Cyber Monday Deal: Up to 60% off InvestingProCLAIM SALE

UPDATE 1-Genzyme open to Campath clause in Sanofi bid-paper

Published 11/26/2010, 05:33 AM
Updated 11/26/2010, 05:36 AM

* Not up to Genzyme to propose clause to Sanofi -Genzyme CEO

* Reiterates Sanofi bid has "no chance" at $69 per share

* Sanofi shares down 1.4 percent

(Adds further quotes, Sanofi spokesman)

PARIS, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Genzyme, resisting a hostile bid from Sanofi-Aventis, is open to a deal that links its value to the success of key drug Campath, the U.S. biotech's chief executive was quoted as saying.

But it was not up to Genzyme to suggest that to the French drugmaker, which has launched a $18.5 billion takeover offer for Genzyme, Chief Executive Henri Termeer was quoted as saying in French newspaper Le Figaro.

"This is one of the alternatives that could be explored. We are thinking about it with regard to the Campath molecule. This could be used by Sanofi or by other companies we talk to," Termeer told the newspaper in an interview.

"It is a means commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry when companies cannot manage to agree on a price," he said.

Termeer declined to give details of any talks with other potential buyers, saying they were "private conversations". Sanofi declined to comment.

The Wall Street Journal reported this month that Genzyme was considering a new deal structure that Sanofi has said it would be open to. It said Genzyme was considering the use of so-called contingent value rights giving shareholders more value if the acquired company hit benchmarks.

Genzyme has defended its peak sales forecast for Campath, an experimental multiple sclerosis drug, of up to $3.5 billion after Sanofi-Aventis SA called the estimate was "unrealistic."

Termeer reiterated in Friday's Le Figaro interview that price was his only reason for fending off Sanofi's takeover attempt. He said Sanofi had "no chance" of success with its current $69 per share bid.

The stock closed at $71.81 before Thursday's U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

"The price of $69 per share is not acceptable for Genzyme's board. Today we have no starting point, nothing that allows us to begin discussions," Termeer said.

Termeer added that he met Sanofi Chief Executive Officer Chris Viehbacher regularly at industry events, where relations were "courteous" and the two did not discuss the ongoing bid.

By 1025 GMT Sanofi shares were 1.4 percent lower at 47.865 euros, in line with the CAC-40 index but lagging a marginally easier STOXX European drugs sector index. (Reporting by Helen Massy-Beresford; Additional Reporting by Benjamin Mallet; Editing by Dan Lalor and Michael Shields)

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.