Sanofi-Aventis welcomes Zentiva employees

Sanofi-Aventis looks forward to welcoming Zentiva’s employees into its group, it has asserted.

This comment came from the former’s chief executive officer Chris Viehbacher after it announced the settlement of its voluntary public offer for the latter.

Under Dutch law, Sanofi-Aventis is required to hold at least 95 per cent of remaining minority shareholders from Zentiva as part of the squeeze-out procedure.

The company now owns about 96.8 per cent of Zentiva’s share capital, which totals over 27.7 million shares.

Mr Viehbacher explained that he is pleased with the successful outcome of the acquisition offer.

He commented: “Zentiva brings a large portfolio of branded generic drugs and affordable medicines, which is well adapted to market dynamics and patients needs in this region.”

Earlier this month, Sanofi-Aventis announced that Jerome Contamine had been appointed as chief financial officer. Effective of March 16th 2009, he will be involved in the business’ operational structures.

According to Mr Viehbacher, his knowledge and experience will be valuable in helping the firm become a global leader in healthcare.