relevant subheadings under "Special Factors" beginning on page 34.

Certain of Alcon's directors and executive officers have benefit arrangements that may result in their interests in the merger being different from those of Alcon shareholders.

              A number of Alcon's directors and executive officers who recommend that you vote in favor of the merger agreement have benefit arrangements that provide them with interests in the merger that may be different from yours. The receipt of compensation or other benefits in connection with the merger may influence these persons in making their recommendation that you vote in favor of approval of the merger agreement. Please see "Interests of Alcon's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 140.

Risks Related to an Investment in the Novartis Shares and the Novartis ADSs

The Novartis shares and the Novartis ADSs to be received by Alcon shareholders in connection with the merger will have different rights from the Alcon shares.

              At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Alcon share will be converted into the right to receive, inter alia, Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. As of such time, you will no longer be an Alcon shareholder, but will instead be a holder of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. While both

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Novartis and Alcon are incorporated in Switzerland, there are certain differences between your current rights as an Alcon shareholder and the rights to which you will be entitled as a holder of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. For a detailed discussion of the differences between the current rights of Alcon shareholders and the rights you can expect as a holder of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, please see "Comparison of Rights of Novartis and Alcon Shareholders" beginning on page 162.

The market price of the Novartis shares and the Novartis ADSs may be affected by factors different from those affecting the price of your Alcon shares.

              If the merger is successfully completed, Alcon shareholders will become holders of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs. The business of Novartis differs from that of Alcon, and its results of operations, as well as the price of Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs, may be affected by factors different from those affecting Alcon's results of operations and the price of the Alcon shares.

The price of the Novartis ADSs and the US dollar value of any dividends may be negatively affected by fluctuations in the US dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate.

              The Novartis ADSs trade on the NYSE in US dollars. Since the Novartis shares underlying the Novartis ADSs are listed in Switzerland on the SIX and trade in Swiss francs, the value of the Novartis ADSs may be affected by fluctuations in the US dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate. In addition, since any dividends that Novartis may declare will be denominated in Swiss francs, exchange rate fluctuations will affect the US dollar equivalent of dividends received by holders of the Novartis ADSs. If the value of the Swiss franc decreases against the US dollar, the price at which the Novartis ADSs trade may — and the value of the US dollar equivalent of any dividend will — decrease accordingly.

The rights of holders of Novartis ADSs are not the same as the rights of shareholders of Novartis.

              While a Novartis ADS is not a Novartis share and a holder of a Novartis ADS is not a holder of a Novartis share, the rights and terms of the Novartis ADSs are designed to replicate, to the extent reasonably practicable, the rights attendant to Novartis shares. However, because of certain aspects of Swiss law, the Articles of Incorporation of Novartis and the contractual terms of the deposit agreement under which the Novartis ADSs are issued, the rights afforded to the holders of Novartis ADSs are not identical to, and, in some respects, are less favorable than, the rights afforded to the shareholders of Novartis. For more information regarding the characteristics of, and differences between, Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs, please see "Description of the Novartis Shares" and "Description of the Novartis American Depositary Shares" beginning on page 148 and 152, respectively.

US holders of Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs may not be able to exercise preemptive rights.

              Under Swiss law, shareholders have preemptive rights to subscribe for cash for issuances of new shares on a pro rata basis. Shareholders may waive their preemptive rights in respect of any offering at a general meeting of shareholders of Novartis. Preemptive rights, if not previously waived, are transferable during the subscription period relating to a particular offering of shares and may be quoted on the SIX. US holders of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs may not be able to exercise the preemptive rights attached to Novartis shares, including Novartis shares underlying Novartis ADSs, unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to such rights and the related Novartis shares, or an exemption from this registration requirement is available. In deciding whether to file such a registration statement, Novartis would evaluate the related costs and potential liabilities, as well as the benefits of enabling the exercise of the preemptive rights by US holders of Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs. Novartis cannot guarantee that a registration statement would be filed, or, if filed, that it would be declared effective. If preemptive rights could not be exercised by a US holder of Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs, such preemptive rights would, if possible, be sold on behalf of such holders and the net proceeds from such sale would be distributed to such holders. If the rights cannot be sold, such rights lapse. In either case, the interest of the affected holders of Novartis shares and Novartis ADSs would be diluted and, if the rights were to lapse, such holders would not realize any value from the granting of preemptive rights.

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 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

              This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus include certain forward-looking statements. In addition, in the future Novartis, Alcon, and others on their behalf, may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will," "believes," "intends," "plans," or "expects," or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new products, potential new indications for existing products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or potential future sales or earnings of Novartis, Alcon or any of their respective subsidiaries, divisions, business units or consolidated entities; or regarding potential growth opportunities from the merger; or by discussions of strategy, plans, expectations or intentions. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Novartis and/or Alcon regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that any new products will be approved for sale in any market, or that any new indications will be approved for existing products in any market, or that such products will achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that Novartis, Alcon or any of their respective subsidiaries, divisions or business units, will achieve any particular financial results. In particular, management's expectations could be affected by, among other things, unexpected clinical trial results, including additional analyses of existing clinical data or unexpected new clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; supply and manufacturing disruptions; the occurrence of environmental liabilities arising from operations; changes in reimbursement procedures and/or amounts by third-party payors; the ability of Novartis and Alcon to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection; the proposed merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships, and relationships with key employees; uncertainties regarding actual or potential legal proceedings, including, among others, litigation seeking to prevent the full acquisition and merger from taking place, product liability litigation, litigation regarding sales and marketing practices, government investigations and intellectual property disputes; competition in general; government, industry, and general public pricing and other political pressures; uncertainties regarding the after-effects of the recent global financial and economic crisis; uncertainties regarding future global exchange rates; uncertainties regarding future demand for the products of Novartis or Alcon; uncertainties involved in the development of new pharmaceutical products; and the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the assets and liabilities of Novartis, Alcon and any of their respective subsidiaries as recorded on their consolidated balance sheets. Some of these factors are discussed in more detail under "Risk Factors" in this prospectus and in Novartis AG's Annual Report on Form 20–F for the year ended December 31, 2010, including under "Item 3.D. Risk Factors," "Item 4. Information on the Company," and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and in Alcon, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 20–F for the year ended December 31, 2009, including under "Item 3.D. Risk Factors," "Item 4. Information on the Company," and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects". Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated herein by reference as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act do not apply to any forward-looking statements in Novartis AG's Annual Report on Form 20—F for the year ended December 31, 2010 made in connection with or referring to the merger or the going-private transaction to be effected thereby. The information in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any document incorporated herein by reference is current only as of the date of such, and Novartis and Alcon do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update any information or forward-looking statements included in any such documents as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS

Date, Time and Place

              The annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders will be held on    •    , 2011, beginning at    •    Central European Time, at    •    .

Matters to be Considered at the Annual General Meeting of Alcon Shareholders

              The purposes of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders are:

Item 1

              Approval of the merger agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010, entered into by and between Alcon and Novartis.

              The Alcon Board, by actions taken without the participation of two directors who recused themselves (Mr. Kevin Buehler, who recused himself because he has received an employment offer to be Head of the Novartis eye care division after completion of the proposed merger and Dr. Daniel Vasella, who recused himself because of his status as Chairman of Novartis) and one director who had participated in the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Director Committee, has unanimously approved the merger and unanimously recommends that Alcon shareholders vote "FOR" approval of the merger agreement.

              For detailed information on the merger, please see "The Merger Agreement and the Merger" beginning on page 106.

Item 2

              Approval of the 2010 Annual Report and Accounts of Alcon and the 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements of Alcon and Subsidiaries, as set forth in the 2010 Business Report.

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              The Alcon Board proposes that the 2010 Annual Report and Accounts of Alcon and the 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements of Alcon and Subsidiaries, as set forth in the 2010 Business Report, be approved.

              The Alcon 2010 Business Report, comprising (i) the Alcon 2010 annual report, (ii) the Alcon 2010 audited Swiss statutory financial statements and (iii) the Alcon 2010 audited Swiss consolidated financial statements, all prepared in accordance with Swiss law, is available in the Investors & Media section of Alcon's web site at www.alcon.com and is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. To find out where copies of this document can be obtained, please see "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on page 163 and 164, respectively. Copies of this document may also be obtained without charge by contacting Alcon Investor Relations either by phone or in writing at the address indicated above. Copies of this document, including the auditors' reports, are also available for physical inspection at the Alcon registered office. Reference to Alcon's website at www.alcon.com is provided as a textual reference only and is not intended to incorporate information into this prospectus.

Item 3

              Discharge of the current and former members of the Alcon Board for their term of office from January 1, 2010 up to     •    , 2011 (the last date on which Alcon shareholders may give voting instructions for the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders).

              The Alcon Board proposes that discharge be granted to the current and former members of the Alcon Board for their term of office from January 1, 2010 up to    •    , 2011 (the last date on which Alcon shareholders may give voting instructions for the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders).

              Under Swiss statutory law, the Alcon Board may seek discharge from the Alcon shareholders. If discharge is granted, the corporation and those Alcon shareholders who have voted in favor of discharge cannot assert any claims based on Swiss corporation law for directors' liability with respect to matters then known to the Alcon shareholders. The right to assert liability claims still exists, however, with respect to matters not known to the Alcon shareholders on the date on which discharge was granted. In other words, all Alcon shareholders — whether or not they voted in favor of discharge — can still assert claims against former directors if additional facts come to light (as a result of subsequent audits or otherwise) after the granting of discharge. For the avoidance of doubt, discharge of the Alcon Board with regard to claims for directors' liability based on Swiss corporation law does not preclude Alcon shareholders from asserting claims against the directors and officers of Alcon under the US federal securities laws. For certain limitations on the enforcement of the US federal securities laws, please see "Limitations on Enforcement of US Laws" on page 166.

Item 4

              Re-election of KPMG AG as Auditors for the period between the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis.

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              The Alcon Board proposes that KPMG AG be re-elected as Auditors for the period between the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis.

              KPMG AG has confirmed its willingness to be appointed as Auditors. To the extent necessary in connection with a review of the US GAAP financial statements of Alcon, KPMG AG will draw on the expertise and the resources of KPMG LLP, Fort Worth, Texas (USA). KPMG LLP will also be retained for the filings to be made by Alcon with the US regulatory authorities.

              KPMG AG has confirmed to the audit committee of the Alcon Board that it possesses the level of independence required by Swiss statutory law to take on this role, and KPMG LLP has further confirmed that it satisfies the requirements in terms of independence imposed by the SEC.

    Item 5

              Re-election of members of the Alcon Board for the period between the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis.

              The Alcon Board proposes that each of Dr. Daniel Vasella, Mr. Cary R. Rayment, Mr. Thomas G. Plaskett, Dr. Enrico Vanni and Mr. Norman Walker be re-elected to the Alcon Board for the period between the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis.

              The terms of office of Dr. Daniel Vasella, Mr. Cary R. Rayment, Mr. Thomas G. Plaskett, Dr. Enrico Vanni and Mr. Norman Walker will expire at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. All five directors have confirmed their willingness to serve as members of the Alcon Board until the completion of the merger of Alcon with and into Novartis.

              Daniel Vasella, M.D.    Dr. Vasella is the chairman of the Alcon Board. He was appointed to this position on October 24, 2010. Dr. Vasella joined the Alcon Board in July 2008. He served 14 years as Chief Executive Officer and 11 years as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Novartis AG. In January 2010, the Novartis Board accepted Dr. Vasella's proposal to complete the Chief Executive Officer succession process by appointing Joseph Jimenez as Chief Executive Officer of Novartis effective February 1, 2010. Dr. Vasella continues in his role as Chairman of the Novartis Board, concentrating on strategic priorities. After holding a number of medical positions in Switzerland, he joined Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation in the United States in 1988. From 1993 to 1995, Dr. Vasella advanced from Head of Corporate Marketing to Senior Vice President and Head of Worldwide Development to Chief Operating Officer of Sandoz Pharma Ltd. In 1995 and 1996, Dr. Vasella was a member of the Sandoz Group Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Sandoz Pharma Ltd. Dr. Vasella is a member of the board of directors of PepsiCo, Inc., United States.

              Cary R. Rayment.    Mr. Rayment has been the vice chairman of the Alcon Board since October 24, 2010. Following his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer as of April 1, 2009, he served in the role as non-executive chairman and director of Alcon until October 24, 2010. He also served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcon Laboratories, Inc. from October 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009. Prior to these promotions, Mr. Rayment served as Senior Vice President, Alcon United States from 2001 to 2004 (adding responsibility for Alcon Japan in 2004); Vice

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President and General Manager, Surgical, and Area Vice President Japan in 2000; Vice President, International Marketing & Area Vice President Japan from 1997-1999; Vice President and General Manager, Managed Care in 1996; Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Surgical Products from 1991-1995; and Vice President Marketing, Surgical Products from 1989-1990. Mr. Rayment joined Alcon in 1989, following the acquisition of CooperVision, Inc. where his position had been Vice President of Marketing.

              Thomas G. Plaskett.    Mr. Plaskett joined the Alcon Board in May 2003. He has been Chairman of the Independent Director Committee of Alcon since its establishment as a standing committee of the Alcon Board in December 2008. In September 2003, the Alcon Board affirmed Mr. Plaskett as the "audit committee financial expert". Since 1991, Mr. Plaskett has served as Chairman of Fox Run Capital Associates, a private consulting firm, focusing on financial advisory and consulting services for emerging companies. Previously, he was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pan Am Corporation from 1988 to 1991, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Airlines from 1986 to 1987. Also, during the period from 1974 to 1986, he held several senior management positions at American Airlines and AMR Corporation, including Senior Vice President of Marketing and Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He also was Vice-Chairman of Legend Airlines from 1996 to 2000. Mr. Plaskett is a director of RadioShack Corporation; director of Signet Jewelers, Ltd.; and a director of several privately held companies.

              Enrico Vanni, Ph.D.    Dr. Vanni joined the Alcon Board in August 2010. He is a chemical engineer graduated from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, Switzerland and holds a Ph.D. (Doctorate in Science) from the University of Lausanne. His background also includes an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He started his career in 1977 with IBM in San Jose, California, and after his MBA in 1980, joined McKinsey & Company in Zurich, Switzerland. He managed the Geneva Office from 1988 to 2004. His consulting activities mostly covered companies in the pharmaceutical, consumer and finance sectors. He was head of the European pharmaceutical practice and served as member of the Partner review committee of the firm over many years. He retired as Director of McKinsey at the end of 2007. Since 2008, he is an independent consultant and a member of several company boards of directors such as Eclosion (private equity for biotechs), Denzler & Partners (management resources) and MBCP (private banking).

              Norman Walker.    Mr. Walker joined the Alcon Board in August 2010. He earned a degree in Business Studies at the University of Brighton, UK, in 1975 and attended the Harvard International Senior Management Program in 1994. He started his professional career with Ford Motor Co in London, UK, in 1975. Over a period of 9 years he held a number of positions in human resources management before he joined GrandMet in London, UK, in 1984 where he assumed human resources responsibilities in several of its business units. Mr. Walker subsequently joined Kraft Foods in 1991 and held a number of leading human resources positions in Germany, the United States and Switzerland. From 1998 to 2003, he served as the Head of Corporate Human Resources of the Novartis Group. Mr. Walker is a senior advisor to TPG Capital LLP, Chair of Vita Cayman, advisor to CMi and a visiting professor at Bocconi.

Vote Required; Voting Agreements; Novartis Ownership

              Vote Required.    Approval of the merger agreement requires 2/3 of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Approval of the Alcon 2010 Business Report, approval of the discharge, re-election of KPMG AG as Auditors and re-election of the members of the Alcon Board require a majority of the votes represented at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

              Voting Agreements; Novartis Majority Ownership.    NOVARTIS CURRENTLY OWNS APPROXIMATELY 78% OF THE OUTSTANDING ALCON SHARES AND HAS AGREED IN

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THE MERGER AGREEMENT, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE GRANT OF DISCHARGE.

Alcon Shareholders Entitled to Vote; Admission Cards/Voting Material

              Alcon shareholders who are registered in the Alcon share register on    •    , 2011, will receive the proxy and admission form (including the voting material) directly from the Alcon share registrar. Beneficial owners of Alcon shares held by a broker or custodian will receive an instruction form from their broker or custodian with directions on how to instruct the broker or custodian to vote their Alcon shares. Beneficial owners who wish to attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders in person are requested to obtain a power of attorney from their broker or other custodian that authorizes them to vote the Alcon shares held for them by the broker or custodian, and to request an admission card using the power of attorney.

              Beneficial owners of Alcon shares and Alcon shareholders registered in the Alcon share register as of    •    , 2011, are entitled to vote and may participate in the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders unless they sell their Alcon shares before    •    . Each Alcon share carries one vote. As of    •    , there were     •    Alcon shares outstanding and entitled to be voted upon at the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. As of    •    , Novartis owned    •    Alcon shares, approximately 78% of the outstanding Alcon shares and approximately 78% of the voting power of the outstanding Alcon shares.

              Persons who have acquired Alcon shares after    •    , 2011, but on or before     •    , 2011, will receive the proxy and admission form (including the voting material) shortly before the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Alcon shareholders who have acquired Alcon shares after    •    , 2011 may not attend the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders. Alcon shareholders who have sold their Alcon shares before the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders are not entitled to vote or participate in the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders.

Shares Held by Alcon Directors and Executive Officers

              At the close of business on    •    , Alcon directors and executive officers beneficially owned    •    Alcon shares, or    •    % of Alcon.

Granting of Powers of Attorney

              Registered Alcon shareholders who are unable to participate in the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders may appoint as a representative another Alcon shareholder, a third party, their bank or Alcon as proxy holder.    •    is also available as an independent representative, with full rights of substitution, in the sense of article 689c of the Swiss Code of Obligations.

              The power of attorney on the application form must be filled in accordingly, signed and returned to the address indicated below or to the independent representative arriving no later than    •    , 2011. Powers of attorney are revocable, but Alcon will treat any power of attorney as being valid unless the revocation has been sent in writing to Alcon at the address referred to below.

              REGISTERED ALCON SHAREHOLDERS WHO HAVE APPOINTED ALCON OR THE INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE AS A PROXY MAY NOT ATTEND THE ANNUAL

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GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS IN PERSON OR SEND A PROXY OF THEIR CHOICE TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS.

              With regard to the items listed on the agenda and without any explicit instructions to the contrary, Alcon as proxy holder and independent representative will vote in favor of the merger according to the recommendation of the Alcon Board. If new proposals (other than those on the agenda) are put forth before the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders, Alcon as proxy holder will vote in accordance with the position of the Alcon Board and the independent representative will abstain from voting regarding new proposals. Alcon shareholders who sign and return their power of attorney without indicating a representative will be represented by the corporate proxy holder.

              BENEFICIAL OWNERS WHO HAVE NOT OBTAINED A POWER OF ATTORNEY FROM THEIR BROKER OR CUSTODIAN ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ATTEND OR PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALCON SHAREHOLDERS.

Proxy Holders of Deposited Alcon Shares

              Proxy holders of deposited Alcon shares in accordance with article 689d of the Swiss Code of Obligations are kindly asked to inform Alcon of the number of the Alcon shares they represent as soon as possible, but no later than    •    , 2011, at the admission office.

Admission Office

              The admission office opens on the day of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders at     •    . Alcon shareholders are kindly asked to present their admission cards at the entrance.

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 THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER

              The following is a summary of the merger agreement and of certain other key aspects of the merger. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the terms and conditions of the merger agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. Alcon shareholders are urged to read the merger agreement in its entirety. In the event of any discrepancy between the terms of the merger agreement and the following summary, the merger agreement will control.

Structure of the Merger

              In the merger agreement, Novartis and Alcon have agreed to merge pursuant to art. 3 para. 1 lit. a and art. 4 para. 1 lit. a of the Swiss Merger Act (merger by absorption between two companies limited by shares). Novartis will be the acquiring company and will continue to operate, while Alcon will be the transferring company and will be dissolved upon completion of the merger. By operation of law, Alcon's assets, liabilities and contracts will be transferred to Novartis in their entirety (Universalsukzession). After the merger is completed, the Alcon shares will be delisted from the NYSE and deregistered under the Exchange Act.

Merger Consideration

              In the merger, Alcon shareholders (with the exception of Novartis) will receive for each registered Alcon share, with a nominal value of CHF 0.20, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger, the merger consideration described below (the "Merger Consideration"). The Merger Consideration will have the value, determined in accordance with the definitions below, of $168 and will be composed of:

              The "Exchange Ratio" means the quotient, rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth (or if there is not a nearest ten thousandth, the higher ten thousandth), obtained by dividing $168 by the Novartis Share Value (as defined below); provided that the Exchange Ratio will not be greater than 2.8, and provided, further, that if the Novartis Share Value is less than $60, then the Exchange Ratio will be the sum of (i) 2.8 plus (ii) the Dividend Adjustment Factor (as defined below).

              The "Dividend Adjustment Factor" means the quotient of (i) the product of (x) the Dividend Value Adjustment (as defined below) multiplied by (y) 2.8 divided by (ii) the Novartis Share Value (as defined below).

              The "USD Dividend Value" means the amount of any Novartis cash dividend declared or paid after the date of the merger agreement (including the 2010 Novartis Annual Dividend (as defined below)) and on or prior to the date of completion of the merger per Novartis share in Swiss francs converted into US dollars on the basis of the USD/CHF spot rate prevailing at 4:30 pm (London time) on the last day of the Measurement Period (as defined in the definition of "Novartis Share Value") reported on the Bloomberg Professional Service under function "BFIX".

              The "Dividend Value Adjustment" means the lesser of (i) the USD Dividend Value and (ii) $60 minus the Novartis Share Value (defined below).

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              The "2010 Novartis Annual Dividend" means the dividend with respect to Novartis Shares to be approved at the annual general meeting of shareholders of Novartis in 2011.

              The "Novartis Share Value" means the average of the Daily Novartis Share Values (as defined below) for each of the ten Trading Days ending on (and including) the Trading Day prior to the date of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders (such ten Trading Days, the "Measurement Period") weighted by the total volume of trading in Novartis shares as reported on the NOVN.VX VWAP page on the Bloomberg Professional Service each such Trading Day.

              The "Daily Novartis Share Value" means, for any Trading Day, the Daily Novartis VWAP (as defined below) for such Trading Day converted into US dollars on the basis of the USD/CHF London spot rate prevailing at 4:30 pm (London time) for such Trading Day reported on the Bloomberg Professional Service under function "BFIX" minus, for any Trading Day prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for any Novartis cash dividend declared or paid after the date of the merger agreement and on or prior to the date of completion of merger, the USD Dividend Value.

              The "Daily Novartis VWAP" means, for any Trading Day, the per share volume-weighted average price of Novartis shares as reported on the NOVN.VX VWAP page (which prices are displayed in Swiss Francs) on the Bloomberg Professional Service in respect of the period from the open of trading on the relevant Trading Day to the close of such Trading Day.

              The "Ex-Dividend Date" means the date on which Novartis shares first trade on the SIX without the right to the applicable dividend.

              The "Stock Consideration Value" means the product of (x) the Exchange Ratio and (y) the Novartis Share Value.

              The "Contingent Value Amount" means an amount in US dollars equal to $168 minus the Stock Consideration Value. If the Stock Consideration Value is equal to $168, the Contingent Value Amount will be zero.

              "Trading Day" means a date on which trading occurs on the SIX.

              The Merger Consideration will be adjusted to reflect the economic effect of any share split, share combination, subdivision, reclassification, stock dividend, exchange of shares or similar transaction with respect to Alcon shares or Novartis shares that (i) is approved after the date of the merger agreement but prior to completion of the merger and (ii) is entered into the commercial register, or has a record or effective date that occurs during such period.

              The following table illustrates the hypothetical Exchange Ratio, Dividend Adjustment Factor and Contingent Value Amount based on a range of hypothetical Novartis Share Values:

 
   Hypothetical Merger Consideration per Alcon share  
Hypothetical
Novartis
Share Value 		  Exchange Ratio
(excl. Dividend
Adjustment Factor)(1) 		  Dividend
Adjustment Factor(1) 		  Total
Exchange Ratio(1) 		  Contingent
Value Amount 		 
 

    $    56.00          

     2.8000                     0.1162 (2)     2.9162 (2)     $      4.69 (2)  
 

    $    58.00          

     2.8000                     0.0966 (2)     2.8966 (2)     $      0.00 (2)  
 

    $    60.00          

     2.8000                     0.0000         2.8000         $      0.00      
 

    $    62.00          

     2.7097                     0.0000         2.7097         $      0.00    
 		 
(1)
Does not reflect payment of cash consideration in lieu of fractional Novartis shares or Novartis ADSs.

(2)
Assumes Novartis pays a dividend of $2.32 per Novartis share prior to completion of the merger, the US dollar value of the 2010 Novartis Annual Dividend of CHF 2.20 proposed by the Novartis Board and announced on January 27, 2011, converted into US dollars at a rate of CHF 1.00 = $1.0566, as quoted by Bloomberg on such date.

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              The actual Novartis Share Value used to determine the Merger Consideration may be greater than or less than the values expressed in the table above. Please see also "Risk Factors—The consideration received by Alcon shareholders may be less than $168 because the market value of the Novartis shares to be delivered in the merger could fluctuate between the date of the annual general meeting of Alcon shareholders and the completion date of the merger" on page 96.

Exercise of the Put Option

              In the event that the Stock Consideration Value (as defined under "—Merger Consideration" above), i.e. the value of the Novartis shares you will receive for each Alcon share as determined in accordance with the merger agreement, is less than $168, the election and exchange agent will exercise all Put Options (as defined under "—Merger Consideration" above) included in the Merger Consideration and, if the Put Options are so exercised, the election and exchange agent will pay you an amount in cash payable in USD equal to the applicable Contingent Value Amount (as defined under "—Merger Consideration" above) for each of your Alcon shares (net of applicable Swiss withholding tax) as part of the Merger Consideration. Each outstanding Put Option will terminate and be of no further force and effect either following payment of the Merger Consideration or in the event the Stock Consideration Value is greater than or equal to $168.

Treatment of Certain Share Capital and Equity

              The Alcon shares that Novartis holds will not be exchanged in the merger, and such Alcon shares will be cancelled upon completion of the merger. The Alcon shares that Alcon or any of its subsidiaries hold will be exchanged in the merger and the Novartis shares so issued in connection with such exchange may be used by Novartis upon effectiveness of the merger in the exchange to the extent these Novartis shares are held by Alcon. Any Novartis shares that Alcon may hold at completion of the merger will be transferred to Novartis by operation of the merger.

              Following completion of the merger, all awards as defined in and outstanding under the Amended 2002 Alcon Incentive Plan will, upon exercise or vesting as applicable, be settled in the form of Novartis shares instead of Alcon shares and will be structured so that the beneficiaries will receive for each Alcon share otherwise issuable the Merger Consideration as determined in accordance with procedures set forth in the merger agreement whereby any cash component of the Merger Consideration (including cash payable upon exercise of the Put Option) will be substituted by a number of Novartis shares based on the Novartis Share Value (except that cash-settled stock appreciation rights will continue to be settled in cash). Performance-based restricted share units granted for the 2009-2011 performance cycle will first performance-vest at the 178.5% level before being converted into time-based Novartis restricted share units. The other terms and conditions of the awards (including the rights of employees upon termination of employment following change of control, time-based vesting conditions and payment schedules) will remain the same. Since the performance share units granted in 2008 for the 2008-2010 performance cycle have vested at the 118.4% level, they will be settled in the form of Alcon shares at that level, and the shares will be treated as other Alcon shares in the merger.

No Special Benefits to Directors and Members of Senior Management of Alcon

              In the merger agreement, Alcon represents that other than (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or (ii) as approved by the Alcon Board prior to the date of the merger agreement, neither any member of the Alcon Board nor any member of senior management of Alcon has been awarded any compensation or benefits since December 31, 2009.

              In the merger agreement, Alcon represents that no member of the Alcon Board, nor any member of senior management, has received any actual or contingent compensation or benefits, the vesting or payment of which is contingent upon the merger, or any severance payments in the event of

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a termination of employment at any time following completion of the merger, other than (i)(x) the vesting terms in the 2009 and 2010 award agreements under the Amended 2002 Alcon Incentive Plan and the 2011 award agreements under the Amended 2002 Alcon Incentive Plan to be entered into with respect to awards for the performance year 2010 and (y)