Novartis to Acquire Worldwide Adult Medical Nutrition Business of Mead Johnson & Company, Strengthening its Number Two Global Position


BASEL, Switzerland, Dec. 16, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Novartis:


 -- Transaction offers Novartis entry to U.S. retail medical nutrition
    channel and enhanced access to Japanese market

 -- Established brands like Boost(r), Isocal(r) and Ultracal(r) acquired
    to meet growing needs of outpatient and ageing population

Novartis announced today its intention to acquire the brands, trademarks, patents and intellectual property assets of Mead Johnson & Company's global adult medical nutrition business in a US $385 million cash transaction. Mead Johnson & Company, a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, is a leader in sales and marketing of adult medical nutrition products.

Please see full press release under the following link:

http://hugin.info/134323/R/928373/126842.pdf