Sanofi's Bid for Aventis: Winning Won't be Enough

As Aventis digs its heels in and Sanofi refuses to raise its offer, a friendly deal between the two players looks increasingly less likely. Most observers still expect the deal to happen: white knight stories aren't convincing and none have the political support that this combination enjoys. But if Sanofi does win, it must use the transaction to transform its Franco-centric business, not merely enlarge it.

More than a month after Sanofi-Synthélabo launched its €48.3 billion ($60 billion) cash and stock hostile bid for compatriot Aventis SA , the battle isn't getting any less bloody, nor does it look like it's going to end soon [See Deal].

Sanofi's bid is inherently defensive. It knew that if it were unable to sign a deal before year-end 2004—and an...

More from Global Vision

More from In Vivo

Podcast: Scancell’s Cancer Vaccine Progress With NHS Partnership

 
• By 

In the latest podcast interview, Phil L'Huillier, CEO of Scancell, discussed the company's work in cancer vaccine development, and its selection as the first British biotech to be a part of the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad.

Geopolitical Volatility Not Dimming A Healthy Mid-Term Outlook For Life Sciences Deals

 
• By 

New report by global law firm Taylor Wessing and Bayes Business School forecasts a steadily increasing volume of major life sciences M&A in the coming five years, but highlights concerns over cybersecurity and unrealistic valuations. Taylor Wessing partner Andrew Edge spoke to In Vivo.

Navigating the GLP-1 Opportunity In China: Strategic Imperatives For Western Pharma

 
• By 

The Chinese appetite for GLP-1s is noticeable. While the market opportunity for western pharma is huge, so are the strategic market access challenges, though not unsurmountable, L.E.K. Consulting told In Vivo.