Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on Jan 19

ZURICH Jan 19 (Reuters) - Swiss shares were seen opening almost flat on Tuesday as markets waited on results from U.S. bellwether companies due later in the week.

The blue chip SMI index .SSMI was forecast to open 5 points lower at 6,598 points, according to pre-market data from bank Clariden Leu CLPRE.

The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Tuesday:

RICHEMONT (CFR.VX)

* Montblanc, the maker of exclusive writing instruments and part of luxury goods group Richemont, cautioned on Monday it was still too early to tell if a brightening mood amongst consumers would last.

* Richemont is in talks to take a stake in Germany's Rodenstock in a move that would bolster the indebted eyeglass company's balance sheet, Financial Times Deutschland reported.

For related news click on [CFR.VX]

NOVARTIS (NOVN.VX)

Alcon ACL.N, in which Novartis is buying a majority stake, said it will purchase the rights in the United States for two FDA approved topical eye care products from Sirion Therapeutics, Inc.

For related news click on [NOVN.VX]

LINDT & SPRUENGLI (LISP.S) (LISN.S)

Lindt & Spruengli's 2009 sales of 2.5 billion Swiss francs ($2.5 billion) were just below forecasts and the chocolate maker said 2009 operating profit would be at the low end of its guidance.

For related news click on [LISP.S]

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Orascom Development (ODHN.S) - dispute regarding the completion of the procedures for the registration of title for its ownership of the shares of Falcon for Hotels [ODHN.S]

* Phoenix Mecano (PM.S) to expand capacity [PM.S]

* Komax (KOMN.S) - preliminary results for 2009 [KOMN.S]

* Galenica (GALN.S) 2009: significant investments for future success [GALN.S]

ECONOMY [M-CH]

EQUITY RESEARCH [CH-RCH]

FOR COMPANIES TRADING EX-DIVIDEND, PLEASE CLICK ON:

.EX.S for all Swiss stocks

.EXSMI.S for blue chips

.EXNSMI.S for other stocks