Johnson Controls has finalised its previously announced seven-year contract with Novartis for the delivery of integrated facility management and infrastructure services at four sites across the healthcare company's Basel, Switzerland headquarters (see News story).

The contract is believed to be one of the largest outsourcing agreements in Central Europe. Johnson Controls will deliver guaranteed savings to Novartis and plans to retain every Novartis employee affected by the agreement.

Approximately 900 Novartis staff, currently based in Basel, have already transferred to Johnson Controls. For a two-year transition period, Novartis will have minority holdings in a joint venture, Johnson Controls IFM AG.

"The award of the Novartis contract strengthens Johnson Controls base for the delivery of integrated facility management services in Central Europe," said Mike Friedl, Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Controls IFM AG. "We are excited about the level of talented people that are joining us from Novartis. As our business grows in Central Europe, these employees will have many opportunities for further career growth with Johnson Controls."

Richard Byatt