SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Report on Form 6-K dated September 3, 2007
(Commission File No. 1-15024)
Novartis AG
(Name of Registrant)
Lichtstrasse 35
4056 Basel
Switzerland
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
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Form 20-F: x |
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Form 40-F: o |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
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Yes: o |
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No: x |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
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Yes: o |
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No: x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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Yes: o |
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No: x |
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Novartis International AG Novartis Global Communications CH-4002 Basel Switzerland http://www.novartis.com |
- Investor Relations Release -
Novartis completes divestment program with transfer of Gerber baby foods business
Basel, September 3, 2007 – Novartis has completed the sale of its Gerber baby foods business to Nestlé for USD 5.5 billion, the final step in a divestment program to focus the Group’s strategy on healthcare with pharmaceuticals at the core.
Following this final divestment, all Novartis businesses activities will be concentrated on healthcare, areas where the Group has expertise and synergies in addressing the needs of patients and customers. These include innovative pharmaceuticals for human and animal health, vaccines and diagnostics, generics and consumer health products such as over-the-counter (OTC) brands.
Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements which can be identified by the use of terminology such as “will”, or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding the potential impact of the divestment of Gerber on Novartis AG’s net sales, operating income, net income and business generally. Such statements reflect the current plans, expectations, objectives, intentions or views of management with respect to future events, are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Management’s expectations could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays; competition in general; the general economic and regulatory environment and other risks such as, but not limited to, those referred to in Novartis AG’s Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Novartis
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in offering medicines to protect health, cure disease and improve well-being. Our goal is to discover, develop and successfully market innovative products to treat patients, ease suffering and enhance the quality of life. We are strengthening our medicine-based portfolio, which is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics, human vaccines and leading self-medication OTC brands. Novartis is the only company with leadership positions in these areas. In 2006, the Group’s businesses achieved net sales of USD 37.0 billion and net income of USD 7.2 billion. Approximately USD 5.4 billion was invested in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 100,000 associates and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
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Novartis Media Relations
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John Gilardi |
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e-mail: media.relations@novartis.com
Novartis Investor Relations
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International |
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North America |
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Ruth Metzler-Arnold Katharina Ambühl Nafida Bendali Jason Hannon Thomas Hungerbuehler Richard Jarvis |
+41 61 324 7944 +41 61 324 5316 +41 61 324 3514 +41 61 324 2152 +41 61 324 8425 +41 61 324 4353 |
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Ronen Tamir Jill Pozarek Edwin Valeriano |
+1 212 830 2433 +1 212 830 2445 +1 212 830 2456 |
e-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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Novartis AG |
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Date: |
September 3, 2007 |
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By: |
/s/ Malcolm B. Cheetham |
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Name: |
Malcolm B. Cheetham |
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Head Group Financial |
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Reporting and Accounting |
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