Chiron Shareholders Approve Novartis Acquisition

Chiron Corporation (NASDAQ:CHIR) today announced that
Chiron shareholders have approved the amended merger agreement under
which Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) will acquire all Chiron shares it doesn't
already own for $48.00 per share in cash. At a special meeting of
Chiron shareholders held today, the merger was approved with more than
85 percent of Chiron's total outstanding shares cast in favor of the
merger.
   As all necessary regulatory approvals were previously received,
Chiron expects the merger to close on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at
12:01 a.m. PDT.

   About Chiron

   Chiron delivers innovative and valuable products to protect human
health by advancing pioneering science across the landscape of
biotechnology. The company works to deliver on the limitless promise
of science and make a positive difference in people's lives. For more
information about Chiron, please visit www.chiron.com.