BASEL, SWITZERLAND--(Marketwire - October 18, 2007) -
* Strong operational performance for Group continuing operations:
* Nine-month net sales up 13% to USD 28.1 billion (+9% local currencies) driven by all divisions, particularly Vaccines and Diagnostics and Sandoz * Operating income rises 9% to USD 6.5 billion, excluding a one-time incremental environmental provision of USD 590 million to cover worldwide remediation plans
