Sanofi and Synthélabo to merge: Elf Aquitaine and l’Oréal to hold 35.1% and 19.4% shareholdings respectively in the new group

 Sanofi-Synthélabo a pharmaceutical company with a global dimension

 Sanofi & Synthélabo Merger Information Meeting Slides (455 kb)

Disclaimer

The documents contained in this portion of the Elf Aquitaine web site contain certain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in these documents which address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including, among others, statements regarding trends, opportunities, revenues and growth projections in the health business, as well as statements regarding potential cost savings, synergies relating to increasing product sales, both geographically and by types of therapy, goodwill estimates, effects of restructuring costs on consolidated results, growth of profits and revenues, sales projections, market shares, research and development expenditures and results, the quality and success potential of research in progress, and the timing of new developments.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties inherent in such statements, as well as uncertainties set forth in Elf Aquitaine’s 1997 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, general economic, market or business conditions, the business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented or pursued; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, most of which are beyond the control of the Group which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in these documents are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on the business or operations referred to in these documents. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.