The FINANCIAL -- Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced on October 30 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the company Laboratoire Oenobiol (“Oenobiol”), the French leader in nutritional, health and beauty supplements.

Created in 1985, Laboratoire Oenobiol first became famous with the introduction in 1989 of Oenobiol Solaire, a nutritional supplement that protects the skin and favours a better suntan by activating melanin synthesis. Following this successful launch, Oenobiol went on to develop a wide offering of nutritional supplements for skin and hair care, as well as a range of slimming aids and products for the menopause. In 2009, Oenobiol had a turnover of 57.2 million Euros, 85% of which was in France and 15% in other countries, primarily in Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland and Portugal.

"The acquisition of Oenobiol will complete and reinforce our presence on the French market and is fully in line with sanofi-aventis’ strategy to become a global and diversified healthcare leader", declared Nicolas Cartier, General Manager of sanofi-aventis France. "This emblematic brand is well-known and conveys an image of quality and trust, with a strong scientific backing. We are very happy to welcome the women and men of Laboratoire Oenobiol into the sanofi-aventis family, to benefit from their skills while giving them access to sanofi-aventis’ healthcare expertise and development resources" he added.

Dr. Marie Béjot, nutritionist and founder of Laboratoire Oenobiol, will remain highly involved in the strategy and development of the Oenobiol line. She will co-lead a Strategic Committee and a Nutritional Supplement Development Committee within sanofi-aventis.

"Today more than ever, nutrition has a major role to play in preventing disease and improving public health” said Dr. Marie Béjot. “With this in mind, Oenobiol aims to become the European leader in nutritional supplements for health and beauty, thanks to the synergies created with sanofi-aventis."

The closing of the transaction is expected to happen in the fourth quarter of 2009, subject to the clearance of antitrust authorities.

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