Novartis ups stake in merger-shy Roche
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Basel, Switzerland-based pharma group Novartis has revealed that last year it increased its holding of cross-town rival Roche's voting shares from 21.3% to 32.7% (representing a 6.2% stake overall). This brings it close to the 33.3% threshold that would give it power of veto in certain AGM decisions, and is a sign of Novartis CEO Daniel Vasella's interest in a Swiss merger.