M&A Watch: Alcon's Minorty Shareholders Getting the Short End of the Sale

Novartis (NVS) has worked aggressively to purchase Alcon (ACL), a major eye-care company, from Nestlé. The deal-making started a couple of years ago when Novartis shelled out $10.4 billion to Nestlé for a 25% equity stake in Alcon. Now, the company is finally getting its prize through an option to buy the remaining 52% from Nestlé (NSRGY) and buying 23% from minority shareholders. In all, it's a $50 billion transaction.