Novartis India shares zoom on Swiss parent’s ₹1,446 cr. exit plan

Novartis India (NIL) shares zoomed 20% within an hour of market opening Friday (February 20, 2026) on the back of parent Novartis AG decision to sell its entire 70.68% holding, in the listed arm, to a consortium of investors for nearly ₹1,446 crore.

WaveRise Investments, ChrysCapital Fund X and Two Infinity Partners, who are acquiring the stake from the Swiss drugmaker, consequently have made a mandatory open offer to acquire 26% public shareholding at ₹860.64 each aggregating to more than Rs.552 crore.

Novartis India shares, which closed on the BSE at ₹830.45 each on Thursday (February 19), soared 20% to touch ₹996.50 each. Around 11.30 a.m., the share price was ₹966.50, more than 16% compared to the previous close.

Novartis AG had two years ago conveyed its intent to undertake a strategic review in NIL to unlock the value of its shareholding.

Name change on cards

On Friday (February 20), NIL said on completion of the transaction Novartis will complete its transformation into a pure-play innovative medicines company and continues to adapt its footprint for efficient, sustainable long-term growth aligned with its global strategy. It will not hold any shares in NIL and cease to be in control of the company. Consequently, the Indian entity’s name may be changed, subject to regulatory and corporate approvals.

Continue presence through Novartis Healthcare

Novartis will continue its presence in India through Novartis Healthcare (NHPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Novartis group in India. NHPL includes the commercial arm of Novartis in India, the Novartis Corporate Centre in Hyderabad and R&D teams, which currently conduct clinical trials at more than 300 trial sites in the country.

NIL is an independent public company listed on BSE and is separate from NHPL. The transfer of Novartis AG shareholding in NIL will not impact Novartis Healthcare operations, the company said.