Genzyme refused an offer below 75 dollars per share

Sell, yes, but not at any price. This is essentially the message delivered by the Director General of Genzyme, Henri Termeer, in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday. The owner of the coveted American society was prepared to sell its group of biotechnology, but not at the price of 69 dollars per share, as proposed by Sanofi-Aventis. "An agreement can be concluded that when the group's strategic value has been properly recognized, he decided.

After rejecting the offer Monday, Genzyme said, however open to negotiations which should, according to Henri Termeer, lasting several months. According to the latter, there is a "high probability" that an agreement was finally reached with Sanofi, given the "strategic needs" of the two groups. But this would require "a reasonable starting point for negotiations."

Sources familiar with the matter have said previously that Genzyme wanted to receive an offer of at least $ 75 per share before committing serious discussions.

The boss of Genzyme said it was too early to say if another candidate could submit a bid. For the moment, neither the company nor its banks have begun efforts to find potential buyers. "Once the process begins with Sanofi, this could change."

Sanofi Aventis remains firm on its position

In response to these remarks, a spokesman for Sanofi-Aventis said in the evening that the group was willing to engage in discussions while maintaining its original proposal. "We are always willing to engage at any time in constructive discussions with the company and its board of directors.

"We believe that our offer provides shareholders a premium of Genzyme strong and attractive that fully integrates the upside potential of the company," added the spokesman.

Sanofi has hinted he could go directly to shareholders if the company Genzyme refused to enter into negotiations on the basis of its current offering. Heni Termeer scans the threat: "I think a hostile situation is unlikely to happen," he said. "We need so much from each other in terms of future value. This could go in that direction but I would recommend to object if I was advising the other party because it is not how things should be done, "said he.

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