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Can Political M&A Make Commercial Sense?

 
• By Melanie Senior

Sanofi-Aventis stands apart from most other Big Pharma mergers. Granted, it shares many of the same drivers as previous tie-ups: looming patent expiries and hunger for size. But the unashamed political intervention, which helped turn one of the most vocal bidding wars from bitterly hostile to friendly overnight, was quite extraordinary. It points to the still delicate balance in France between commercial freedom and nationalistic pride; more importantly though, its effects may hamper Sanofi-Aventis' success on the global stage.

Sanofi-Aventis stands apart from most other Big Pharma mergers. Granted, it shares many of the same drivers as previous tie-ups: looming patent expiries and hunger for size. But the unashamed political intervention was unique and points to the still delicate balance in France between commercial freedom and nationalistic pride. More importantly though, its effects may hamper Sanofi-Aventis' success on the global stage.

There's never been a pharma merger quite like it. Sanofi-Synthélabo's first approach towards Aventis SA last year was friendly....

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