Novartis is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel that ranks number one globally in terms of sales in its industry. Novartis was created in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, two companies with a rich and diverse corporate history. Its diverse healthcare portfolio includes innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventative vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis companies employ approximately 135,000 staff and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world. Novartis is currently transforming its global headquarters in Basel into a state-of-the-art centre of research, development and management.