Proxy Advisory Services Recommend Shareholders Vote in Favor of Chiron's Amended Merger Agreement with Novartis

Chiron Corporation (NASDAQ:CHIR) today announced that
three independent proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder
Services, Proxy Governance, and Glass Lewis & Co., have recommended
that Chiron shareholders vote in favor of the company's amended merger
agreement with Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS). As announced on April 3,
Novartis has increased to $48.00 per Chiron share the price it will
pay for the approximately 56 percent of Chiron shares that Novartis
does not already own. The merger will require a majority of
outstanding shares as of the record date to be voted in favor of the
transaction.
   Chiron is in the process of sending updated proxy materials to
shareholders and plans to convene the special shareholders meeting on
April 12, 2006, and to immediately adjourn the meeting and then
reconvene on April 19, 2006. As all necessary regulatory approvals
were previously received, Chiron expects the merger to close promptly
after the stockholder vote on April 19.

   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.