HUENENBERG, Switzerland—Alcon, Inc., (ACL: NYSE) announced today that the company has achieved ownership of more than 95 percent of the share capital of WaveLight AG (ISIN: DE0005125603). Under the provisions of the German Stock Corporation Act, Alcon is deemed to be the principal shareholder of WaveLight’s approximately 6.6 million issued and outstanding shares.

The company has notified the WaveLight board of directors of its intention to acquire all remaining outstanding shares in accordance with the “squeeze-out” provisions of German securities law. Alcon intends to acquire these remaining shares in exchange for appropriate cash compensation following the WaveLight annual general meeting to be held on Aug. 28, 2009.

“Completing the WaveLight acquisition will enable us to finalize the combination of Alcon’s global commercial infrastructure with WaveLight’s leading technologies,” said Kevin Buehler, Alcon’s president and chief executive officer. “While we have successfully integrated our refractive operations in the U.S. and other selected markets, we look forward to further market development opportunities and operating efficiencies afforded by full ownership.”

Alcon, Inc. is a leading eyecare company, with sales of approximately $6.3 billion in 2008. Alcon, which has been in the ophthalmic industry for 60 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon’s majority shareholder is Nestlé, S.A., one of the world’s largest food company.

WaveLight AG develops, manufactures and markets an innovative, end-to-end product portfolio in the field of ophthalmology, specializing in diagnostic systems and refractive surgery.