Aventis Pharma Limited to acquireUniversal Medicare’s Nutraceutical business in India

Mumbai, India – August 24, 2011 - Aventis Pharma Limited (part of the Sanofi Group) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Universal Medicare Private Limited’s business of marketing and distribution of branded nutraceutical formulations in India. Also, approximately 750 commercial employees will transition to Aventis Pharma Ltd. The transaction has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011, subject to certain conditions precedent.

Universal Medicare, (headquartered in Mumbai, India) manufactures, markets and distributes branded nutraceutical formulations in India through their sales and marketing infrastructure. For the year ended March 31, 2011, Universal Medicare’s turnover of the business to be acquired was approximately Rs. 1100 million.

With this acquisition, Aventis Pharma will advance its sustainable growth strategy in India and facilitate the creation of a consumer healthcare and wellness platform. This move is also synergetic with the growth strategy of Sanofi, a majority stakeholder in Aventis Pharma Limited.

“India is one of our most important markets in the emerging world and this acquisition reinforces our commitment to invest and grow our presence in India through a diversified portfolio that is focused on patients’ needs,” said Antoine Ortoli, Senior Vice President, Intercontinental Region – Global Operations of Sanofi.

“This strategic acquisition will allow Aventis Pharma and Sanofi Group to reach out to large sections of India’s population through a broad offering comprising of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and now nutraceuticals,” said Dr. Shailesh Ayyangar, Managing Director – Aventis Pharma Limited and Vice President – South Asia, Sanofi.

Universal Medicare’s portfolio of over 40 branded formulations represent key categories within the nutraceutical market, that are primarily antioxidants, vitamins and mineral supplements, anti-arthritics, anti-osteoporotics, liver tonics, and other nutrients.

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Regd. Office : Aventis Pharma Limited, Aventis House, 54/A, Sir Mathuradas Vasanji Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400093 - India - Tel.: +91(22) 2827 8000 - Fax: +91(22) 2837 0939

Universal Medicare’s Chairman and Managing Director, Vikram Tannan stated “In today’s rapidly changing healthcare scenario, I believe that Aventis Pharma with its track record of building strong brands is best suited to take on and strengthen what we have built over the years. They will not only add value by giving new life to this business but will also nurture our employees through best in class training and advanced marketing practices in a multinational environment."

Under the proposed transaction, Universal Medicare will manufacture the products that Aventis Pharma will be acquiring on mutually agreed terms.

About Aventis Pharma Limited

Aventis Pharma Limited is listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges. 60.4% of its paid up share capital is held by Sanofi and its 100% subsidiary, Hoechst GmbH. The Company focuses its activities in the following areas - Diabetes, Oncology, Cardiovascular diseases, Thrombosis, Central Nervous System disorders and Internal Medicine.

About Universal Medicare Private Limited:

Universal Medicare Private Limited has been in the forefront of manufacturing and marketing nutraceutical products for over two decades. They continue to remain actively involved in Manufacturing of nutraceuticals for domestic and global markets. They have state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at Sarigam (Gujarat) and Bengaluru (through its Group companies). Universal Medicare is a company committed to offering innovative, cost effective, safe and comprehensive products range both in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

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Please contact:Aventis Pharma Limited: Media Relations

Aparna Thomas

Tel:+91 22 2827 8169

Mobile: +91 98202 39852

E-mail: aparna.thomas@sanofi.com

Ruchita Mehra

Tel:+91 22 2827 8233

Mobile: +91 98209 86056

E-mail: ruchita.mehra@sanofi.com

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Regd. Office : Aventis Pharma Limited, Aventis House, 54/A, Sir Mathuradas Vasanji Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400093 - India - Tel.: +91(22) 2827 8000 - Fax: +91(22) 2837 0939