Novartis provides progress-update to achieving 77% majority ownership of Alcon

Novartis expects to close the transaction for 77% majority ownership of Alcon in late third quarter or fourth quarter of 2010, pending regulatory approvals. Novartis confirms nominations to the Alcon board of directors replacing the five Nestlé nominated directors on the Alcon board, subject to closing of the transaction for 77% majority ownership - Nominees include: o Dr. Enrico Vanni - o Norman Walker - o Dr. Paul Choffat - o Dr. Urs Baerlocher - o Dr. Jacques Seydoux Novartis nominated directors are well-qualified and experienced to act in the best interests of Alcon shareholders Basel, June 30, 2010 - Novartis announced that it expects the closing of the transaction for 77% majority ownership of Alcon Inc in late third quarter or fourth quarter of 2010. A step towards closing is the nomination by Novartis of five directors to replace the five Nestlé nominated directors on the Alcon board of directors. The Novartis nominated directors combine extensive healthcare and management experience. As previously agreed in the Purchase and Option Agreement and the Shareholders Agreement from April 6^th, 2008 between Nestlé and Novartis, Alcon will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting of its shareholders to conditionally elect five persons nominated by Novartis to be members of the Alcon Board of Directors in replacement of the five persons previously nominated by Nestlé. The Alcon Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on August 16^th, 2010 in Zug, Switzerland.