Novartis AG develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceuticals, Alcon, Sandoz, and Corporate Activities. The Pharmaceuticals segment provides patent-protected prescription medicines. The Alcon segment offers surgical, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, and vision care products. The Sandoz segment supplies generic pharmaceuticals. The Corporate Activities segment includes other items of income and expense which are not attributable to specific segments such as certain expenses related to post-employment benefits, environmental remediation liabilities, charitable activities, donations, and sponsorships. The company was founded on February 29, 1996 and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.