Sanofi-Aventis calls upon Zentiva shareholders to transfer share ownership

2010-03-09

Sanofi-Aventis has asked Zentiva’s minority shareholders, who did not sell their shares during the voluntary purchase process, to transfer their shares to the company by 18 March, in accordance with a ruling of a court in the Netherlands, where Zentiva is registered. The company will pay CZK 1,150 (€44.6) per share, the same level as that of last year, when the voluntary buy-out took place.
The minority shareholders are required to transfer the rights to their shares via their banks or stockbrokers to Sanofi-Aventis through the ING Bank. After the transfer, Sanofi-Aventis will pay the price of the shares in addition to any interest. However, no charges associated with the transaction which are levied by shareholders’ banks or stockbrokers will be reimbursed.
If the rights to the shares have not been transferred by 18 March, the company will commence a squeeze-out procedure, aimed at acquiring the remaining shares by means of a court process.
At present Sanofi-Aventis owns 99% of Zentiva’s shares.