OREANDA-NEWS. Novartis today announced that it has completed effective July 31, 2015 the divestiture of its influenza vaccine unit to CSL Limited.

This marks the end of a series of transactions previously announced and completed,that are focusing Novartis on its three leading businesses of global scale - pharmaceuticals, generics and eye care.

Since April 2014, the influenza vaccines unit results have been reported under Discontinuing Operations in the Novartis consolidated financial statements.

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care and cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2014, the Group achieved net sales of USD 58.0 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 120,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are available in more than 180 countries around the world.