Today, Alcon has operations in 75 countries and its products are sold in over 180 countries. Nestlé conducted an initial public offering of 25% of its stake in Alcon in 2002. The stock is traded under the ticker symbol ALC. In July 2008, Novartis purchased approximately 25% of Nestlés stake in Alcon, with an option to buy Nestlés remaining shares beginning in 2010. Novartis bought 52% stake from Nestlé for $28.1 Billion. This deal brought the total ownership of Alcon by Novartis to 77%. Beginning January 2010 Novartis formally announced it will be completing the exercise options for finishing purchasing the rest of Alcon and then promptly continue to exercise merger and takeover of Alcon.On March 29, 2010, Alcon acquired Durezol and Zyclorin from Sirion Therapeutics. Alcon received regulatory approval to acquire the rights of Durezol emulsion in the US and the global rights, excluding Latin America, for Zyclorin from Sirion Therapeutics.On June 28, 2010, Alcons Independent Director Committee announced that a recommendation by the committee was an indispensable first step before the board of the company can decide on the merger proposal of Novartis AG, refuted Novartis’ public implications that it would be able to unilaterally impose the merger irrespective of the Independent Director Committees position once Novartis became Alcons majority shareholder. On July 8, 2010, Alcons independent director committee (IDC) had set up a $50 million litigation trust to ensure companys minority shareholders get the best deal from bidder Novartis AG.On April 9, 2019, Alcon completed a 100% spin-off from Novartis.
The new standalone company is worth up to 28 billion Swiss francs.In November 2021, Alcon announced it would acquire Ivantis and their glaucoma surgery stent technology for at least $475 million. In August 2022, Alcon agreed to buy Aerie Pharmaceuticals for US$770 million to enhance its ophthalmic pharmaceutical portfolio. References
External links

Business data for Alcon: 
Alcon Official Website
Alcon : Novartis exercises option and proposes merger
Novartis needs Alcon directors OK for buyout
Swiss Corporate Governance Expert Supports Alcon Independent Director Committee’s Position against Novartis