03.01.10
Paris, France-based Sanofi-aventis has signed an agreement with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd to form a new consumer healthcare joint venture in China. Subject to certain conditions and regulatory approvals, Sanofi-aventis is to obtain a majority equity stake in the new venture. The intended joint venture will focus primarily on vitamin and mineral supplements, the largest consumer healthcare segment in China, where Minsheng has established a strong presence with its flagship multivitamin brand, 21 Super-Vita. Globally, Sanofi-aventis is the fifth largest consumer healthcare company, and the French group continues to expand its presence through mergers and acquisitions. Most recently, Sanofi-aventis announced its planned acquisition of Chattem Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer healthcare products, toiletries and dietary supplements in the U.S.