Sanofi-Aventis offer

Sanofi-Synthelabo extends its offer for Aventis U.S. shareholders to exchange their shares for Sanofi stock until June 30, Sanofi announces. The original deadline of May 28 was extended pending a decision by the French stock market regulator Autrite des Marches Financiers to set an expiration date. Sanofi has articulated a desire to close the $65 bil. merger in the second quarter. The firm also is awaiting final clearance from the Federal Trade Commission. Aventis accepted Sanofi's offer April 25 (1"The Tan Sheet" May 3, 2004, p. 8)...