Novartis grabs a winner

Implications: The purchase of a controlling interest in Alcon by Novartis is a brilliant move by Novartis.  To bring the leading contact lens disinfectant together with Ciba's contact lenses is a wonderful marketing opportunity for Ciba.

Analysis: Novartis' purchase of a controlling interest in Alcon is similar to FedEx and Kinko's coming together, a match made in heaven.  Novartis/Ciba already have the alternative contact lens disinfecting system practitioners go to when the one-bottle systems cause irritation or allergic reactions:  ClearCare and AOSept.  Now that Novartis has OptiFree Express and OptiFree Replenish, they will control a large majority of the contact lens care market.  With Ciba's line of lenses, and undoubtedly new lenses coming out, the marketing potential of contact lenses with solutions is phenomenal.  Ciba can sell the whole package to the patient.  With OptiFree and ClearCare as favorites with most eye doctors, Novartis/Ciba should show solid growth.