Sanofi-aventis acquires Merck's interest in Merial Ltd.

Whitehouse Station, N.J.

-- Global pharmaceutical company Sanofi-aventis is now sole owner of Merial Ltd. after purchasing Merck & Co.'s remaining 50 percent interest for $4 billion.

Richard Clark, Sanofi-aventis president and CEO, said the deal allows the ongoing merger between Merck and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health to stay on track.

If Merck and Shering-Plough merge, Sanofi-aventis has the option to combine Merial with the newly merged company under a joint venture. Such a deal would still be subject to approval by international antitrust authorities.