Sanofi-aventis Successfully Completes the Acquisition of Chattem, Inc., Sanofi-Aventis

Release Date: 2010-03-11

Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announces completion of the acquisition of 100% of Chattem, Inc., which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the sanofi-aventis Group

By strengthening its presence in the U.S. consumer healthcare market, which represents 25 percent of the current worldwide market, sanofi-aventis is building a significant platform for future growth and further securing its position as a global diversified healthcare company. This acquisition also provides new channels for maximizing the potential of converting sanofi-aventis’ prescription medicines to over-the-counter (OTC) products, beginning with Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride), which is expected to be an important growth driver for Sanofi-Aventis.

“The addition of Chattem to our worldwide portfolio of leading Consumer Healthcare businesses represents an important milestone in sanofi-aventis’ strategy to become a global diversified healthcare leader,” declared Christopher A. Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer of sanofi-aventis. “Chattem’s existing sales, marketing and distribution teams and infrastructure provide a tremendous platform for future conversions of prescription medicines to OTC products in the U.S., and I am confident that Chattem will maximize the success of those conversions. I look forward to working with Zan Guerry and the Chattem leadership team who will play a key-role in the performance of our consumer healthcare activities”.

“The entire Chattem team is excited to serve as the base for sanofi-aventis’ U.S. consumer healthcare business and looks forward to capturing the significant growth opportunities,” said Zan Guerry, Chief Executive Officer of Chattem. “This acquisition creates substantial benefits for our employees, customers and the city of Chattanooga.”

Type:	NORMAL
Company:	Sanofi-Aventis
Country:	法国