ZURICH, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Novartis declined to comment on Tuesday on market talk it could sell its stake in local rival Roche to help fund its purchase of eyecare company Alcon.
Several traders had cited talk Novartis may sell its stake, worth 33 percent of voting rights in Roche. Novartis spokesman Eric Althoff said the company does not comment on market rumours.
Novartis shares were 0.6 percent higher at 57.60 Swiss francs by 1411 GMT. Roche was also up 0.6 percent.
(Reporting by Sam Cage) Keywords: NOVARTIS/ROCHE (zurich.newsroom@reuters.com; +41 (0)58 306 7457; Reuters Messaging: sam.cage.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
Several traders had cited talk Novartis may sell its stake, worth 33 percent of voting rights in Roche. Novartis spokesman Eric Althoff said the company does not comment on market rumours.
Novartis shares were 0.6 percent higher at 57.60 Swiss francs by 1411 GMT. Roche was also up 0.6 percent.
(Reporting by Sam Cage) Keywords: NOVARTIS/ROCHE (zurich.newsroom@reuters.com; +41 (0)58 306 7457; Reuters Messaging: sam.cage.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.