4.A History and development of Novartis Novartis AG Novartis AG was incorporated on February 29, 1996, under the laws of Switzerland as a stock corporation (“ Aktiengesellschaft ”) with an indefinite duration. On December 20, 1996, our predecessor companies, Ciba‑Geigy AG and Sandoz AG, merged into this new entity, creating Novartis. We are domiciled in and governed by the laws of Switzerland. Our registered office is located at the following address: Novartis AG Lichtstrasse 35 CH‑4056 Basel, Switzerland Telephone: +41‑61‑324‑1111 Website: www.novartis.com Novartis AG, our Swiss holding company, owns, directly or indirectly, all of our significant operating companies. For a list of our significant operating subsidiaries, see “Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 31. Novartis principal subsidiaries and associated companies.” For a description of important corporate developments since January 1, 2023, see “Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 2. Significant acquisitions of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business.” For information regarding the Company’s material commitments for capital expenditures, see “Item 5.