In 1948, Nestle of Switzerland acquired Alcon, and in 2002 Nestle conducted an initial public offering of 25% of its stake in Alcon in 2002. In Jul. 2008, Novartis purchased 25% of Nestle’s stake in Alcon, with an option to buy Nestle’s remaining shares beginning in 2010.

In August 2010, Novartis acquired the remaining 52 percent of Alcon shares. Nestle acquired Alcon, and in 2002 Nestle conducted an initial public offering of 25% of its stake in Alcon in 2002. In July 2008, Novartis purchased 25% of Nestle’s stake in Alcon, with an option to buy Nestle’s remaining shares beginning in 2010.