Sanofi-aventis (EURONEST: SAN and NYSE:SNY) has commenced a tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Genzyme Corporation (NASDAQ: GENZ) for $69 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. The transaction is valued at approximately $18.5 billion. The offer, which was unanimously approved by sanofi-aventis' Board of Directors, is scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m., News York City time on December 10, 2010.

About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).