ZURICH, July 1 – The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Thursday:

NOVARTIS (NOVN.VX)

Novartis AG said it expects to close its buy of a majority stake in U.S. eyecare group Alcon (ACL.N) in the late third quarter or fourth quarter, paving the way for it to take full control of the group.[ID:nLDE65T2IM]

For more, click on (NOVN.VX)

ECONOMY [M-CH]

* June Purchasing Managers’ Index at 0715 GMT

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Meyer Burger (MBTN.S) said it had cancelled a 29 million euro ($35.48 million) contract with Spanish-based Pevafers after steps of a large project could not be carried out as planned due to the global financial crisis.

EQUITY RESEARCH [CH-RCH]

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