CHIR Chiron (MM)

Chiron Corporation (NASDAQ: CHIR) today noted that two proxy advisory services have reached opposite conclusions regarding their voting recommendations to Chiron shareholders in connection with the proposed acquisition of Chiron by Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS). A special meeting of Chiron shareholders will be held on April 12, 2006, to vote on the acquisition. Proxy Governance, an independent proxy advisory firm, has recommended that Chiron shareholders vote in favor of the acquisition, while Institutional Shareholder Services, another independent proxy advisory firm, has recommended voting against the acquisition. Chiron's independent directors unanimously recommend that Chiron shareholders vote for the Novartis acquisition. They believe it delivers full and fair value for the Company and is a better alternative for Chiron's public shareholders than if Chiron were to remain a standalone entity. About Chiron Chiron delivers innovative and valuable products to protect human health by advancing pioneering science across the landscape of biotechnology. The company works to deliver on the limitless promise of science and make a positive difference in people's lives. For more information about Chiron, please visit www.chiron.com.