TotalFinaElf announces the sale of 2.5% of the share capital of Sanofi-Synthélabo, or 18.2 million shares held by Elf Aquitaine, to be placed with institutional investors.

This sale is in line with the strategy announced by the Group.

Elf Aquitaine's 35.2% ownership of the share capital of Sanofi-Synthélabo before this transaction is reduced to 32.7% following the sale.

Following the public exchange offer for Elf Aquitaine which closed on September 1, 2000, TotalFinaElf owns 99.5% of Elf Aquitaine.

" This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. These securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption from registration"