News

Posted On: 03/20/2007

Fortune Names Novartis "World's Most Admired" Pharma Firm

PharmaManufacturing.com

Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis has been ranked as the No. 1 company worldwide in the pharmaceuticals industry in the 2007 peer group results of the annual Fortune magazine survey of the "World's Most Admired Companies."

The results were based on a survey of 1,500 pharmaceuticals industry executives and financial analysts worldwide. Companies are ranked on nine attributes including innovation, management quality, people management, quality of products and services, commitment to corporate social responsibility and financial soundness.

Novartis achieved this top ranking, steadily rising its position over the last five years from No. 7 in 2003 and second to Johnson & Johnson in the 2005 and 2006 results.

"We are pleased with this recognition from within the industry because it demonstrates respect from our peers — not only for our strength in innovation and excellent business performance, but also for our commitment to patients and corporate citizenship," said Ann Bailey, head of corporate communications at Novartis.

In addition to the peer group industry survey, the Fortune magazine survey includes results of a survey involving about 10,000 senior executives and financial analysts across 30 industries as well as a survey of reputation among U.S. companies.

About Novartis

Novartis AG's broad portfolio of medicines is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics, human vaccines and leading self-medication OTC brands. In 2006, the Group's businesses achieved net sales of $37 billion and net income of $7.2 billion, while investing $5.4 billion in R&D. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 101,000 associates and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://www.novartis.com.