Share ownership

Novartis shares are widely held. As of December 31, 2008, Novartis had approximately 153000 shareholders (2007: 154000) registered in its share register.

Based on the Novartis AG share register, approximately 49% (2007: 51%) of the Novartis AG shares registered by name were held in Switzerland and 36% were held by approximately 800 holders in the US (2007: 37% and 800 holders, respectively).

These data are not representative of the actual number of beneficial owners located in Switzerland or the US since certain shares are held by brokers or other nominees.

Approximately 13% of the shares registered in the share register were held by retail or individual investors, while 87% were held by institutions such as banks, nominees, insurers, pension funds and investment funds. A total of 23% of the Novartis AG shares were not entered in the share register.