Novartis is a pharmaceutical company created in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, two companies with a rich and diverse corporate history. Geigy whose origins go back to the middle of 18th century, Ciba – founded around 1859 and Sandoz, established in 1886. Throughout the years, Novartis and its predecessor companies have discovered and developed many innovative products for patients and consumers worldwide. Novartis is based in Basel, Switzerland.