novartis sales accelerate further in third quarter of 1997 all three life sciences divisions drive expansion basel switzerland 23 october the first nine months this year global leader achieved 9 billion swiss francs an increase 8 local currencies or 21 contributed to overall performance with pharmaceuticals especially driving expects favorable trend continue into fourth 1996 change chf millions healthcare 14 064 11 392 10 631 444 26 12 consumer health 1 269 180 4 generics 099 892 ciba vision 065 876 22 7 agribusiness 6 707 5 696 18 crop protection 863 19 seeds 142 951 20 animal 702 646 nutrition 3 080 2 605 total 851 693 following merger and sandoz introduced a new uniform net definition for comparability corresponding figures have been restated accordingly they also exclude divested business activities
