Genzyme, Sanofi proposes $ 18.5 billion
The leaders of the U.S. biotechnology group Genzyme had said they would not sell below $ 80 per share. Sanofi-Aventis announced Sunday that he still has a dialogue with the American biotechnology company that wants to buy, based on a price of about $ 18.5 billion, or $ 69 per share, confirming persistent rumors since July. This represents a premium of 38% over the closing price of 49.86 dollars per share of Genzyme July 1, just before it was boosted by rumors of acquisitions, Sanofi said in a statement. The transaction would be solely in cash.
The French pharmaceutical group had remained silent since the leaks in the press last month about his interest in American business.The CEO of Sanofi-Aventis, Chris Viehbacher, confirmed to Le Figaro that the group would continue its acquisition policy.
'To show our determination not to be threatening at once "
The revelation of the terms of negotiation designed to put pressure on the leaders of Genzyme. However, Sanofi-Aventis does not intend to go on the offensive for the moment: he prefers to continue the discussion rather than to launch a firm offer of redemption."We want to show our determination and seriousness, but not immediately threatening," said Chris Viehbacher Thus, the CEO of Sanofi-Aventis said in an interview published in Les Echos on Monday.
Chris Viehbacher business daily said that Genzyme, for his group, represents "a way to add a platform for sustainable growth, when we lose large volumes of sales with the arrival of generic Plavix in Europe, and Eloxatin and Lenovox United States. "He emphasized the" high value "of drugs developed by its target, but judging" expensive ".About the possible synergies between the two groups, the CEO of Sanofi-Aventis said: "It is too soon to go into details but it is clear that we can help, especially to solve the production problems faced by Genzyme .
A world leader in the development
The main shareholder of Sanofi-Aventis, L'Oréal and Total, is shown also reserved about the acquisition, fearing that the French pharmaceutical group pays its target too expensive. The Board of Directors of Sanofi-Aventis had warned that he does not go beyond $ 70 per share. Analysts estimated the amount of money available for redemption at about 20 billion euros.
In a statement, Sanofi-Aventis said that "bringing the two companies would create a global leader in the development and availability of new treatments, bringing to each new significant growth opportunities."