Markets
February 20, 2026
Novartis’ India shares surged by 20%, hitting the upper circuit, on Friday morning after Swiss pharma giant, Novartis AG, confirmed selling its entire 70.68% stake to a consortium of investors for $159 million. The move is a part of Novartis AG’s global restructuring plan.
According to the stock exchange filing, Novartis AG group will sell 17.4 million shares to a consortium comprising WaveRise Investments, ChrysCapital Fund X, and Two Infinity Partners. Following reports of the stake sale deal, the Novartis India shares closed at $10.96 at the end of the day’s trade, close to its 52-week high of $12.09.
Also Read: SocGen Euro Stablecoin Launch on XRPL Fuels Analyst Calls for XRP to Reach $9
Why the Novartis India Stake Sale Deal Is Moving Shares and Markets
The pharma stock news assumes significance because such an ownership shift signals restructuring, efficiency improvements, and potential rebranding, which retail investors watch out for.
The market is also reacting to the possibility of operational changes, which could lead the company to pursue independent growth strategies or new partnerships.
Apart from that, the consortium has also made an open offer to public shareholders to acquire up to an additional 26% at $9.46 per share. This, too, is seen as a driving factor behind increasing trading activity.
Novartis AG also released a statement confirming its agreement with the consortium. Detailing about its other subsidiary and the impact of the Novartis AG divestment, the release said,
“Novartis India Limited (NIL), an independent public company listed on BSE Limited, is separate from Novartis Healthcare Private Limited. The transfer of Novartis AG shareholding in NIL will not impact Novartis Healthcare Private Limited operations.”
Also Read: PCE Inflation Forecast: Timiraos Warns of 0.37% Surge and Core PCE Hitting 3%
According to the agreement of the stake sale deal, Two Infinity Partners and ChrysCapital Fund X will acquire 3.91% and 10.32% respectively, at $7.71 per share, while WaveRise Investments will get a 56.45% equity share capital at $9.46 per share.
For now, the verdict is clear. The change in ownership has boosted investor confidence, and Novartis India’s share prices are reflecting those expectations.
