Novartis
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Company's acquisition of 20% of Roche voting stock for $2.8 bil. is not expected to impact its nutritionals businesses, firm says. Calling move a long-term financial investment primarily involving its pharmaceutical operations, Novartis says Roche's position in bulk vitamin industry would not likely affect ReSource Wellness line or functional food strategy. Novartis is reviewing functional foods options after halting distribution of Aviva line in foreign markets due to lower-than-expected consumer reception. CFO Raymond Breu referred to firm's nutrition businesses as "farther away" from its core pharmaceutical goals at J.P. Morgan conference in late April (1"The Tan Sheet" May 7, p. 6)