Who Owns Alcon?

Alcon was founded in 1945 by pharmacists Robert and William Conron in Fort Worth, Texas. The company name derives from the founders' surname — "Al-con." The brothers initially focused on producing ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and quickly established Alcon as a pioneer in eye care products. Their vision was to create innovative solutions for eye health and vision correction, building a company that would transform the eye care industry through scientific innovation and patient-focused product development. The founders' pharmaceutical background and entrepreneurial vision created a foundation for scientific excellence and innovation that would guide the company's growth for decades to come.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Alcon expanded its product line to include contact lens care solutions, eye drops, and ophthalmic surgical instruments. The company became a leader in eye care innovation, developing products like the Opti-Free contact lens solution and Systane artificial tears that became industry standards. Alcon's commitment to research and development established it as an innovator in the eye care field, setting new standards for product quality and clinical effectiveness. The company's early success in developing breakthrough products demonstrated its ability to identify unmet medical needs and create solutions that would improve patient outcomes and advance the practice of ophthalmology.

Nestlé acquired Alcon in 1977, providing resources for significant global expansion. Under Nestlé ownership, Alcon grew into the world's largest eye care company, expanding its manufacturing footprint and product portfolio across multiple continents. In 2008, Novartis began acquiring Alcon from Nestlé, completing a full acquisition by 2010 for approximately $52 billion — one of the largest pharmaceutical acquisitions in history. This acquisition demonstrated Alcon's strategic value and market leadership position in the global eye care industry, while showcasing the company's exceptional growth trajectory and its importance as a leader in eye care innovation and market development.

In April 2019, Novartis spun off Alcon as an independent publicly traded company, distributing its 77% stake to Novartis shareholders. The spin-off was designed to allow both companies to focus on their core businesses. Since becoming independent, Alcon has invested heavily in innovation, launching advanced intraocular lenses, next-generation surgical platforms, and expanded vision care products. The company relocated its global headquarters from Fort Worth to Geneva, Switzerland, positioning itself as a truly global eye care leader with enhanced strategic focus and operational independence. This successful transition to independence demonstrates Alcon's resilience and ability to thrive as a standalone company while maintaining its leadership position in the competitive global eye care market.