Group Questions Adequacy and Legality of Novartis' Merger Proposal to Alcon's

Group Questions Adequacy and Legality of Novartis' Merger Proposal to Alcon's

Minority Shareholders

HUENENBERG, Switzerland - February 17,

2010 - The Alcon Independent Director Committee

(the "Committee") of Alcon, Inc. (NYSE: ACL) today announced that RiskMetrics

Group, Inc., a global leader in risk management, corporate governance and

financial research and analysis, has raised concerns about the adequacy of the

merger proposal by Novartis AG ("Novartis") to Alcon's minority shareholders and

the legality of any attempt by Novartis to unilaterally impose a full takeover

to clients issued yesterday, RiskMetrics presented its preliminary views on

Alcon's valuation, which are largely consistent with the views previously

expressed by the Committee. Specifically, RiskMetrics' independent

addition, RiskMetrics questioned the spirit of the Novartis merger proposal. In

particular, RiskMetrics noted that "[Novartis] is clearly aware of the many

legal protections afforded

shareholders in various global jurisdictions, protections designed to prevent

exactly this type of situation." As one example, RiskMetrics highlighted Article

V, Section 5 of the Alcon Organizational Regulations and stated that "as soon as

[Novartis] closes on its purchase of Nestl 's 52% stake, it seems to us a

challenge to argue that this provision would not apply to [Novartis], in spirit

also noted that "relying on technicalities to discriminate against one set of

shareholders is clearly not best practice," and that RiskMetrics will "continue

to monitor this situation."

Plaskett, Chairman of the Committee, said, "RiskMetrics is the leading

independent advisor to investors on proxy and governance matters and its

findings support our conviction that the Novartis proposal is grossly inadequate

and unfair to Alcon's minority shareholders. RiskMetrics is rightly concerned by

Novartis' attempt to trample on the rights of Alcon's minority

Committee also renewed its pledge to defend the rights of Alcon's minority

shareholders through all appropriate and available actions.

January 4, 2010, Novartis proposed acquiring the publicly-traded minority shares

of Alcon in an all-share swap, valued at the time of the announcement at $153

per Alcon share. Novartis simultaneously announced its intent to purchase a 52%

stake in Alcon from Nestl for $180 in cash. Last month, the Committee formally

responded to Novartis' merger proposal to minority shareholders, finding the

price and other terms proposed by Novartis to be grossly

& Co., Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Pestalozzi, Zurich, the Committee's

independent financial and legal advisors, are continuing their work in preparing

the Committee to vigorously defend Alcon and its minority

information regarding the proposal is posted on the Committee's Web site: http://www.transactioninfo.com/alcon.

Inc. is the world's leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $6.5

billion in 2009. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for

65 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals,

surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens solutions and other vision care

products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon

operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180 markets. For more information

on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company's web site at www.alcon.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking

Statements. This press release may contain forward-looking statements

within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

of 1995. Any forward-looking statements reflect the views of the Committee as of

the date of this press release with respect to future events and are based on

assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties,

you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. There

can be no guarantee that Novartis or Alcon will achieve any particular future

financial results or future growth rates or that Novartis or Alcon will be able

to realize any potential synergies, strategic benefits or opportunities as a

result of the consummation of the Novartis purchase or the proposed merger.

Also, there can be no guarantee that the Committee will obtain any particular

result. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the

rules and regulations

by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to

publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to

reflect new information or future events or circumstances or

Lipin/Jennifer Lowney

Group (212) 333-3810