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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 20-F


(Mark One)

¨
(Mark One)

o


REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

x
OR

ý


ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

OR

¨
OR

o


TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

¨
OR

o


SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



Date of event requiring this shell company report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



For the transition period from            to          

Date of event requiring this shell company report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 001-31368



Sanofi
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

N/A
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

France
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

54, Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France
(Address of principal executive offices)


Sanofi-Aventis

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Karen Linehan, Senior Vice President Legal Affairs and General Counsel
54, Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France. Fax: 011 + 33 1 53 77 43 03. Tel: 011 + 33 1 53 77 40 00
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)


N/A

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

France

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

174, avenue de France, 75013 Paris, France

(Address of principal executive offices)

Karen Linehan, Senior Vice President Legal Affairs and General Counsel

174, avenue de France, 75013 Paris, France. Fax: 011 + 33 1 53 77 43 03. Tel: 011 + 33 1 53 77 40 00

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:

Name of each exchange

on which registered:

American Depositary Shares, each


representing one half of one ordinary share, par


value €2 per share

 New York Stock Exchange

Ordinary shares, par value €2 per share

 


New York Stock Exchange


(for listing purposes only)


Contingent Value Rights


NASDAQ Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

American Depositary Shares, each representing one quarter of a Participating Share Series A, par value €70.89 per share (removed from listing and registration on the New York Stock Exchange effective July 31, 1995).

The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or None

common stock as of December 31, 2010 was:

Ordinary shares:    1,310,997,785

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405

of the Securities Act.

YES  x        NO  ¨.

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not

required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

YES  ¨        NO  x.

The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or
common stock as of December 31, 2012 was:

Ordinary shares: 1,340,918,811
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405
of the Securities Act.
YES ý    NO o.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not
required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
YES o    NO ý.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes xý    No ¨o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes xo    No ¨ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated"accelerated filer and large accelerated filer”filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer xý Accelerated filer ¨o Non-accelerated filer¨o

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP ¨o    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board xý    Other ¨o

If “Other”"Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17 ¨o    Item 18 ¨o

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES ¨o    NO xý.

   



Table of Contents


PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

        

The consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 20-F have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, as of December 31, 2010.2012.



        

Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “sanofi-aventis,”"Sanofi," the “Company,”"Company," the “Group,” “we,” “our”"Group," "we," "our" or “us”"us" refer to sanofi-aventisSanofi and its consolidated subsidiaries.

        

All references herein to “United States”"United States" or “U.S.”"U.S." are to the United States of America, references to “dollars”"dollars" or “$”"$" are to the currency of the United States, references to “France”"France" are to the Republic of France, and references to “euro”"euro" and “€” "€"are to the currency of the European Union member states (including France) participating in the European Monetary Union.

        

Brand names appearing in this annual report are trademarks of sanofi-aventisSanofi and/or its affiliates, with the exception of:

        Not all trademarks related to investigational agents have been authorized as of the date of this annual report by the relevant health authorities; for instance Lyxumia® trade name has not been approved by the FDA.

trademarks used or that may be or have been used under license by sanofi-aventis and /or its affiliates, such as Acrel® and Actonel® trademarks of Warner Chilcott ; BiTE® a trademark of Micromet Inc., Copaxone® a trademark of Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries ; Cortizone-10® a trademark of Johnson & Johnson (except in the United-States where it is a trademark of the Group) ; epiCard a trademark of Intelliject ; Gardasil® a trademark of Merck&Co. ; Mutagrip® a trademark of Institut Pasteur ; Optinate® a trademark of Warner Chilcott on certain geographical areas and of Shionogi Pharma Inc. in the United States ; Pancréate a trademark of CureDM ; and RotaTeq® a trademark of Merck&Co. ;



        

trademarks sold by sanofi-aventis and/or its affiliates to a third party, such as DDAVP® a trademark of Ferring (except in the United States where it is a trademark of the Group) ; Liberty®, LibertyLink® and StarLink® trademarks of Bayer ; and Maalox® a trademark of Novartis in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; and,

other third party trademarks such as ACT® a trademark of Johnson & Johnson on certain geographical areas (except the United States where it is a trademark of the Group) ; Aspirine® and Cipro® trademarks of Bayer ; Humaneered a trademark of KaloBios Pharmaceuticals ; IC31® a trademark of Intercell ; LentiVector® and RetinoStat® trademarks of Oxford BioMedica ; Libertas a trademark of APOTEX in the United States and of International Contraceptive & SRH Marketing Limited in the United Kingdom ; MIMIC® a trademark of ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY ; Rotarix® a trademark of GSK ; Unisom® a trademark of Johnson & Johnson on certain geographical areas (except the United States where it is a trademark of the Group) ; and Cerezyme®, Fabrazyme® and Lemtrada trademarks of Genzyme Corporation.

The data relativerelating to market shares and ranking information for pharmaceutical products, in particular as presented in particular in “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Markets — Marketing and distribution”distribution," are based on sales data from IMS Health MIDAS (IMS), retail and hospital, for calendar year 2010,2012, in constant euros (unless otherwise indicated).


Table of Contents

        

While we believe that the IMS sales data we present below are generally useful comparative indicators for our industry, they may not precisely match the sales figures published by the companies that sell the products (including our company and other pharmaceutical companies). In particular, the rules used by IMS to attribute the sales of a product covered by an alliance or license agreement do not always exactly match the rules of the agreement.

        

In order to allow a reconciliation with our basis of consolidation as defined in “Item"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Presentation of Net Sales," IMS data shown in the present document have been adjusted and include:

        

(i)sales as published by IMS excluding sanofi-aventis sales generated by the vaccines business, equating to the scope of our pharmaceutical operations;

(ii)adjustments to data for Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, to reflect the significant impact of parallel imports;

(iii)IMS sales of products sold under alliance or license agreements which we recognize in our consolidated net sales but which are not attributed to us in the reports published by IMS;


(iv)adjustments related to the exclusion of IMS sales for products which we do not recognize in our consolidated net sales but which are attributed to us by IMS; and

(v)sales of Brazilian panel at constant wholesalers’ perimeter.

Data relative to market shares and ranking information presented herein for our vaccines business are based on internal estimates unless stated otherwise.



        

Product indications described in this annual report are composite summaries of the major indications approved in the product’sproduct's principal markets. Not all indications are necessarily available in each of the markets in which the products are approved. The summaries presented herein for the purpose of financial reporting do not substitute for careful consideration of the full labeling approved in each market.




CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        

This annual report contains forward-looking statements. We may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in our periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K, in our annual report to shareholders, in our offering circulars and prospectuses, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees to third parties. Examples of such forward-looking statements include:



statements of our profit forecasts, trends, plans, objectives or goals, including those relating to products, clinical trials, regulatory approvals and competition; and



statements about our future events and economic performance or that of France, the United States or any other countries in which we operate.

        

This information is based on data, assumptions and estimates considered as reasonable by the Company as at the date of this annual report and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

        

Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “target,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “forecast,” “guideline,” “should”"believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "intend," "target," "estimate," "project," "predict," "forecast," "guideline," "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

        

Forward-looking statements involve inherent, known and unknown, risks and uncertainties associated with the regulatory, economic, financial and competitive environment, and other factors that could cause future results and objectives to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. We caution you that a number of important

        Risk factors which could affect the future results and cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such factors, some of whichstatements are discussed under “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors” below, include but are not limited to:

approval of generic versions of our products in one or more of their major markets;

product liability claims;

our ability to renew our product portfolio;

the increasingly challenging regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical industry;

uncertainties over the pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceutical products;

fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and

slowdown of global economic growth.

We caution you that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.Factors". Additional risks, not currently known or considered immaterial by the Company,Group, may have the same unfavorable effect and investors may lose all or part of their investment.

        

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Other than required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I

  

Item 1.

 

Item 1.

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 

1

Item 2.

 

Item 2.

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

1

Item 3.

 

Item 3.

Key Information

 

1

 

A. Selected Financial Data

 

1

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

3

 

C. Reasons for Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

3

 

D. Risk Factors

 

4

Item 4.

 

Item 4.

Information on the Company

 

14

19
 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

15

21
 

B. Business Overview

 

16

22
 

C. Organizational Structure

 

66

83
 

D. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

66

84

Item 4A.

 

Item 4A.

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

69

89

Item 5.

 

Item 5.

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

70

90

Item 6.

 

Item 6.

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

118

148
 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

118

148
 

B. Compensation

 

130

167
 

C. Board Practices

 

141

181
 

D. Employees

 

145

187
 

E. Share Ownership

 

148

189

Item 7.

 

Item 7.

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

152

194
 

A. Major Shareholders

 

152

194
 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

154

195
 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

154

196

Item 8.

 

Item 8.

Financial Information

 

155

197
 

A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information

 

155

197
 

B. Significant Changes

 

156

201

Item 9.

 

Item 9.

The Offer and Listing

 

157

202
 

A. Offer and Listing Details

 

157

202
 

B. Plan of Distribution

 

158

203
 

C. Markets

 

158

203
 

D. Selling Shareholders

 

159

203
 

E. Dilution

 

159

203
 

F. Expenses of the Issue

 

159

203

Item 10.

 

Item 10.

Additional Information

 

160

204
 

A. Share Capital

 

160

204
 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

160

204
 

C. Material Contracts

 

176

221
 

D. Exchange Controls

 

179

223
 

E. Taxation

 

179

223
 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

185

228
 

G. Statement by Experts

 

185

228
 

H. Documents on Display

 

185

228
 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

185

228

Item 11.

 

Item 11.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

186

229

Item 12.

 

Item 12.

Description of Securities other than Equity Securities

 

191

234

Part II

  

Item 13.

 

Item 13.

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

198

242

Item 14.

 

Item 14.

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

 

198

242

Item 15.

 

Item 15.

Controls and Procedures

 

198

242

Item 16.

 

[Reserved]Item 16.

 

198

Item 16A.

[Reserved]
 

242

Item 16A.Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

198

242

Item 16B.

 

Item 16B.

Code of Ethics

 

199

243

Item 16C.

 

Item 16C.

Principal Accountants’Accountants' Fees and Services

 

199

243

Item 16D.

 

Item 16D.

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

199

243

Item 16E.

 

Item 16E.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

199

243

Item 16F.

 

Item 16F.

Change in Registrant’sRegistrant's Certifying Accountant

 

199

244

Item 16G.

 

Item 16G.

Corporate Governance

 

199

244

Item 16H.Mine Safety Disclosure245
Part III

  

Item 17.

 

Item 17.

Financial Statements

 

201

246

Item 18.

 

Item 18.

Financial Statements

 

201

246

Item 19.

 

ExhibitsItem 19.

 

201

Exhibits
246


Table of Contents


PART I

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

        

N/A


Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

        

N/A


Item 3. Key Information

A. Selected Financial Data


SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        

The tables below set forth selected consolidated financial data for sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. These financial data are derived from the sanofi-aventisSanofi consolidated financial statements. The sanofi-aventisSanofi consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 20082010 are included in Item 18 of this annual report.

        

The consolidated financial statements of sanofi-aventisSanofi for the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 20082010 have been prepared in compliance with IFRS issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and with IFRS adopted by the European Union as of December 31, 2010.2012. The term “IFRS”"IFRS" refers collectively to international accounting and financial reporting standards (IAS and IFRS) and to interpretations of the interpretations committees (SIC and IFRIC) mandatorily applicable as of December 31, 2010.2012.

        

Sanofi-aventisSanofi reports its financial results in euros.


Table of Contents


SELECTED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
 As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
(€ million, except per share data)
 2012
 2011
 2010
 2009
 2008
 
  
IFRS Income statement data (a)                

Net sales

  34,947  33,389  32,367  29,785  27,568 

Gross profit

  24,839  24,156  24,638  23,125  21,480 

Operating income

  6,337  5,731  6,535  6,435  4,394 

Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi

  4,967  5,693  5,467  5,265  3,851 
Basic earnings per share (€) (a)/(b) :                

Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi

  3.76  4.31  4.19  4.03  2.94 
Diluted earnings per share (€) (a)/(c) :                

Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi

  3.74  4.29  4.18  4.03  2.94 
IFRS Balance sheet data                

Goodwill and other intangible assets

  58,265  62,221(g) 44,411  43,480  43,423 

Total assets

  100,407  100,668(g) 85,264  80,251  71,987 

Outstanding share capital

  2,646  2,647  2,610  2,618  2,611 

Equity attributable to equity holders of Sanofi

  57,338  56,203(g) 53,097  48,322  44,866 

Long term debt

  10,719  12,499  6,695  5,961  4,173 

Cash dividend paid per share (€) (d)

  2.77 (e) 2.65  2.50  2.40  2.20 

Cash dividend paid per share ($) (d)(f)

  3.65 (e) 3.43  3.34  3.46  3.06 
  
(a)
The results of operations of Merial, for 2010 and 2009, previously reported as held-for-exchange, have been reclassified and included in net income of continuing operations in accordance with IFRS 5.36., following the announcement that Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough are to be maintained as two separate businesses operating independently.
(b)
Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding in each period used to compute basic earnings per share, equal to 1,319.5 million shares in 2012, 1,321.7 million shares in 2011, 1,305.3 million shares in 2010, 1,305.9 million shares in 2009, and 1,309.3 million shares in 2008.
(c)
Based on the weighted average in each period of the number of shares outstanding plus stock options and restricted shares with a potentially dilutive effect; i.e., 1,329.6 million shares in 2012, 1,326.7 million shares in 2011, 1,308.2 million shares in 2010, 1,307.4 million shares in 2009, and 1,310.9 million shares in 2008.
(d)
Each American Depositary Share, or ADS, represents one half of one share.
(e)
Dividends for 2012 will be proposed for approval at the annual general meeting scheduled for May 3, 2013.
(f)
Based on the relevant year-end exchange rate.
(g)
In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

    As of and for the year ended December 31, 
(€ million, except per share data)  2010   2009  2008   2007   2006 

IFRS Income statement data

         

Net sales

   30,384     29,306    27,568     28,052     28,373  

Gross profit

   23,318     22,869    21,480     21,636     21,902  

Operating income

   5,961     6,366    4,394     5,911     4,828  

Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis(a)

   5,081     5,090    3,731     5,112     3,918  

Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

   5,467     5,265    3,851     5,263     4,006  

Basic earnings per share (€)(b) :

         

Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis(a)

   3.89     3.90    2.85     3.80     2.91  

Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

   4.19     4.03    2.94     3.91     2.97  

Diluted earnings per share (€)(c) :

         

Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis(a)

   3.88     3.90    2.85     3.78     2.88  

Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

   4.18     4.03    2.94     3.89     2.95  

IFRS Balance sheet data

         

Goodwill and other intangible assets

   44,411     43,480    43,423     46,381     52,210  

Total assets

   85,264     80,251(g)   71,987     71,914     77,763  

Outstanding share capital

   2,610     2,618    2,611     2,657     2,701  

Equity attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

   53,097     48,322(g)   44,866     44,542     45,600  

Long-term debt

   6,695     5,961    4,173     3,734     4,499  

Cash dividend paid per share (€)(d)

   2.50(e)    2.40    2.20     2.07     1.75  

Cash dividend paid per share ($) (d)(f)

   3.34(e)    3.46    3.06     3.02     2.31  

(a)

Refer to definition in Notes D.1. and D.8.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

(b)

Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding in each period used to compute basic earnings per share, i.e., 1,305.3 million shares in 2010, 1,305.9 million shares in 2009, 1,309.3 million shares in 2008, 1,346.9 million shares in 2007, and 1,346.8 million shares in 2006.

(c)

Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding in each period plus stock options and restricted shares with a potentially dilutive effect; i.e., 1,308.2 million shares in 2010, 1,307.4 million shares in 2009, 1,310.9 million shares in 2008, 1,353.9 million shares in 2007, and 1,358.8 million shares in 2006.

(d)

Each American Depositary Share, or ADS, represents one half of one share.

(e)

Dividends for 2010 will be proposed for approval at the annual general meeting scheduled for May 6, 2011.

(f)

Based on the relevant year-end exchange rate.

(g)

In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).


SELECTED EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

        

The following table sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information concerning the exchange rates for the euro from 20062008 through February 2011March 2013 expressed in U.S. dollardollars per euro. The information concerning the U.S. dollar exchange rate is based on the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon"Noon Buying Rate”Rate"). We provide the exchange rates below solely for your convenience. We do not represent that euros were, could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at these rates or at any other rate. For information regarding the effect of currency fluctuations on our results of operations, see “Item"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”Prospects" and “Item"Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk."

 
 Period-
end Rate

 Average
Rate (1)

 High
 Low
 
  
 
 (U.S. dollar per euro)
 
2008  1.39  1.47  1.60  1.24 
2009  1.43  1.40  1.51  1.25 
2010  1.33  1.32  1.45  1.20 
2011  1.30  1.40  1.49  1.29 
2012  1.32  1.29  1.35  1.21 
Last 6 months             
2012             

September

  1.29  1.29  1.31  1.26 

October

  1.30  1.30  1.31  1.29 

November

  1.30  1.28  1.30  1.27 

December

  1.32  1.31  1.33  1.29 
2013             

January

  1.36  1.33  1.36  1.30 

February

  1.31  1.33  1.37  1.31 

March (2)

  1.30  1.30  1.30  1.30 
  
(1)
The average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last business day of each month during the relevant period for the full year average, and on each business day of the month for the monthly average. The latest available Noon Buying Rate being March 1, 2013, we have used European Central Bank Rates for the period from March 4, 2013 through March 6, 2013.
(2)
In each case, measured through March 6, 2013.

        

    Period-
end Rate
   Average
Rate(1)
   High   Low 
   (U.S. dollar per euro) 
2006   1.32     1.27     1.33     1.19  
2007   1.46     1.38     1.49     1.29  
2008   1.39     1.47     1.60     1.24  
2009   1.43     1.40     1.51     1.25  
2010   1.33     1.32     1.45     1.20  
Last 6 months        
2010        

August

   1.27     1.29     1.33     1.27  

September

   1.36     1.31     1.36     1.27  

October

   1.39     1.39     1.41     1.37  

November

   1.30     1.37     1.42     1.30  

December

   1.33     1.32     1.34     1.31  
2011        

January

   1.37     1.34     1.37     1.29  

February (2)

   1.38     1.36     1.38     1.35  

(1)

The average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last business day of each month during the relevant period for the full year average, and on each business day of the month for the monthly average. The latest available Noon Buying Rate being February 18, 2011, we have used European Central Bank Rates for the period from February 21, 2011 to February 25, 2011.

(2)

In each case, measured through February 25, 2011.

On February 25, 2011March 6, 2013 the European Central Bank Rate was 1.37621.3035 per euro.


B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

        

N/A


C. Reasons for Offer and Use of Proceeds

        

N/A



D. Risk Factors

        

Important factors that could cause actual financial, business, research or operating results to differ materially from expectations are disclosed in this annual report, including without limitation the following risk factors and the factors described under “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.factors. In addition to the risks listed below, we may be subject to other material risks that as of the date of this report are not currently known to us or that we deem immaterial at this time.

Risks Relating to Legal Matters

Generic versions of someWe rely on our patents and proprietary rights to provide exclusive rights to market certain of our products, mayand if such patents and other rights were limited or circumvented, our financial results could be approved for sale in one or more of their major markets.materially and adversely affected.

        

Competitors may file marketing authorization requests for generic versions of our products. Approval and market entry of a generic product would reduce the price that we receive for these products and/or the volume of the product that we would be able to sell, and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The market for our products could also be affected if a competitor’s innovative drug in the same market were to become available as a generic. Additionally, a number of our products acquired through business combinations have substantial balance sheet carrying values, as disclosed at Note D.4. to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report at Item 18, which could be substantially impaired by the introduction of a generic competitor, with adverse effects on our financial condition and the value of our assets.

Through patent and other proprietary rights such as supplementary protection certificates in Europe for instance, we hold exclusivity rights for a number of our research-based products. However, the patent protection that we are able to obtain varies from product to product and country to country and may not be sufficient to maintain effective product exclusivity.exclusivity because of local variations in the patents, differences in national law or legal systems, development in law or jurisprudence, or inconsistent judgments. Moreover, some countries are becoming more likely to consider granting a compulsory license to patents protecting an innovator's product; India's decision of March 2012 granting a compulsory license to a generic company to a Bayer patent is illustrative of this risk. We are involved in litigation worldwide to enforce certain of these patent rights against generics and proposed generics (see Note D.22.b) to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report at Item 18"Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Information on Legal or Arbitration Proceedings" for additional information). Moreover, patent rights are limited in time and do not always provide effective protection for our products: competitors may successfully avoid patents through design innovation, we may not hold sufficient evidence of infringement to bring suit, ormanufacturers of generic products are also increasingly seeking to challenge patents before they expire, and our infringement claim may not result in a decision that our rights are valid, enforceable or infringed. Moreover, a number of countries are increasingly easing the introduction of generic drugs or biosimilar products through accelerated approval procedures.

        

Even in cases where we do ultimately prevail in our infringement claim, legal remedies available for harm caused to us by infringing products may be inadequate to make us whole. A competitor may launch “at risk”a generic product "at risk" before the initiation or completion of the court proceedings, and the court may decline to grant us a preliminary injunction to halt further “at risk”"at risk" sales and remove the infringing product from the market. Additionally, while we would be entitled to obtain damages in such a case, the amount that we may ultimately be awarded and able to collect may be insufficient to compensate all harm caused to us.

        

Finally,Further, our successful assertion of a given patent against one competing product is not necessarily predictive of our future success or failure in asserting the same patent against a second competing product because of such factors as possible differences in the formulations of the competing products, intervening developments in law or jurisprudence, or inconsistent judgments. Moreover, patents differ from country to country andformulations. Also a successful result in one country may not predict success in another country because of local variations in the patents and differencespatent laws.

        To the extent valid third-party patent rights cover our products, we or our partners may be required to obtain licenses from the holders of these patents in national laworder to manufacture, use or legal systems.

Many Groupsell these products, and payments under these licenses may reduce our profits from these products. We may not be able to obtain these licenses on favorable terms, or at all. If we fail to obtain a required license or are already subjectunable to aggressive generic competition, and additionalalter the design of our technology to fall outside the scope of a third-party patent, we may be unable to market some of our products, of the Group could become subject to generic competition in the future.

which may limit our profitability.

Product liability claims could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        

Product liability is a significant business risk for any pharmaceutical company, and the Group’sGroup's ongoing diversification maycould increase our product liability exposure (see “Thenotably "— The diversification of the Group’sGroup's business exposes us to additional risks”increased risks." below). Substantial damage awards and/or settlements have been madehanded down — notably in the United States and other common law jurisdictions — against pharmaceutical companies based uponon claims for injuries allegedly caused by the use of their products. SometimesSuch claims can also be accompanied by consumer fraud claims by customers or third-party payers seeking reimbursement of the cost of the product.


        Often the side effectseffect profile of pharmaceutical drugs cannot be adequately anticipatedfully established based on preapproval clinical studies involving only several hundred to several thousand

patients. Routine review and analysis of the continually growing body of post-marketing safety surveillance and clinical trials provide additional information — for example, potential evidence of rare, population-specific or long-term adverse reactions or of drug interactions that were not observed in preapproval clinical studies — and may cause product labeling to evolve, including restrictions of therapeutic indications, new contraindications, warnings or precautions, and occasionally even the suspension or withdrawal of a product marketing authorization. Several pharmaceutical companies have withdrawn products from the market because of actualnewly detected or suspected adverse reactions to their products, and currentlyas a result of such withdrawal now face significant product liability claims. We are currently defending a number of product liability claims (see(See Note D.22.a) to the consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report) and there can be no assurance that the Group will be successful in defending against each of these claims or will not face additional claims in the future. Furthermore, we commercialize several devices using new technologies which, in case of malfunction, could cause unexpected damages and lead to our liability (see "— We are increasingly dependent on information technologies and networks." below).

        

Although we continue to insure a portion of our product liability with third-party carriers, product liability coverage is increasingly difficult and costly to obtain, particularly in the United States, and in the future it is possible that self-insurance may become the sole commercially reasonable means available for managing the product liability financial risk of our pharmaceutical and vaccines businesses (see “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Insurance and Risk Coverage.”Coverage"). Due to insurance conditions, even when the Group has insurance coverage, recoveries from insurers may not be totally successful. Moreover the insolvency of a carrier could negatively affect our ability to achieve the practical recovery of the coverage for which we have already paid a premium.

        

Product liability claims, regardless of their merits or the ultimate success of the Group’sGroup's defense, are costly, divert management attention, may harm our reputation and can impact the demand for our products. Substantial product liability claims, if successful, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Claims and investigations relating to competition law, marketing practices, and pricing, compliance issues, as well as other legal matters, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        

The marketing of our products is heavily regulated,regulated. The Group's business covers an extremely wide range of activities worldwide and alleged failuresinvolves numerous partners. Despite our efforts any failure to comply fullydirectly or indirectly (including as a result of a business partners' breach) with applicable regulationslaw could subject uslead to substantial fines, penaltiesliabilities. Governments and injunctive or administrative remedies, potentially leading toregulatory authorities around the imposition of additional regulatory controls or exclusion from government reimbursement programs. Sanofi-aventisworld have been strengthening enforcement activities in recent years. Sanofi and certain of its subsidiaries are under investigation by various government entities and are defending a number of lawsuits relating to antitrust and/or pricing and marketing practices, including, for example in the United States, class action lawsuits and whistle blower litigation. See Note D.22.c) to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

Because many of these cases allege substantial unquantified damages, may be subject to treble damages and frequently seek significant punitive damages and penalties, it is possible that any final determination of liability or settlement of these claims or investigations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

There are other legal matters in which adverse outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Group also faces significant litigation and government investigations or audits, including allegations of securities law violations, corruption, claims related to employment matters, patent and intellectual property disputes, consumer law claims and tax audits. See "Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Information on Legal or Arbitration Proceedings" and Note D.22. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. Responding to such investigations is costly and distracts management's attention from our business.

        

Unfavorable outcomes in any of these matters, or in similar matters to be faced in the future, could preclude the commercialization of products, harm our reputation, negatively affect the profitability of existing products and subject us to substantial fines (including treble damages), punitive damages, penalties and injunctive or administrative remedies, potentially leading to the imposition of additional regulatory controls or exclusion from government reimbursement programs. Any such resultprograms and could materially and adversely affecthave a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition, or business. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Financial Statementsconditions. These risks may encourage the company to enter into settlement agreement with governmental authorities including with no admission of wrongdoing. Those settlements may involve large cash payments and Other Financial Information — Information on Legal or Arbitration Proceedings”penalties. Settlement of healthcare fraud cases may require companies to enter into a corporate integrity agreement, which is intended to regulate company behavior for a period of years. For instance in December 2012, Sanofi U.S. entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, the United States Department of Justice and Note D.22.multiple states to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18resolve all claims arising out of this annual report.an


investigation into sampling of Sanofi's former viscosupplement product, Hyalgan®. As part of the settlement, Sanofi U.S. paid U.S.$109 Million to the settling parties and will enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Changes in the laws or regulations that apply to us could affect the Group’sGroup's business, results of operations and financial condition.

        

Governmental authorities are increasingly looking to facilitate generic and biosimilar competition to existing products through new regulatory proposals intended to, or resulting in, changes to the scope of patent or data exclusivity rights and use of accelerated regulatory pathways for generic and biosimilar drug approvals. Such regulatory proposals, if enacted, could make prosecution of patents for new products more difficult and time consuming or could adversely affect the exclusivity period for our products, thereby materially and adversely affecting our financial results.

        

This new competitive environment and potential regulatory changes may further limit the exclusivity enjoyed by innovative products on the market and directly impact pricing and reimbursement levels, which may adversely affect our business and future results. See “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Competition”Competition" and “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulation”Regulatory framework".

        

In addition, changes in tax laws or in their application with respect to matters such as tax rates, transfer pricing, dividends, controlled companies or a restriction in certain forms of tax relief, could affect our effective tax rate and our future results.

        

For information regarding risks related to changes in environmental rules and regulations, see “— Environmental Risks of our Industrial Activities —"— Environmental liabilities and compliance costs may have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations”operations" below.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Our strategic objectives may not be fully realized.

        Our strategy is focused on four pillars in order to deliver sustainable long-term growth and maximize shareholder returns: grow a global healthcare leader with synergistic platforms, bring innovative products to market, seize value-enhancing growth opportunities, and adapt our structure for future opportunities and challenges. We may not be able to fully realize our strategic objectives and, even if we are able to do so, these strategic objectives may not deliver the expected benefits.

        For example, our strategy involves concentrating efforts around identified growth platforms and meeting significant growth objectives over 2012-2015. There is no guarantee that we will meet these objectives or that these platforms will grow in line with anticipated growth rates. A failure to continue to expand our business in targeted growth platforms could affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

        As a further example, we are pursuing a Group-wide cost savings program which we expect, together with the expected synergies from our acquisition of Genzyme, to generate additional incremental cost savings by 2015. This also includes an adaptation plan regarding the activities of the Group in France. There is no assurance that the Group will successfully realize this plan. Moreover, the publicity given to this adaptation plan, may prejudice the Group's image and its reputation (see "— The expansion of social media platforms and mobile technologies present new risks and challenges." below). We may fail to adequately renewrealize all the expected cost savings resulting from these initiatives, which could materially and adversely affect our product portfolio whether through our ownfinancial results.

Our research and development or through acquisitions and strategic alliances.efforts may not succeed in adequately renewing our product portfolio.

        

To be successful in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry, we must commit substantial resources each year to research and development in order to develop new products to take the place of products facing expiration of patent and regulatory data exclusivity or competition from new products that are perceived as being superior. In 2010,2012, we spent €4,401€4,922 million on research and development, amounting to approximately 14.5%14.1% of our net sales.


        We may not be investing in the right technology platforms, therapeutic area, and products classes in order to build a robust pipeline and fulfill unmet medical needs. Fields of discovery and especially biotechnology are highly competitive and characterized by significant and rapid technological changes. Numerous companies are working on the same targets and a product considered as promising at the very beginning may become less attractive if a competitor addressing the same unmet need reaches the market earlier.

        Developing a product is a costly, lengthy and uncertain process. The research and development process typically takes from 10 to 15 years from discovery to commercial product launch. This process is conducted in various stages in order to test, along with other features, the effectiveness and safety of a product. There can be no assurance that any of these compounds will be proven safe or effective. See “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Pharmaceutical Research & Development”Development" and “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Vaccines Research and Development”Development". Accordingly, there is a substantial risk at each stage of development that we will not achieve our goals of safety and/or effectiveness including during the course of a development trial and that we will have to abandon a product in which we have invested substantial amounts and human resources, including in late stage development (Phase III). Moreover, decisionsThere can be no assurance that our research and development strategy will deliver the expected result in the targeted timeframe or at all, which could affect our profitability in the future.

        Decisions concerning the studies to be carried out can have a significant impact on the marketing strategy for a given product. Multiple in-depth studies can demonstrate that a product has additional benefits, facilitating the product’sproduct's marketing, but such studies are expensive and time consuming and may delay the product’sproduct's submission to health authorities for approval. Our ongoing investments in new product launches and research and development for future products could therefore result in increased costs without a proportionate increase in revenues which may negatively affect our operating results. Each regulatory authority may also impose its own requirements in order to grant a license to market the product, including requiring local clinical studies, and may delay or refuse to grant approval, even though a product has already been approved in another country. Finally, obtaining

        Obtaining regulatory marketing approval is not a guarantee that the product will achieve commercial success. Following each product marketing approval, the medical need served by the product and the corresponding reimbursement rate are evaluated by other governmental agencies which may in some cases require additional studies, including comparative studies, which may both effectively delay marketing of the new product and add to its development costs.

        

AsThe success of a complement to our portfolio of products, we pursue a strategy of acquisitions, in-licensing and partnerships in order to develop new growth opportunities. The implementation of this strategyproduct also depends on our ability to identify businesseducate patients and healthcare providers and provide them with innovative data about the product and its uses. If these education efforts are not effective, then we may not be able to increase the sales of our new products to the market to realize the full value of our investment in its development.

        On the same topic, for the research and development opportunitiesof drugs in rare diseases, we produce relatively small amounts of material at early stages. Even if a product candidate receives all necessary approvals for commercialization, we may not be able to successfully scale-up production of the product material at a reasonable cost or at all and under acceptable conditions of financing. Moreover, entering into these in-licensing or partnership agreements generally requires the payment ofwe may not receive additional manufacturing approvals in sufficient time to meet product demand, which could lead to a significant “milestones” well before the relevant products are placed on the market without any assurance that such investments will ultimately become profitable in the long term. Because of the active competition among pharmaceutical groups for such business development opportunities, there can be no assurance of our success in completing these transactions when such opportunities are identified.

A substantial share of the revenue and income of sanofi-aventis depends on the performance of certain flagship products.

We generate a substantial share of our revenues from the sale of certain key products (see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — year ended December 31, 2010 compared with year ended December 31, 2009 — Net Sales by Product — Pharmaceuticals”), which represented 43.8% of the Group’s consolidated revenues in 2010. Among these products is Lantus®, which was the Group’s leading product with revenues of €3,510 million in 2010, representing 11.6% of the Group’s consolidated revenues for the year. Lantus® is a flagship product of the Diabetes division, one of the Group’s growth platforms. A reduction in sales or in the growthloss of sales of one or more of our flagship products (in particular sales of Lantus®)that drug and could affect our business, results of operations andor financial condition.

We may lose market share to competing low-cost remedies or generic brands if they are perceived to be equivalent or superior products.

        

We are faced with intense competition from generic products and brand-name drugs. Doctors or patients may choose these products over ours if they perceive them to be safer, more reliable, more effective, easier to administer or less expensive, which could cause our revenues to decline and affect our results of operations.

        In 2012, our patented pharmaceutical business faced important patent expirations and generic competition. For example Avapro®, Plavix®, and Eloxatin® lost their market exclusivity in the U.S in March, May and August 2012, and Aprovel® lost its market exclusivity in the E.U in August 2012.

The diversificationintroduction of a generic version of a branded medicine typically results in a significant and rapid reduction in net sales for the branded product because generic manufacturers typically offer their unbranded


versions at sharply lower prices. Approval and market entry of a generic product often reduces the price that we receive for these products and/or the volume of the Group’sproduct that we would be able to sell and could materially and adversely affect our business, exposes usresults of operations and financial condition. The extent of sales erosion also depends on the number of generic versions of our products that are actually marketed.

        Additionally, in many countries such as the United States or France, applicable legislation encourages the use of generic products to additional risks.reduce spending on prescription drugs. Therefore, the market for our products could also be affected if a competitor's innovative drug in the same market were to become available as generic because a certain number of patients can be expected to switch to a lower-cost alternative therapy.

        Additional products of the Group could become subject to generic competition in the future as we expect this generic competition to continue and to implicate drug products even those with relatively modest revenues.

A substantial share of the revenue and income of the Group continues to depend on the performance of certain flagship products.

        We generate a substantial share of our revenues from the sale of certain key products (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year ended December 31, 2012 compared with year ended December 31, 2011 — Net Sales by Product — Pharmaceuticals segment"), which represented 42.2% of the Group's consolidated revenues in 2012. Among these products is Lantus®, which was the Group's leading product with revenues of €4,960 million in 2012, representing 14.2% of the Group's consolidated revenues for the year. Lantus® is a flagship product of the Diabetes division, one of the Group's growth platforms.

        In general, if the products referred to above were to encounter problems such as loss of patent protection, material product liability litigation, unexpected side effects, regulatory proceedings, publicity affecting doctor or patient confidence, pressure from existing competitive products, changes in labeling, or if a new, more effective treatment were introduced, or if there were a reduction in sales of one or more of our flagship products or in their growth, the impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition could be significant.

We have undertakenmay fail to transformsuccessfully identify external business opportunities or realize the anticipated benefits from our Group by implementingstrategic investments.

        As a complement to our portfolio of products, we pursue a strategy of selective acquisitions, in-licensing and partnerships in order to develop growth opportunities. The implementation of this strategy depends on our ability to identify business development opportunities and execute them at a reasonable cost and under acceptable conditions of financing. Moreover, entering into in-licensing or partnership agreements generally requires the payment of significant "milestones" well before the relevant products are placed on the market without any assurance that includes pursuing external growthsuch investments will ultimately become profitable in the long term (see Note D.21.1. to the consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

        Because of the active competition among pharmaceutical groups for such business development activities, there can be no assurance of our success in completing these transactions when such opportunities to meetare identified.

        Once identified, the challenges that we have identified for the future. The inability to quickly or efficiently integrate newly acquired activities or businesses,businesses; a longer integration than expected; the loss of key employees; or integration costs that are higher than anticipated integration costs, could delay our growth objectives and prevent us from achieving expected synergies.

        Moreover, we may miscalculate the risks associated with these entitiesnewly acquired activities or businesses at the time they are acquired or not have the means to evaluate them properly.properly, including with regards to the potential of research and development pipelines, manufacturing issues, compliance issues, or the outcome of ongoing legal and other proceedings. It may also take a considerable amount of time and be difficult to implement a risk analysis and risk mitigation plan after the acquisition is completed due to lack of historical data. As a result, risk management and the coverage of such risks, particularly through insurance policies, may prove to be insufficient or ill-adapted.


The diversification of the Group's business exposes us to increased risks.

        

In addition toWhile pursuing our objective to become a global and diversified leader within the health industry, we are exposed to a number of new risks inherent in sectors in which, in the past, we have been either less active or entirely inactive.not present at all. As an example:

    the contribution of our animal health business to the Group's income may be adversely affected by a number of risks including some which are specific to this business:i.e., the outbreak of an epidemic or pandemic that could kill large numbers of animals, and the effect of reduced veterinary expenditures during an economic crisis (see "— The ongoing slowdown of global economic growth and the financial crisis could have negative consequences for our business" below).

    we have increased exposure to the animal health business. The contribution of our animal health business to the Group’s income may be adversely affected by a number of risks including some which are specific to this business:i.e., the outbreak of an epidemic or pandemic that could kill large numbers of animals, and the effect of reduced veterinary expenditures during an economic crisis.

the margins of consumer health and generic products are generally lower than those of the traditional branded prescription pharmaceutical business. Moreover, the periodic review of the effectiveness, safety and use of certain over-the-counter drug products by health authorities or lawmakers may result in modifications to the regulations that apply to certain components of such products, which may require them be withdrawn from the market and/or that their formulation be modified.



specialty products (such as those developed by Genzyme) that treat rare, life-threatening diseases that are used by a small number of patients are often expensive to develop compared to the market opportunity, but third-partyopportunity. Third-party payers trying to limit health-care expenses may become less willing to support their per-unit cost.

        

Moreover, the nature, scope and level of losses that may be sustained or caused by these new businesses may differ, with regards to their nature, scope and level, from the types of product liability claims that we have handled in the past (See “—(see "— Product liability claims could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition”condition" above), and thus our current risk management and insurance coverage may not be adapted to such losses. These risks could affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Successful completion of the Genzyme acquisition could temporarily lessen our strategic flexibility.

While the proposed acquisition of Genzyme would provide the Group with attractive new opportunities, the diversification into new business lines and the management of substantial additional research, manufacturing and commercial operations may occupy significant organizational attention. Moreover, to acquire Genzyme, the

Group will be required to incur a substantial amount of debt. As a result, we would be required to make significant payments to lenders. Our post-acquisition level of indebtedness could also cause our credit rating to be downgraded, increase our financing costs, limit our capacity to secure additional financing and limit our ability to engage in additional transactions.

The globalization of the Group’sGroup's business exposes us to increased risks.

        Emerging markets have been identified as one of our growth platforms and are among the pillars of our overall strategy. Difficulties in adapting to emerging markets and/or a significant decline in the anticipated growth rate in these regions could impair our ability to take advantage of these growth opportunities and could affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

        There is no guarantee that our efforts to expand sales in emerging markets will continue to succeed. The significant expansion of our activities in emerging markets may further expose us to more volatile economic conditions, political instability, competition from companies that are already well established in these markets, the inability to adequately respond to the unique characteristics of these markets, particularly with respect to their regulatory frameworks, difficulties in recruiting qualified personnel, potential exchange controls, weaker intellectual property protection, higher crime levels (particularly with respect to counterfeit products (see “—"— Counterfeit versions of our products could harm our business”business," below)), and compliance issues including corruption and fraud. Any difficultiesfraud, as we operate in adaptingmany parts of the world where these problems exist. Our existing policies and procedures, which are designed to help ensure that we, our employees, agents, intermediaries, and other third parties comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the UK Bribery Act, and other anti-bribery laws, may not adequately protect us against liability under these markets and/laws for actions we or a significant declinethey may take with respect to our business.

        Failure to comply with domestic or international laws could result in various adverse consequences, including possible delay in the anticipated growth rate in these regions could impair our abilityapproval or refusal to take advantageapprove a product, recalls, seizures, withdrawal of these growth opportunitiesan approved product from the market, or the imposition of criminal or civil sanctions, including substantial monetary penalties.


Our products and manufacturing facilities are subject to significant government regulations and approvals, which are often costly and could affectresult in adverse consequences to our business results of operationsif we fail to comply with the regulations or financial condition.

The regulatory environment is increasingly challenging formaintain the pharmaceutical industry.approvals.

        

The industry in which we operate faces a changing regulatory environment and heightened public scrutiny worldwide, which simultaneously require greater assurances than ever as to the safety and efficacy of medications and health products on the one hand, and effectively provide reduced incentives for innovative pharmaceutical research on the other hand.

        

Health authorities,Each regulatory authority may also impose its own requirements either at the time of the filing of the dossier or later during its review in particularorder to grant a license to market the U.S. Foodproduct, including requiring local clinical studies, and Drug Administration (FDA)may delay or refuse to grant approval, even though a product has already been approved in another country. For example in August 2012, Genzyme received a Refuse to File letter from the FDA in response to the supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA seeking approval of Lemtrada™. The FDA did not request additional data or further studies but requested a modified presentation of the data sets to enable agency to better navigate the application. Finally, Genzyme resubmitted at the end of November 2012 the Lemtrada™ file and the FDA accepted on January 28, 2013 the application for review. In December 2012, the CHMP of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a negative opinion for the marketing authorization application for Kynamro™, but this product was approved by the FDA in January 2013.

        Health authorities are increasingly focusing on product safety and on the risk/benefit profile of pharmaceuticals products. In particular, the FDA and the EMA have imposed increasingly burdensome requirements on pharmaceutical companies, particularly in terms of the volume of data needed to demonstrate a product’sproduct's efficacy and safety. MarketedFor the same reasons, the marketed products are also subject to continual review, risk evaluations or comparative effectiveness studies even after regulatory approval. These requirements have resulted in increasing the costs associated with maintaining regulatory approvals and achieving reimbursement for our products.

        Later discovery of previously undetected problems may result in marketing restrictions or the suspension or withdrawal of the product, as well as an increased risk of litigation for both pharmaceutical and animal health products. These post-regulatory approval routine reviews and data analyses can lead to the issuance of recommendations by government agencies, health professional and patient organizations or other specialized organizations regarding the use of products, which may result in a reduction in sales volume, such as, for example, a recommendation to limit the patient scope of a drug’sdrug's indication. In addition, suchFor instance in September 2011, the EMA defined a more restrictive indication for Multaq®, one of our cardiovascular products. Such reviews may result in the discovery of significant problems with respect to a competing product that is similar to one sold by the Group, which may in turn cast suspicion on the entire class to which these products belong and ultimately diminish the sales of the relevant product of the Group. When such issues arise, the contemplative nature of evidence-based health care and restrictions on what pharmaceutical manufacturers may say about their products are not always well suited to rapidly defending the Group or the public’spublic's legitimate interests in the face of the political and market pressures generated by social media and rapid news cycles, and this may result in unnecessary commercial harm, overly restrictive regulatory actions and erratic share price performance.

        Government authorities and regulators in the U.S. and in E.U. are considering measures to reduce the risk of supply shortages of live-saving medicine in particular if there are no viable therapeutic alternatives. It cannot be ruled out that these ongoing initiatives may generate additional costs for the Group if they result in a requirement to set-up back up supply channels or to increase the level of the inventories to avoid shortages.

In addition, to the extent that new regulations raise the costs of obtaining and maintaining product authorization, or limit the economic value of a new product to its inventor, the growth prospects of our industry and of our Companythe Group are diminished. Also about 50% of our current research and development portfolio is constituted by biological products, that may bring in the future new therapeutic responses to current unmet medical needs but which may also lead to more technical constraints and costly investments from an industrial standpoint.

        Moreover, we and certain of our third-party suppliers are also required to comply with applicable regulations, known as good manufacturing practices, which govern the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. To monitor our


compliance with those applicable regulations, the FDA, the EMA and comparable agencies in other jurisdictions routinely conduct inspections of our facilities and may identify potential deficiencies which might be expensive and time consuming to address. For example, in July 2012, Sanofi Pasteur received a Warning Letter from the FDA following regular inspections conducted at manufacturing facilities in Canada and France. If we fail to adequately respond to a warning letter identifying a deficiency, or otherwise fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, we could be subject to enforcement, remedial and/or punitive actions by the FDA, the EMA or other regulatory authorities. In 2010, Genzyme entered into a consent decree with the FDA relating to its Allston facility and paid U.S.$175.0 million to the U.S. Federal Government as disgorgement of past profits. The consent decree required Genzyme to implement a plan to bring the Allston facility into compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Genzyme submitted a comprehensive remediation plan to FDA in April 2011 and the plan was accepted by FDA. Remediation of the Allston facility in accordance with that plan is underway and is currently expected to continue for three more years.

Our indebtedness may limit our business flexibility compared to some of our peers.

        Our consolidated debt increased substantially in connection with our acquisition of Genzyme in 2011. Although we continued to reduce our debt in 2012 (as of December 31, 2012, our debt, net of cash and cash equivalents amounted to €7.7 billion), we still make significant debt service payments to our lenders and this could limit our ability to engage in new transactions which could have been part of our strategy.

We face uncertainties over theincreasing pricing and reimbursement ofpressure on our pharmaceutical products.products that could negatively affect our revenues and/or margins.

        

The commercial success of our existing products and our products candidates depends in part on the conditions under which our products are reimbursed. Pressure on pricingOur products continue to be subject to increasing price and reimbursement is strongpressure due to:to, amongst others:

    price controls imposed by governments in many countries;



removal of a number of drugs from government reimbursement schemes;

schemes (for instance products determined to be less cost-effective than alternatives);

increased difficulty in obtaining and maintaining satisfactory drug reimbursement rates; and



the tendency of governments and private health care providers to favor generic pharmaceuticals.

In addition to the pricing pressures they exert, stategovernmental and private third-party payers and purchasers of pharmaceutical products may reduce volumes of sales by restricting access to formularies or otherwise discouraging physician prescriptions of our products. In the United States, the new federal health care reform law increasedis increasing the government’sgovernment's role with respect to price, reimbursement and the coverage levels for healthcare-related expenses forhealthcare services and products within the large government health care sector. This law also imposed cost containment measures and rebates and fees on pharmaceutical companies. Implementation of the new lawhealth care reform has affected and could still affect our revenues and/or margins (for further details concerning this law and a description of certain regulatory pricing systems that affect our Group see “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Pricing & Reimbursement”Reimbursement"). Some U.S. states are also considering legislation that would influence the marketing of prices of and access to drugs, and U.S. federal and state officials will likely continue to focus on healthcare reform implementation in the future.

        We encounter similar cost containment issues in countries outside the United States. In certain countries, including countries in the EU and Canada, the coverage of prescription drugs, pricing and levels of reimbursement are subject to governmental control. For instance early 2013, in China the National Development and Reform Commission set new national retail ceiling prices for 700 formulations of 400 drugs; among them was Lantus® whose price was cut by 12.9% (effective February 1, 2013).

        Due to the ongoing cost containment policies being pursued in many jurisdictions in which we operate, we are unable to predict the availability or amount of reimbursement for our product candidates.


Our        In addition, our operating results may also be affected by parallel imports, particularly within the European Union, whereby distributors engage in arbitrage based on national price differences to buy product on low cost markets for resale on higher cost markets.

AThe ongoing slowdown of global economic growth and the financial crisis could have negative consequences for our business(1)1.

        

Over the past several years, growth of the global pharmaceutical market has become increasingly tied to global economic growth. In this context, a substantial and lasting slowdown of the global economy or major national economies could negatively affect growth in the global pharmaceutical market and, as a result, adversely affect our business. This effect may be expected to be particularly strong in markets having significant co-pays or lacking a developed third-party payer system, as individual patients may delay or decrease out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures. Such a slowdown could also reducehas reduced the sources of funding for national social security systems, leading to heightened pressure on drug prices, increased substitution of generic drugs, and the exclusion of certain products from formularies.

        Further, we believe our net sales may be negatively impacted by the continuing challenging global economic environment, as high unemployment, levels and increases in co-pays, lack of developed third party payer system, may lead some patients to switch to generic products, delay treatments, skip doses or use less effective treatments to reduce their costs. Moreover, current economic conditions in the United States have resulted in an increase in the number of patients in the Medicaid program, under which sales of pharmaceuticals are subject to substantial rebates and, in many U.S. states, to formulary restrictions limiting access to brand-name drugs, including ours.

Additionally,        The growth of our OTC and CHC business may also be negatively affected by the current slowdown in global economic growth as consumer spending is closely tied to the extentglobal economy. Also our animal health business could be impacted. For example, tight credit conditions may limit the borrowing power of livestock producers, causing some to switch to lower-priced products.

        Although macroeconomic and financial measures have been taken in 2012 by governments and monetary authorities, notably in Europe reducing thus the risk of failure of a State, the slowing economic environment, may lead to financial difficulties or even the default or failure of major players including wholesalers or public sector buyers financed by insolvent States may affect the financial situation of the Group couldbut can also cause the Group to experience disruptions in the distribution of its products as well as the adverse effects described below at “ — We"We are subject to the risk of non-payment by our customers”customers".

Moreover, to the extent that the economic and financial crisis is directly affecting business, it may also lead to a disruption or delay in the performance of third parties on which we rely for parts of our business, including collaboration partners and suppliers (for more information see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity."). Such disruptions or delays could have a material and adverse effect on our business and results of operations. See "— We rely on third parties for the discovery, manufacture and marketing of some of our products.

We market some of our products in collaboration with other pharmaceutical companies. For example, we currently have major collaborative arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) for the marketing of Plavix® and Aprovel® in the United States and several other countries, with Warner Chilcott for the osteoporosis treatment Actonel®, with Teva for Copaxone®, and with Merck & Co., Inc. for the distribution of vaccines in Europe. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview —Pharmaceutical Products — Main pharmaceutical products” for more information on our major alliances. When we market our products through collaboration arrangements, we are subject to the risk that certain decisions, such as the establishment of budgets and promotion strategies, are subject to the control of our collaboration partners, and that deadlocks may adversely affect the activities conducted through the collaboration arrangements. For example, our alliances with BMS are subject to the operational management of BMS in some countries, including the United States. Any conflicts that we may have with our partners may affect the marketing of certain of our products. Such difficulties may cause a decline in our revenues and affect our results of operations.

products" below.

The manufacture of our products is technically complex, and supply interruptions, product recalls or inventory losses caused by unforeseen events may reduce sales, delay the launch of new products and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.condition and delay the launch of new products.

        

Many of our products are manufactured using technically complex processes requiring specialized facilities, highly specific raw materials and other production constraints. We must also be able to produce sufficient quantities of the products to satisfy demand. Our vaccinebiologic products (including vaccines) in particular are subject to the risk of manufacturing stoppages or the risk of loss of inventory because of the difficulties inherent to the sterile processing of biological materials and the potential unavailability of adequate amounts of raw materials meeting our standards. We may not have redundant manufacturing capacity for certain products particularly biologic products. For instance all of our bulk Cerezyme® products are produced solely at our Allston, Massachusetts facility. Even though we aim to have backup sources of supply whenever possible, including by manufacturing backup supplies of our principal active ingredients at a second or third facility when practicable, we cannot be certain they will be sufficient if our principal sources become unavailable. Switching sources and manufacturing facilities may require significant time.


(1)
Information in this section is complementary to Note B.8.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, with respect to information required by IFRS 7, and is covered by our independent registered public accounting firms' report on the consolidated financial statements.

        Additionally, specific conditions must be respected both by the Group and our customers for the storage and distribution of many of our products,e.g., cold storage for certain vaccines and insulin-based

(1)Information in this section is complementary to Note B.8.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, with respect to information required by IFRS 7, and is covered by our independent registered public accounting firms’ report on the consolidated financial statements.

products. The complexity of these processes, as well as strict internal and government standards for the manufacture of our products, subject us to risks. The occurrence or suspected occurrence of out-of-specification production or storage can lead to lost inventories, and in some cases product recalls, with consequential reputational damage and the risk of product liability (See “— Risks Relating to Legal Matters —(see "— Product liability claims could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition”condition," above). Group products are increasingly reliant on the use of product-specific devices for administration; a technical problem in these devices could jeopardize the approval or the commercialization of the products or require a recall.

        Supply shortages are subject to public scrutiny and are subject to even greater public criticism when they occur with respect to life saving medicines with limited therapeutic alternatives. Such shortages can have a negative impact on the image of the Group independent of the level of revenues lost as a result of the shortage of a particular product. The investigation and remediation of any identified manufacturing problems can cause production delays, substantial expense, lost sales and delay the delaylaunch of new product launches and canproducts, which could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

        Like many of our competitors, we have faced and may face in the future manufacturing issues. For example, Genzyme experienced in the past significant difficulties in manufacturing Cerezyme® and Fabrazyme® for several years. In summer 2011 a technical incident occurred in the filling line used for Apidra 3mL cartridges at our manufacturing site in Frankfurt which caused temporary shortages for Apidra 3mL cartridges. In April 2012 Sanofi Pasteur temporarily imposed supply limitations for Pentacel® and Daptacel® vaccines in the U.S. due to a manufacturing delay that temporarily reduced the effective capacity to below the level needed to fully satisfy market demand in the U.S. In June 2012 Sanofi Pasteur voluntarily recalled the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine produced in its Canadian facility due to manufacturing issues. This withdrawal is expected to last several months while the renovation of the building is completed. There can be no guarantee that we will not face similar issues in the future or that we will successfully manage such issues when they arise.

We rely on third parties for the discovery, manufacture and supplymarketing of a substantial portionsome of our raw materials, active ingredients and medical devices.products.

        Our industry is highly collaborative, whether in the discovery and development of new products, in-licensing, the marketing and distribution of approved products, or manufacturing activities. We expect that the reliance on third parties for key aspects of our business will continue to characterize our activities.

Third parties supply us with a substantial portion of our raw materials, active ingredients and medical devices, which exposes us to the risk of a supply interruption in the event that these suppliers experience financial difficulties or are unable to manufacture a sufficient supply of our products meeting Group quality standards. It also increases the risk of quality issues, even with the most scrupulously selected suppliers. For

        Further, some raw materials essential to the manufacture of our products are not widely available from sources we consider reliable; for example, in 2008 we recalledhave approved only a limited number of batchessuppliers of Lovenox®heparins for use in the manufacture of Lovenox®. Heparin purchase prices can also fluctuate. See "Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Production and wrote down significant unused inventory following the discoveryRaw Materials" for a description of quality issues at a Chinese supplierthese outsourcing arrangements. Any of raw materials.these factors could adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.

        If disruptions or quality concerns were to arise in the third-party supply of raw materials, active ingredients or medical devices, this could adversely affect our ability to sell our products in the quantities demanded by the market and could damage our reputation and relationships with our customers. See also “—"— The manufacture of our products is technically complex, and supply interruptions, product recalls or inventory losses caused by unforeseen events may reduce sales, delay the launch of new products and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition”condition and delay the launch of new products" above. Even though we aim to have backup sources of supply whenever possible, including by manufacturing backup supplies of our principal active ingredients at a second or third facility when practicable, we cannot be certain they will be sufficient if our principal sources become unavailable. Switching sources and manufacturing facilities may require significant time.

        

Some raw materials essential to the manufactureWe also conduct a number of significant research and development programs and market some of our products are not widely available from sources we consider reliable; forin collaboration with other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. For example, we currently have approved only a limited numbercollaborative arrangements with Regeneron for the discovery, development and commercialization of supplierstherapies based on monoclonal antibodies, Warner Chilcott for the osteoporosis treatment Actonel®, and with


Merck & Co., Inc. for the distribution of heparins for usevaccines in the manufacture of Lovenox®. Heparin purchase prices can also fluctuate. See “ItemEurope (See "Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — ProductionPharmaceutical Products — Main pharmaceutical products" and Raw Materials”"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Vaccine Products" for a descriptionmore information on our alliances). We may also rely on partners to design and manufacture medical devices, notably for the administration of our products. When we research and market our products through collaboration arrangements, we are subject to the risk that certain decisions, such as the establishment of budgets, development and promotion strategies and specific tasks, are under the control of our collaboration partners, and that deadlocks, failures in the development or differing priorities may adversely affect the activities conducted through the collaboration arrangements. Any conflicts that we may have with our partners during the course of these outsourcing arrangements. Anyagreements or at the time of these factors could adverselytheir renewal or renegotiation may affect the marketing of certain of our products and may cause a decline in our revenues and affect our business, operating results or financial condition.

of operations.

Counterfeit versions of our products could harm our business.

        

The drug supply has been increasingly challenged by the vulnerability of distribution channels to illegal counterfeiting and the presence of counterfeit products in a growing number of markets and over the Internet. Counterfeit products are frequently unsafe or ineffective, and can be potentially life-threatening. To distributors and users, counterfeit products may be visually indistinguishable from the authentic version. Reports of adverse reactions to counterfeit drugs or increased levels of counterfeiting could materially affect patient confidence in the authentic product, and could harm the business of companies such as sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. Additionally, it is possible that adverse events caused by unsafe counterfeit products will mistakenly be attributed to the authentic product. If a Group product werewas the subject of counterfeits, the Group could incur substantial reputational and financial harm. See “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Competition.

Use of biologically derived ingredients may face resistance from patients or the purchasers of these products, which could adversely affect sales and cause us to incur substantial costs.

In line with industry practice, we manufacture our vaccines and many of our prescription pharmaceutical products with ingredients derived from animal or plant tissue. We subject our products incorporating these ingredients to extensive tests and believe them to be safe. There have been instances in the past where the use of biologically derived ingredients by the Group or its competitors has been alleged to be an actual or theoretical source of harm, including infection or allergic reaction, or instances where production facilities have been subject to prolonged periods of closure because of possible contamination. Such allegations have on occasion led to damage claims and increased resistance on the part of patients to such ingredients. A substantial claim of harm caused by a product incorporating biologically derived ingredients or a contamination event could lead us to

incur potentially substantial costs as a result of, among other things, litigation of claims, product recalls, adoption of additional safety measures, manufacturing delays, investment in patient education, and development of synthetic substitutes for ingredients of biological origin. Such claims could also generate patient resistance, with a corresponding adverse effect on sales and results of operations.

"

We are subject to the risk of non-payment by our customers.customers(1)1.

        

We run the risk of delayed payments or even non-payment by our customers, which consist principally of wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and government agencies. This risk is accentuated by the current worldwide financial crisis. The United States which is our largest market in terms of sales, poses particular client credit risk issues, because of the concentrated distribution system in which approximately 73%58% of our consolidated U.S. pharmaceutical sales are accounted for by just three wholesalers. In addition, the Group’sGroup's three main customers represent 20.6%17.0% of our gross total revenues. We are also exposed to large wholesalers in other markets, particularly in Europe. An inability of one or more of these wholesalers to honor their debts to us could adversely affect our financial condition (see Note D.34. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

        Since 2010, some countries of southern Europe have faced important financial difficulties. Some customers in these countries are public or subsidized health systems. The deteriorating economic and credit conditions in these countries may lead to longer payment terms. Because of this trend we may need to reassess the recoverable amount of our debts in these countries during the coming financial years (for more information see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity.").

Our pension liabilities are affected by factors such as the performance of plan assets, interest rates, actuarial data and experience and changes in laws and regulations.

        

Our future funding obligations for our main defined-benefit pension plans depend on changes in the future performance of assets held in trust for these plans, the interest rates used to determine funding levels (or company liabilities), actuarial data and experience, inflation trends, the level of benefits provided for by the plans, as well as changes in laws and regulations. Adverse changes in those factors could increase our unfunded obligations under such plans, which would require more funds to be contributed and hence negatively affect our cash flow and results (see Note D.19.1 to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

   


(1)
Information in this section is complementary to Note B.8.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, with respect to information required by IFRS 7, and is covered by our independent registered public accounting firms' report on the consolidated financial statements and by Notes D.10. and D.34. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

Impairment charges or write downs in our books and changes in accounting standards could have a significant adverse effect on the Group's results of operations and financial results.

        New or revised accounting standards, rules and interpretations issued from time to time by the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) could result in changes to the recognition of income and expense that may materially and adversely affect the Group's financial results.

        In addition, substantial value is allocated to intangible assets and goodwill resulting from business combinations, as disclosed at Note D.4. to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report at Item 18, which could be substantially impaired upon indications of impairment (primarily relating to pharmacovigilance, patent litigation and the launch of competing products), with adverse effects on our financial condition and the value of our assets.

        Also if any of our strategic equity investments decline in value and remain below cost for an extended duration, we may be required to write down our investment.

        In addition the global financial crisis and in particular the ongoing sovereign debt crisis affecting certain European countries could also negatively affect the value of our assets (see "— The ongoing slowdown of global economic growth and the financial crisis could have negative consequences for our business" above and "— Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition" below).

We are increasingly dependent on our technological infrastructureinformation technologies and computer networks.

        

Our business depends on the use of computerized data,information technologies, which means that certain key divisionsareas such as research and development, production and sales are to a large extent dependent on our information technology network. Our inabilitycapabilities. We are commercializing a number of devices using new technologies which, in case of malfunctions could lead to a risk of harm to patients (see "— Product liability claims could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition" above) or the unavailability of our products. While we have invested heavily in the protection of data and information technology, there can be no assurance that our efforts or those of our third-party service providers (for instance the accounting of some of our subsidiaries has been externalized) to implement adequate security and memory storage systemsquality measures for saved data could leadprocessing would be sufficient to theirprotect against data deterioration or loss in the event of a system malfunction, or allowprevent data to befrom being stolen or corrupted in the event of a security breach, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

The expansion of social media platforms and mobile technologies presents new risks and challenges.

        New technologies are increasingly used to communicate about our products or the diseases they are intended to treat. The use of these media requires specific attention, monitoring programs and moderation of comments. For instance, patients may use these channels to comment on the effectiveness of a product and to report an alleged adverse event. Negative posts or comments about the Company, its business, its directors or officers on any social networking web site could seriously damage our reputation. In addition, our associates may use the social media tools and mobile technologies inappropriately which may give rise to liability, or which could lead to the exposure of sensitive information. In either case, such uses of social media and mobile technologies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Natural disasters prevalent in certain regions in which we do business could affect our operations.

        Some of our production sites are located in areas exposed to natural disasters, such as earthquakes (in North Africa, Middle East, Asia, Pacific, Europe, Central and Latin Americas), floods (in Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe) and hurricanes. In the event of a major disaster we could experience severe destruction or interruption of our operations and production capacity. As a result, our operations could suffer serious harm which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Environmental Risks of Our Industrial Activities

Risks from the handling of hazardous materials could adversely affect our results of operations.

        

Manufacturing activities, such as the chemical manufacturing of the active ingredients in our products and the related storage and transportation of raw materials, products and wastes, expose us to various risks, including:

    fires and/or explosions;



storage tank leaks and ruptures; and



discharges or releases of toxic or hazardouspathogen substances.

        

These operating risks can cause personal injury, property damage and environmental contamination, and may result in:

    the shutdown of affected facilities; and



the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

        

The occurrence of any of these events may significantly reduce the productivity and profitability of a particular manufacturing facility and adversely affect our operating results.

        

(1)Information in this section is complementary to Note B.8.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, with respect to information required by IFRS 7, and is covered by our independent registered public accounting firms’ report on the consolidated financial statements and by Notes D.10. and D.34. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

Although we maintain property, business interruption and casualty insurance that we believe is in accordance with customary industry practices, we cannot assure you that this insurance will be adequate to cover fully all potential hazards incidental to our business.

Environmental liabilities and compliance costs may have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations.

        

The environmental laws of various jurisdictions impose actual and potential obligations on our Group to remediate contaminated sites. These obligations may relate to sites:

    that we currently own or operate;



that we formerly owned or operated; or



where waste from our operations was disposed.

        

These environmental remediation obligations could significantly reduce our operating results. Sanofi-aventisSanofi accrues provisions for remediation when our management believes the need is probable and that it is reasonably possible to estimate the cost. See “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)" for additional information regarding our environmental policies. In particular, our provisions for these obligations may be insufficient if the assumptions underlying these provisions prove incorrect or if we are held responsible for additional, currently undiscovered contamination. These judgments and estimates may later prove inaccurate, and any shortfalls could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

        

Furthermore, we are or may become involved in claims, lawsuits and administrative proceedings relating to environmental matters. Some current and former sanofi-aventisSanofi's subsidiaries have been named as “potentially"potentially responsible parties”parties" or the equivalent under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (also known as “Superfund”"Superfund"), and similar statutes in France, Germany, Italy, Brazil and elsewhere. As a matter of statutory or contractual obligation, we and/or our subsidiaries may retain responsibility for environmental liabilities at some of the sites of our predecessor companies, or our subsidiaries that we demerged, divested or may divest. We have disputes outstanding for example, with Rhodia, over costs related to environmental liabilities regarding certain sites no longer owned by the Group. An adverse outcome in such disputes might have a significant adverse effect on our operating results. See Note D.22.e) to the consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.report and "Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Information on Legal or Arbitration Proceedings".


Environmental regulations are evolving (i.e., in Europe, REACH, CLP/GHS, SEVESO, IPPC,IPPC/IED, the Waste Framework Directive, the Emission Trading Scheme Directive, the Water Framework Directive and the Directive on Taxation of Energy Products and Electricity and several other regulations aiming at preventing global warming). Stricter environmental, safety and health laws and enforcement policies could result in substantial costs and liabilities to our Group and could subject our handling, manufacture, use, reuse or disposal of substances or pollutants, site restoration and compliance costs to more rigorous scrutiny than is currently the case. Consequently, compliance with these laws could result in significant capital expenditures as well as other costs and liabilities, thereby adversely affecting our business, results of operations or financial condition. For more detailed information on environmental issues, see “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)."

Risks Related to Financial Markets(1)1

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        

Because we sell our products in numerous countries, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We are particularly sensitive to movements in exchange rates between the euro and the U.S. dollar, the British pound, the Japanese yen, and to currencies in emerging countries. In 2010, approximately 30%2012, 31% of our net sales were realized in the United States. While we incur expenses in those currencies, the impact of currency exchange rates on these expenses does not fully offset

(1)

Information in this section is complementary to Note B.8.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, with respect to information required by IFRS 7, and is covered by our independent registered public accounting firms’ report on the consolidated financial statements.

the impact of currency exchange rates on our revenues. As a result, currency exchange rate movements can have a considerable impact on our earnings. When deemed appropriate and when technically feasible, we enter into transactions to hedge our exposure to foreign exchange risks. These efforts, when undertaken, may fail to offset the effect of adverse currency exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, in the specific context of the sovereign debt crisis affecting certain European countries, the threatened or actual withdrawal of the euro as currency in one or more European Monetary Union countries and the associated fluctuations in currency exchange rates could have a material effect on our financial condition and earnings, the magnitude and consequences of which are unpredictable. For more information concerning our exchange rate exposure, see “Item"Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

"

In the context of the worldwide financial crisis, our liquidity may be constrained.

        

As of December 31, 2010,2012, the Group’sGroup's net debt amounted approximately to €1.6 billion, an amount which will increase substantially upon acquisition of Genzyme.€7.7 billion. In addition to debt outstanding, the Group has contracted a number of credit lines and put into place commercial paper and medium term note programs with the aim of providing liquidity. See “Item"Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk." In the event of a market-wide liquidity crisis, the Group might be faced with reduced access to sources of financing, including under programs currently in place, or less favorable conditions.

Risks Relating to an Investment in our Shares or ADSs

Foreign exchange fluctuations may adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of our ADSs and dividends (if any).

        

Holders of ADSs face exchange rate risk. Our ADSs trade in U.S. dollars and our shares trade in euros. The value of the ADSs and our shares could fluctuate as the exchange rates between these currencies fluctuate. If and when we do pay dividends, they would be denominated in euros. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar amounts received by owners of ADSs upon conversion by the depositary of cash dividends, if any. Moreover, these fluctuations may affect the U.S. dollar price of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), whether or not we pay dividends in addition to the amounts, if any, that a holder would receive upon our liquidation or upon the sale of assets, merger, tender offer or similar transactions denominated in euros or any foreign currency other than U.S. dollars.

   


(1)
Information in this section is complementary to Note B.8.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, with respect to information required by IFRS 7, and is covered by our independent registered public accounting firms' report on the consolidated financial statements.

Persons holding ADSs rather than shares may have difficulty exercising certain rights as a shareholder.

        

Holders of ADSs may have more difficulty exercising their rights as a shareholder than if they directly held shares. For example, if we offerissue new shares and theyexisting shareholders have the right to subscribe for a portion of them, the depositary is allowed, at its own discretion, to sell for their benefit that right to subscribe for new shares instead of making it available to them. Also, to exercise their voting rights, as holders of ADSs they must instruct the depositary how to vote their shares. Because of this extra procedural step involving the depositary, the process for exercising voting rights will take longer for holders of ADSs than for holders of shares. ADSs for which the depositary does not receive timely voting instructions will not be voted at any meeting.

Recent French tax legislation applicable to the ADSs may affect their attractiveness.

        The implementation of new tax legislation such as the French financial transaction tax of 0.2% (Taxe sur les Transactions Financières — TTF) enacted in 2012 (see "Item 10. — E. Taxation"), which applies by its terms to trading in our shares and ADSs without regard to territoriality could increase the costs linked to the issuance, transfer and cancellation of ADSs. Moreover, uncertainties regarding how such a tax would be assessed and collected from beneficial owners or financial intermediaries outside of France could discourage holding of such instruments.

        We cannot foresee the extent to which this tax and uncertainty over its technical and practical aspects may reduce the liquidity and economic value of our ADSs.

Our two largest shareholders ownshareholder owns a significant percentage of the share capital and voting rights of sanofi-aventis.Sanofi.

        

As of December 31, 2010, L’Oré2012, L'Oréal and Total, our two largest shareholders, held approximately 9.02% and 5.51%8.91% of our issued share capital, respectively, accounting for approximately 15.61% and approximately 9.19%, respectively,16.13% of the voting rights (excluding treasury shares) of sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. See “Item"Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders." Affiliates of each of these shareholders areL'Oréal currently servingserve on our Board of Directors. To the extent these shareholders continueL'Oréal continues to hold a large percentage of our share capital and voting rights, L’Oréal and Totalit will remain in a position to exert heightened influence in the electionappointment of the directors and officers of sanofi-aventisSanofi and in other corporate actions that require shareholders’shareholders' approval.

Sales of our shares may cause the market price of our shares or ADSs to decline.

        

Neither L’Oréal nor Total is, toTo our knowledge, L'Oréal is not subject to any contractual restrictions on the sale of the shares eachit holds in our Company. Both of these shareholders haveL'Oréal announced their intent to sell all or part of their stakesthat it does not consider its stake in our company, and have recently liquidated a significant part of their respective holdings.Company as strategic to it. Sales of large numbers of our shares, or a perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price for our shares and ADSs.

Risks Relating to our Contingent Value Rights (CVRs)

In addition to the risks relating to our shares, CVR holders are subject to additional risks.

        In connection with our acquisition of Genzyme, we issued CVRs under a CVR agreement entered into by and between us and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the trustee (see also Note D.18. to the consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report). A copy of the form of the CVR agreement is attached as exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Registration No. 333-172638), as amended. Pursuant to the CVR agreement, each holder of a CVR is entitled to receive cash payments upon the achievement of certain milestones, based on U.S. regulatory approval of Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab for treatment of multiple sclerosis), and on achievement of certain aggregate net sales thresholds. See "Item 10. Additional Information — C. Material Contracts — The Contingent Value Rights Agreement."

        CVR holders are subject to additional risks, including:

    an active public market for the CVRs may not develop or the CVRs may trade at low volumes, both of which could have an adverse effect on the resale price, if any, of the CVRs;

    the market price and trading volume of the CVRs may be volatile;

      no payment will be made on the CVRs without the achievement of certain agreed upon milestones. As such, it may be difficult to value the CVRs and accordingly it may be difficult or impossible to resell the CVRs

      if the milestones specified in the CVR agreement are not achieved for any reason within the time periods specified therein, and if net sales do not exceed the thresholds set forth in the CVR agreement for any reason within the time periods specified therein, no payment will be made under the CVRs and the CVRs will expire without value;

      since the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the CVRs is unclear, any part of any CVR payment could be treated as ordinary income and required to be included in income prior to the receipt of the CVR payment;

      any payments in respect of the CVRs rank at parity with our other unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness;

      we are not prohibited from acquiring the CVRs, whether in open market transactions, private transactions or otherwise, and on September 4, 2012 Sanofi launched a tender offer to purchase up to 30% of its outstanding CVRs (for more information see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus — Liquidity.");

      we may under certain circumstances purchase and cancel all outstanding CVRs; and

      while we have agreed to use diligent efforts, until the CVR agreement is terminated, to achieve each of the Lemtrada™ related CVR milestones set forth in the CVR agreement, we are not required to take all possible actions to achieve these goals, and the failure to achieve such goals would have an adverse effect on the value, if any, of the CVRs.


    Item 4. Information on the Company

    Introduction

            

    We are aan integrated, global pharmaceutical grouphealthcare company focused on patient needs and engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of healthcare products. In 2010,2012, our net sales amounted to €30,384€34,947 million. We are the fifthfourth largest pharmaceutical group in the world and the third largest pharmaceutical group in Europe (source: IMS sales 2010)2012). Sanofi-aventisSanofi is the parent of a consolidated group of companies. A list of the principal subsidiaries included in this consolidation is shown at Note F. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            

    Our business includes two mainThe Sanofi Group is organized around three principal activities: Pharmaceuticals, and Human Vaccines through sanofi pasteur. The Group is also present in animal health products throughvia Sanofi Pasteur, and Animal Health via Merial Limited (Merial). These activities are operating segments within the meaning of the IFRS 8 accounting standard (see Note D.35. to the consolidated financial statements).

            In parallel, the Group operates through seven growth platforms (see "B. Business Overview — Strategy" below): Emerging Markets1, Diabetes, Vaccines, Consumer Health Care, Animal Health, New Genzyme2, and Other Innovative Products3. Unlike the other growth platforms, the Vaccines and Animal Health growth platforms are also operating segments within the meaning of IFRS 8. The Diabetes Solutions, Consumer Health Care, New Genzyme, and Other Innovative Products growth platforms are units whose performance is monitored primarily on the basis of their net sales; the products they sell are part of our Pharmaceuticals segment. The Emerging Markets growth platform is a unit whose performance is monitored primarily on the basis of its net sales; the products it sells are derived from all three of our principal activities: pharmaceuticals, human vaccines and animal health. For an analysis of the net sales of our growth platforms in 2012 and 2011, refer to "Item 5. Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with year Ended December 31, 2011".

       


    (1)
    World excluding the United States, Canada, Western Europe (France, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Denmark), Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

    (2)
    "New Genzyme" covers rare diseases and treatment for multiple sclerosis.

    (3)
    "Other Innovative Products" covers new product launches which do not belong to the other growth platforms listed: Multaq®, Jevtana®, Mozobil® and Zaltrap®.

    In our Pharmaceuticals activity, which generated net sales of €26,576€28,871 million in 2010,2012, our major product categories are:

      Diabetes Solutions: our main products are Lantus®, a long acting analog of human insulin which is the leading brand in the insulin market; Apidra®, a rapid-acting analog of human insulin; Insuman®, a range of human insulin solutions and suspensions; Amaryl®, an oral once-daily sulfonylurea; and BGStar® and iBGStar™ blood glucose meters.

      Rare Diseases: our principal products are enzyme replacement therapies: Cerezyme®, to treat Gaucher disease; Fabrazyme® to treat Fabry disease; and Myozyme®/Lumizyme® to treat Pompe disease.

      Multiple sclerosis (MS): with Aubagio® a once daily, oral immunomodulator launched in October 2012 in the United States.

        Rare Diseases and multiple sclerosis are the therapeutic areas of the "New Genzyme" growth platform.

        Diabetes: our products include Lantus®, a long acting analog of human insulin which is the leading brand in the insulin market; Apidra®, a rapid-acting analog of human insulin; Insuman®, a range of human insulin solutions and suspensions, and Amaryl®, an oral once-daily sulfonylurea.

        Oncology: our leading products in the oncology market are Taxotere®, a taxane derivative representing a cornerstone therapy in several cancer types; Eloxatine®, a platinum agent, which is a key treatment for colorectal cancer; and Jevtana®, a new taxane derivative launched in the United States in 2010, indicated for patients with prostate cancer.

        Other flagship products: our thrombosis medicines include two leading drugs in their categories: Plavix®, an anti-platelet agent indicated for a number of atherothrombotic conditions; and Lovenox® with Taxotere®, a taxane derivative representing a cornerstone therapy in several cancer types; Eloxatine®, a platinum agent, which is a key treatment for colorectal cancer; Jevtana®, a taxane derivative, indicated for patients with prostate cancer; Mozobil®, a hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer for patients with hematologic maligancies; and Zaltrap®, a recombinant fusion protein, indicated for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen, launched in August 2012 in the United States.

        Other prescription products: our thrombosis medicines include Plavix®, an anti-platelet agent indicated for a number of atherothrombotic conditions; and Lovenox®, a low molecular weight heparin indicated for prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and for unstable angina and myocardial infarction. Our cardiovascular medicines include Multaq®, an anti-arrhythmic agent; and Aprovel®/CoAprovel®, two hypertension treatments. Our renal business includes Renagel®/Renvela®, oral phosphate binders used in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis to treat high phosphorus levels. Our biosurgery business includes Synvisc® and Synvisc-One®, viscosupplements used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of certain joints.

        Our cardiovascular medicines include Multaq®, a new anti-arrhythmic agent launched in 2009 and indicated for patients with atrial fibrillation; and Aprovel®/ CoAprovel®, a major hypertension treatment.

        The global pharmaceutical portfolio of sanofi-aventis also comprisesincludes a wide range of other products in Consumer Health Care (CHC), a category in which we have become the third largest player in terms of global sales, and other prescription drugs including generics.

              

      We are a world leader in the vaccines industry. Our net sales amounted to €3,808€3,897 million in 2010,2012, with leading vaccines in five areas: pediatric combination vaccines, influenza vaccines, adult and adolescent booster vaccines, meningitis vaccines, and travel and endemics vaccines.

              

      Our animal healthAnimal Health activity is carried out through Merial, one of the world’sworld's leading animal healthcare companies, dedicated to the research, development, manufacture and delivery of innovative pharmaceuticals and vaccines used by veterinarians, farmers and pet owners. Itsowners and providing a comprehensive line of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of production and companion animals. The net sales for 2010 (which are not included in the Group’s 2010 net sales)of Merial amounted to €1,983 million. The company’s top-selling€2,179 million in 2012.

              Partnerships are essential to our business, and many of our products include Frontline®, a topical anti-parasitic fleaon the market or in development have been in-licensed from third parties or rely on third party technologies and tick brand for dogs and cats; Heartgard®, a parasiticide for control of heartworm in companion animals; and Ivomec®, a parasiticide for the control of internal and external parasites in livestock.rights.

              

      In the description below, the following should be kept in mind:

      A drug can be referred to either by its international non-proprietary name (INN) or by its brand name, which is normally exclusive to the company that markets it. In most cases, our brand names, which may vary from country to country, are protected by trademark registrations. In general, we have chosen in this annual report to refer to our products by the brand names we use in France, except for Allegra® (sold in France as Telfast®), Tritace® (sold in France as Triatec®), Amaryl® (sold in France as Amarel®), Ambien® CR (an extended-release formulation of zolpidem tartrate, not sold in France), and Jevtana® (not currently sold in France).

        A drug can be referred to either by its international non-proprietary name (INN) or by its brand name, which is normally exclusive to the company that markets it. In most cases, our brand names, which may vary from country to country, are protected by trademark registrations. In general, we have chosen in this annual report to refer to our products by the brand names we use in France, except for Allegra® (sold in France as Telfast®), Tritace® (sold in France as Triatec®), Amaryl® (sold in France as Amarel®), and Ambien® CR (an extended-release formulation of zolpidem tartrate, not sold in France).

        For our pharmaceutical activity, except where otherwise stated, all market share percentages and rankings are based on full-year 20102012 sales figures from IMS Health MIDAS (retail and hospital).


        For our vaccines activity, market shares and rankings are based on our own estimates. These estimates have been made from public domain information collated from various sources, including statistical data collected by industry associations and information published by competitors.



      We present our consolidated net sales for our leading products sold directly and through alliances. As regards the products sold through our alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), we also present the aggregate worldwide sales of Plavix® and Aprovel®, whether consolidated by Sanofi or by BMS. A definition of worldwide sales can be found in "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations".

    We present our consolidated net sales for our leading products sold directly and through alliances. As regards the products sold through our alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), we also present the aggregate worldwide sales of Plavix®
    and Aprovel®, whether consolidated by sanofi-aventis or by BMS. A definition of worldwide sales can be found in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations”.

    A. History and Development of the Company

    Sanofi-aventis        The current Sanofi corporation was incorporated under the laws of France in 1994 as asociété anonyme, a form of limited liability company, for a term of 99 years. We operateSince May 2011, we have operated under the commercial name “sanofi-aventis”"Sanofi" (formerly known as sanofi-aventis). Our registered office is located at 174, avenue de France, 7501354, rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France, and our main telephone number is +33 1 53 77 40 00. Our principal U.S. subsidiary’ssubsidiary's office is located at 55 Corporate Drive, Bridgewater, NJ 08807; telephone: +1 (908) 981-5000.

            

    We are present in approximately 100 countries on five continents with about 100,000111,974 employees at year end 2010, not including an additional 5,600 employees2012. As a global diversified healthcare company our business includes a diversified offering of Merial. Our legacy companies, Sanofi-Synthélabo (formed bymedicines, consumer healthcare products, generics, animal health and human vaccines.

      History of the 1999 merger of Sanofi and Synthélabo into the current holding company) and Aventis (formed by the combination of Rhône-Poulenc and Hoechst also in 1999), bring to theCompany

            The Group has more than a century of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

    Sanofi-Synthélabo (formed in 1999 by the merger of Sanofi, was founded in 1973 by Elf Aquitaine, a French oil company, when it took control of the Labaz group, a pharmaceutical company. Its first significant venture into the U.S. market was the acquisition of the prescription pharmaceuticals business of Sterling Winthrop — an affiliate of Eastman Kodak — in 1994.

    and Synthélabo, was founded in 1970 through1970) and Aventis (formed in 1999 by the mergercombination of two French pharmaceutical laboratories, Laboratoires Dausse (foundedRhône-Poulenc, formed in 1834)1928 and Laboratoires Robert & Carrière (foundedHoechst, founded in 1899). In 1973, the French cosmetics group L’Oréal acquired the majority of its share capital.

    Hoechst traces its origins to the second half of the 19th century, to the time of the German industrial revolution and the emergence of the chemical industry. Traditionally active19th century) were combined in pharmaceuticals, Hoechst strengthened its position in that industry by taking a controlling interest in Roussel-Uclaf in 1974 and the U.S. pharmaceutical company Marion Merrell in 1995.

    Rhône-Poulenc was formed in 1928 from the merger of two French companies: a chemical company created by the Poulenc brothers and the Société Chimique des Usines du Rhône, which was founded in 1895. The company’s activities in the first half of the 20th century focused on producing chemicals, textiles and pharmaceuticals. Rhône-Poulenc began to focus its activities on life sciences in the 1990s, which led to the successive purchases of Rorer, a U.S. pharmaceutical company acquired in two stages in 1990 and 1997, Pasteur Mérieux Connaught in the area of vaccines in 1994, and the U.K.-based pharmaceuticals company Fisons in 1995.

    Sanofi-Synthélabo took control of Aventis in August 2004 and changed its registered nameare the principal legacy companies of our continuously expanding Group.

      Important Corporate Developments 2009-2012

            Starting in 2009, Sanofi began a strategy of targeted acquisitions to “sanofi-aventis”. On December 31, 2004, Aventis merged withbecome a diversified healthcare company, and into sanofi-aventis, with sanofi-aventis as the surviving company.

    In 1994, the Group’s vaccines division together with the vaccines division of Merck & Co., Inc. formed Sanofi Pasteur MSD, creating the only European firm entirely dedicated to vaccines.

    Merial was founded in 1997 as a combination of the animal health activities of Rhône-Poulenccreated or strengthened various platforms including CHC and Merck. Merial was a joint venture in which we and Merck each held 50%. On September 17,Generics.

      In 2009, we acquired Merck’s entire interest in Merial and secured an option for combining Merial with Merck’s Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health business. On March 8, 2010, sanofi-aventis exercised its contractual right to combine the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health business with Merial to form an animal health joint venture equally owned by Merck and sanofi-aventis. In addition to execution of final agreements, formation of the new animal health joint venture remains subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities and other closing conditions.

      The parties currently envisageZentiva, a closing for the transaction in the third quarter of 2011. In accordance with IFRS 5, sanofi-aventis recognises 100% of the Merial income on a separate line of the income statement “Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business” (Merial sales are not consolidated). For more information see Notes B.7., D.1. and D.8.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

      The Prague-based branded generics group Zentiva was acquired by sanofi-aventis throughand Medley, a tender offer completed on March 11, 2009 followed by a squeeze out of all remaining minority shareholders.

      leading generics company in Brazil;

      On February 9, 2010, Sanofi-aventisSanofi successfully completed its tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Chattem, Inc., a leading U.S. consumer healthcare company. Immediately following the tender offer, sanofi-aventis held approximately 97% of Chattem’s outstanding shares, and acquired the remaining shares in a “short form” merger on March 10, 2010.

      company;

      On February 24, 2011, weSanofi acquired BMP Sunstone Corporation (a specialty pharmaceutical company with a proprietary portfolio of branded pharmaceutical and healthcare products in China) through a merger between BMP Sunstone and a wholly-owned subsidiarysubsidiary;

      In 2011, Merial became Sanofi's dedicated animal health division. Merial was founded in 1997 for animal health activities, and was initially a joint venture in which we and Merck each held 50%. On September 17, 2009, we acquired Merck's entire interest in Merial. See Note D.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of ours.

      this annual report; and

      On OctoberApril 4, 2010, we launched an unsolicited2011, following a tender offer, to acquireSanofi acquired Genzyme Corp. of Massachusetts,Corporation, a leading biotechnology group headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and specialized in the treatment of rare diseases. On February 16, 2011, the two companies announced an agreement on the terms of an improved offer to acquire Genzyme.diseases, renal diseases, endocrinology, oncology and biosurgery. The agreement is described at “Item"Item 10. Additional Information — C. Material Contracts” and any acquisition remains subject to fulfillment of a number of conditions including acceptance by holders of a majority of shares on a diluted basis.

      Contracts".


    B. Business Overview

    Strategy

            

    Sanofi-aventisSanofi is a diversifiedan integrated, global healthcare leader with a numberoffering solutions across areas of core strengths: a stronghistorical strength and long-established presence in Emerging Markets(1), a portfolio of diabetes drugs including the biggest selling insulinmultiple growth platforms. Like other groups active in the world (Lantus®), a market-leading position in Vaccines and Animal Health, a broad range of Consumer Health Care products and research that is increasingly focused on biological products, allied with a track record of adapting cost structures and a solid financial position.

    Like most pharmaceutical companies,industry, we arehave been facing competition from generics for several of our major products, in an environment subject to cost containment pressures from both third party payers and healthcare authorities and to tougher regulatory hurdles.authorities. We have decided to respondresponded to these major challenges by developing our growth platforms.

    Throughout 2010,implementing a strategy with the objective of repositioning Sanofi for more stable and sustainable revenue and earnings growth. Over the past years, we have implemented a wide-ranging transformation program launchedtransformed the Group by decreasing our reliance on existing "blockbuster" medicines (medicines with over $1 billion in 2009, designedglobal sales), optimizing our approach to secure sources of sustainable growth. Our strategy focuses on three key themes:

    Increasing innovation in Research & Development (R&D), increasing our diversification, and investing in seven growth platforms (Emerging Markets, Diabetes Solutions, Vaccines, Consumer Health Care, Animal Health, New Genzyme, and Innovative Products).

            We regularly review our strategy and its implementation, and are continuing to execute this strategy along four prongs:

      •    Growing a global healthcare leader with synergistic platforms

            Our ambition is to offer an integrated set of businesses within the healthcare space with opportunities to create synergies across activities both upstream and R&D level and downstream in the market place.

      •    Bringing innovative products to market

    We conducted a complete and objectiveregularly review of our researchR&D portfolio in 2009, in order to reassessimprove the allocation of our resources. This review led to a rationalization of our portfolio, targeting the most promising projects. In February 2011, 53% of our development portfolio consisted of biological products and vaccines. We also redefinedAlso, our decision-making processes so that newintegrate commercial potential and the scope for value creation are better integrated into our development choices. The result is an ongoing rationalization and optimization of our portfolio allowing us to focus on high-value projects and, when appropriate, reallocate part of our resources from internal infrastructure to partnerships and collaborations. We have redesigned our R&D footprint, including increasing our presence in the Boston, MA area (United States) with its concentration of universities and innovative biotechnology companies. Our R&D is now based on an organizational structure that focusesfocused on patient needs and encourages entrepreneurship and autonomy.encouraging entrepreneurship. This network-based organization, open to external opportunities, will enableenables our R&D portfolio to be more creative and make the mosteffectively capitalize on innovation from a wide range of innovation, wherever it comes from.sources.

            

    In line with this policy, we signed new alliance and licensing agreements in 2010 designed2012 to give us access to new technologies, and/or to broaden or strengthen our existing fields of research (including diabetes, oncology and

    (1)research. We define “Emerging Markets” as the world excluding the United States, Canada, Western Europe (France, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark), Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

    vaccines). In February 2011, 64% of our development portfolio consisted of projects originated by external R&D. Finally, we have also made progress on our objective of offering more products that add value for patients: thepatients, with five innovative products (NMEs) submitted to regulatory agencies in 2012 and 18 potential new product launches of the anti-arrhythmic drug Multaq® throughout the world, the anti-cancer agent Jevtana® in the United Statespossible between now and the influenzaend of 2015.

      •    Seizing value-enhancing growth opportunities

            Business development remains an integral and disciplined pillar of our overall strategy, targeting acquisitions and alliances that create and/or strengthen platforms for long-term growth and create value for our shareholders. Since January 2009, we have invested a total of approximately €24 billion in external growth. During 2012, we actively pursued this targeted policy, announcing 26 new transactions, including 8 acquisitions and 18 major R&D alliances.

            In 2012, we strengthened our Emerging Markets growth platform with the agreement to acquire Genfar S.A. (announced in October 2012), a leading pharmaceuticals manufacturer headquartered in Bogota, Colombia. Also, we acquired the rights to lines of generic products for Sub Saharan Africa and for Vietnam. With these acquisitions, Sanofi intends to become a market leader in both Colombia and Nigeria, and has expanded its portfolio of affordable pharmaceuticals in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia.

            Our animal health business was also reinforced in 2012 by the acquisition of Newport Laboratories, a privately held company based in Worthington, Minnesota (United States), a leader in autogenous vaccines Intanza®with a focus on swine and Fluzone® High-Dose are some examples.bovine production markets, and with the agreement to acquire the Animal Health Division of Dosch


    Pharmaceuticals in India (announced end of December 2012). When completed, this last acquisition will create a market entry for Merial in that country's strategically important and growing Indian animal health sector.

            In the years to come, we expect our sound financial position to provide us the potential to create value through external growth opportunities and to strengthen our diversification and growth platforms through new acquisitions and partnerships. We will remain financially disciplined, within the aims of our business development activities, so that we can execute strategically important transactions and partnerships that deliver a return on investment in excess of our cost of capital.

      •    Adapting our structures to meet thestructure for future opportunities and challenges of the future

            

    During 2009, weWe have adapted our operating model, previously too focused on the best-selling prescription drugs in our traditional markets, to a broader set of products and services that better reflect the diversity of our activities and our geographical reach. In particular, we have tailored our strategy, structure and offering to each region’sregion's needs, so as to deliver the most appropriate solution to each patient. 30%The result is a dramatic shift in business mix from our top 15 products to key growth platforms. In 2008, 61% of our 2010sales originated from our top 15 products while in 2012, 67.4% of our sales were generated by our growth platforms. In addition, 31.9% of our 2012 sales were in emerging markets, where approximately 39% of our employees are located, and where we have strengthenedenhanced our offerings in high growth segments such as Generics and Consumer Health Care operations.by completing 25 transactions and investing a total of approximately €3.9 billion in acquisitions over the last four years.

            We have also realigned our industrial capacity to reflect our expectation of changes in volumes and our analysisanalyses of growth opportunities. Combined with the opportunities for growth. Streamliningstreamlining of our R&D structures and our operating modeltight control over selling, general and administrative expenses, this has also enabledhelped us to further improve our operating ratios. In 2010, our cost control program allowed us to reduce the weightsuccessfully navigate a period in which many of our research and development expenses and our selling and general expenses compared to our net sales.

    Exploring external growth opportunities

    Business development is wholly integrated into our overall strategy, and translates into disciplined acquisitions and alliances that create or strengthen platforms for long-term growth and create value for our shareholders. During 2010, we pursued this active and targeted policy, announcing 37leading products faced the loss of patent exclusivity protection, in a tougher economic environment with new transactions, including nine acquisitions or creations of joint ventures and 28 R&D alliances. We successfully completed our acquisition of Chattem, one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of branded consumer health products, toiletries and dietary supplementshealthcare cost containment measures in the United States. We also strengthened our Consumer Health Care platform through the acquisition of Nepentes S.A. in Poland, as well as the creation of a joint venture with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and the acquisition of BMP Sunstone Corporation in China. In the generics sector, we created a joint venture with the Japanese company Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. We also acquired two R&D companies: the U.S. biopharmaceutical company TargeGen Inc., which develops small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of certain forms of leukemia, lymphoma and other hematological malignancies and blood disorders; and the U.S. biotechnology company VaxDesign, which develops in vitro models of the human immune system used for the development of vaccines. In Animal Health, on March 8, 2010, we exercised our contractual right to combine the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health business with Merial to form a new animal health joint venture equally owned by the new Merck and sanofi-aventis, which when completed will create a global leader in Animal Health. On February 16, 2011, sanofi-aventis announced an agreement to acquire Genzyme Corp., a leading U.S.-based biotechnology company specializing in the treatment of rare diseases. The agreement is described at “Item 10. Additional Information — C. Material Contracts” and any acquisition remains subject to fulfillment of a number of conditions including acceptance of the transaction by holders of a majority of shares of Genzyme common stock on a diluted basis.many markets.

    We expect our sound financial position should give us significant potential to create value via external growth opportunities, with the aim of securing a return on investment in excess of our cost of capital.

    Pharmaceutical Products

      Main Pharmaceutical Products

            

    Within our Pharmaceuticals business, we focus on the following categories:therapeutic areas: diabetes, oncology, and otherrare diseases, multiple sclerosis, oncology. We also have flagship products in such fields as anti-thrombotics, cardiovascular, renal and cardiovascular fields.biosurgery and have developed leading businesses in Consumer Health Care and generics.

            

    The sections that follow provide additional information on the indications and market position of these products in their principal markets.our key products. Our intellectual property rights over our pharmaceutical products are material to our operations and are described at “—"— Patents, Intellectual Property and Other Rights”Rights" below. As disclosed in Note D.22.b) to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18"Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Patents" of this annual report, wereport. We are involved in significant litigation concerning the patent protection of a number of these products.


    The following table sets forth the net sales of our best-sellingmain pharmaceutical products for the year ended December 31, 2010. These products are major contributors to public health.2012.

    Therapeutic Area / Product Name
    20102012
    Net Sales
    (€ million)

    Drug Category / Main Areas of Use
    Diabetes Solutions

    Diabetes

    Lantus®Lantus® (insulin glargine)

      3,5104,960 Long-acting analog of human insulin
      

    • Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus

    Apidra®Apidra® (insulin glulisine)

      177230 Rapid-acting analog of human insulin
      

    • Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus

    Amaryl® (glimepiride)

    478Sulfonylurea

    • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

    Insuman®Insuman® (insulin)

      133135 Human insulin (rapid and intermediate acting)
      

    • Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus

    Oncology

    Taxotere® (docetaxel)Amaryl® (glimepiride)

      2,122421 Cytotoxic agent

    • Breast cancer

    • Non small cell lung cancer

    • Prostate cancer

    • Gastric cancer

    • Head and Neck cancer

    Eloxatine® (oxaliplatin)

    427Cytotoxic agent

    • Colorectal cancer

    Jevtana® (cabazitaxel)

    82Cytotoxic agent

    • Prostate cancer

    Other Flagship products

    Lovenox® (enoxaparin sodium)

    2,806Low molecular weight heparin

    • Treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis

    • Treatment of acute coronary syndromes

    Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate)

    2,083Platelet adenosine disphosphate receptor antagonist

    • Atherothrombosis

    • Acute coronary syndrome with and without ST segment elevation

    Aprovel® (irbesartan) / CoAprovel® (irbesartan & hydrochlorothiazide)

    1,327Angiotensin II receptor antagonist

    • Hypertension

    Multaq® (dronedarone)

    172Anti-arrhythmic drug

    • Atrial Fibrillation

    Others

    Stilnox® /Ambien®/Myslee® (zolpidem tartrate)

    819Hypnotic

    • Sleep disorders

    of which Ambien® CR

    378

    Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride)

    607Anti-histamine

    • Allergic rhinitis

    • Urticaria

    Therapeutic Area / Product Name2010
    Net Sales
    (€ million)
    Drug Category / Main Areas of Use

    Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate)

    513Non-interferon immunomodulating agent

    • Multiple sclerosis

    Tritace® (ramipril)

    410Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor

    • Hypertension

    • Congestive heart failure

    • Nephropathy

    Depakine® (sodium valproate)

    372Anti-epileptic

    • Epilepsy

    Xatral® (alfuzosin hydrochloride)

    296Uroselective alpha1-blocker

    • Benign prostatic hypertrophy

    Actonel® (risedronate sodium)

    238Biphosphonate

    • Osteoporosis

    • Paget’s Disease

    Nasacort® (triamcinolone acetonide)

    189Local corticosteroidSulfonylurea
         

    • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

    Rare Diseases

    Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection)

    633Enzyme replacement therapy
     

    • Allergic rhinitisGaucher disease

    Fabrazyme® (agalsidase beta)

    292Enzyme replacement therapy

    • Fabry disease

    Myozyme®/Lumizyme® (alglucosidase

    462Enzyme replacement therapy

    alpha)

    • Pompe disease

    Multiple Sclerosis

    Aubagio® (teriflunomide)

    7Oral immunomodulating agent

    • Multiple Sclerosis

    Oncology

    Taxotere® (docetaxel)

    563Cytotoxic agent

    Breast cancer

    Non small cell lung cancer

    Prostate cancer

    Gastric cancer

    Head and neck cancer

    Eloxatine® (oxaliplatin)

    956Cytotoxic agent

    • Colorectal cancer

    Jevtana® (cabazitaxel)

    235Cytotoxic agent

    • Prostate cancer

    Mozobil® (plerixafor)

    96Hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer

    • Hematologic maligancies

    Zaltrap® (aflibercept)

    25Recombinant fusion protein

    • Oxaliplatin resistant metastatic colorectal cancer


    Therapeutic Area / Product Name
    2012
    Net Sales
    (€ million)
    Drug Category / Main Areas of Use
    Other Prescription Drugs

    Lovenox® (enoxaparin sodium)

    1,893Low molecular weight heparin

    Treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis

    Treatment of acute coronary syndromes

    Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate)

    2,066Platelet adenosine disphosphate receptor antagonist

    Atherothrombosis

    Acute coronary syndrome with and without ST segment elevation

    Aprovel® (irbesartan) / CoAprovel®

    1,151Angiotensin II receptor antagonist

    (irbesartan & hydrochlorothiazide)

    • Hypertension

    Multaq® (dronedarone)

    255Anti-arrhythmic drug

    • Atrial Fibrillation

    Renagel® (sevelamer hydrochloride) /

    653Oral phosphate binders

    Renvala® (sevelamer carbonate)

    • High phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis

    Synvisc® / Synvisc-One®

    363Viscosupplements

    (hylan G-F 20)

    • Pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee

    Stilnox® /Ambien®/Myslee® (zolpidem

    497Hypnotic

    tartrate)

    • Sleep disorders

    Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride)

    553(1)Anti-histamine

    Allergic rhinitis

    Urticaria

    Depakine® (sodium valproate)

    410Anti-epileptic

    • Epilepsy

    Consumer Health Care

    Total

    3,008
    Generics

    Total

    1,844
    (1)
    Excluding Allegra® OTC sales.


    Diabetes Solutions

            

    The prevalence of diabetes is expected to increase significantly over the next 20 years,by 2030, reflecting multiple socio-economic factors including sedentary lifestyles, excess weight and obesity, unhealthy diet and an aging population. Our principal diabetes products are Lantus®Lantus®, a long-acting analog of human insulin; Apidra®Apidra®, a rapid-acting analog of human insulin; Insuman®Insuman®, a human insulin; and Amaryl®Amaryl®, a sulfonylurea. In 2011, in some European markets, we launched the company expects to market the BGStar® solutionBGStar® range of Blood Glucose Monitorsblood glucose meter solutions for patients with diabetes, whether they are treated with insulin patients.or not. In February 2013, the European Commission granted marketing authorisation in Europe for Lyxumia®, a once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist.


      Lantus®

            

    Lantus®

    Lantus®Lantus® (insulin glargine) is a long-acting analog of human insulin, offering improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles compared to other basal insulins. Lantus®profile. Lantus® is indicated for once-daily subcutaneous administration in the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require basal insulin for the control of hyperglycemia, and for adult and pediatric patients aged sixtwo years (label extension for pediatric use was granted in the EU in 2012) and above with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

            

    Lantus®Lantus® is a well established treatmentthe most studied basal insulin with over 30 million patient-years exposure since 2000. The10 years of clinical trial experience with Lantus® covers over 100,000 patients.evidence in diabetes treatment and a well-established safety profile.

            

    Lantus®Lantus® can be administered subcutaneously using syringes or specific pens including the Lantusincluding:

      ® SoloSTAR®Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a pre-filled disposable pen available in over 120 countries worldwide. It is the only disposable pen that combines a low injection force, up to 80 units per injection, and the ClikSTARease-of-use;®

      reusable pen:

      Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a pre-filled disposable pen available in over 50 countries worldwide. It is the only disposable pen that combines a low injection force, up to 80 units per injection, and ease-of-use; and

      ClikSTAR®

      ClikSTAR® is a reusable insulin pen first approved in 2009 in the European Union and Canada. It is now available in more than 35 countries worldwide and is being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

      In September 2009, following four highly publicized but methodologically limited registry analyses, some of which created concern over a potential link between the use of Lantus® and an increased risk of cancer, we announced an action plan to provide methodologically robust research that will contribute to the scientific resolution of the debate over insulin safety, including insulin analogs and Lantus®. The research program encompasses both preclinical and clinical programs involving human insulin and insulin analogues, including

      insulin glargine; it is designed to generate more information on whether there is any association between cancer and insulin use, and to assess whether there is any difference in risk between different types of insulins. The plan is structured to yield short-term and longer-term results. Three epidemiological studies (two retrospective cohort studies and one case-control study) have been launched:

      the Northern European Study will compare the risk of cancer in adults prescribed insulin glargine versus those prescribed human insulin, and other types of insulin, and in all users of insulin combined. Study data are expected to be released in the second quarter of 2011;

      European Union and Canada. It is now available in more than 30 countries worldwide; and


      AllSTAR™ is the first state-of-the-art, re-usable insulin pen developed especially for people with diabetes in emerging markets, indicated for use with Sanofi's insulin portfolio. AllSTAR™ is currently available in India; going forward, Sanofi intends to make AllSTAR™ accessible to other emerging markets.

            

    the U.S. Study will compare the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer (each considered separately) in glargine users versus human NPH insulin users. Study completion is targeted for the second half of 2011; and

    the International Study of Insulin and Cancer, being carried out in the United Kingdom, France and Canada, will assess the association of breast cancer with the use of insulins. The study results are expected by end 2012.

    Routine analysis of the dataset for the ongoing large-scale ORIGIN randomized trial provided no cause for concern with respect to cancer incidence in the glargine group.

    In January 2011,their 2012 updates, the FDA updated its ongoing safety review of Lantus®. In addition to the analysis of the four registry analyses mentioned above, the FDA also reviewed results from a five-year diabetic retinopathy clinical trial in patients with type 2 Diabetes. Based on these data, the FDA has not concluded at this time that Lantus® increases the risk of cancer. FDA review remains ongoing.

    The ADA/ACS (American Diabetes Association / American Cancer Society) Consensus Report published on June 16, 2010 reasserted the inconclusiveness of any link between insulin and cancer.

    The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) have maintained their 2008 treatment recommendations for type 2 diabetes. These guidelinesThis consensus statement further established basal insulins such as Lantus®Lantus®, or a sulfonylurea such as Amaryl®Amaryl®, as two preferred second-line treatment options for people with diabetes who are unable to achieve glycemic control targets with lifestyle intervention and metformin alone. These treatment recommendations reinforce the timely use of basal insulin as a core therapy for type 2 diabetes.

            

    Lantus®Lantus® is the world number-one selling insulin brand in terms of both sales and units (source: IMS, 20102012 sales) and is available in over 70120 countries worldwide. The three leading countries for sales of Lantus®Lantus® in 20102012 were the United States, France and Germany.Japan.

      International epidemiology program

            The epidemiological program sponsored by Sanofi was aimed at evaluating cancer risk in diabetes and generating comprehensive insulin glargine exposure data from large databases. It is the largest observational program designed for this purpose to date. The program results reinforce the robust safety profile of Lantus®, complementing the existing wealth of data already available from more than 80,000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.

            The now completed epidemiological program comprised three major studies. These were designed independently of the company by the lead investigators and endorsed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and shared with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They used state-of-the-art biostatistical methodology with protocols that were discussed with a senior-level Biostatistics Advisory Group:

      The Northern European Study analyzed over 1.5 million person-years of insulin exposure using databases from five countries — Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Scotland. The study reported no increased risk of breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men and colorectal cancer in men and women in users of insulin glargine versus other insulins, among all users of insulin, and similarly among users of human insulin.

      The U.S. Study analyzed over 0.4 million patient-years of insulin exposure from the Kaiser Permanente database (Northern and Southern California regions). Among all insulin users (insulin glargine and NPH insulin), and similarly among those switching to Lantus® and new insulin users, there was no association between use of insulin glargine and risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer or all cancers combined.

      The International Study of Insulin and Cancer (ISICA) was a case-control study of female patients with diabetes in the UK, Canada and France. The study found no increase in the risk of breast cancer with insulin glargine use in diabetes patients and, furthermore, high doses or longer treatment duration with Lantus® were not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

      Apidra®ORIGIN

            ORIGIN was a seven-year randomized clinical trial designed to assess the effects of treatment with insulin glargine versus standard care on cardiovascular outcomes. This landmark study involved over 12,500 participants worldwide with pre-diabetes or early type 2 diabetes mellitus and high cardiovascular (CV) risk, with 6,264 participants randomized to receive insulin glargine titrated to achieve fasting normoglycemia. The co-primary endpoints were the composite of CV death, or non-fatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke; and the composite of CV death, or non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke, or revascularization procedure, or hospitalization for heart failure.

            Results showed that Lantus® had no statistically significant positive or negative impact on CV outcomes versus standard care during the study period. Results also showed that insulin glargine delayed progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes and there was no association between insulin glargine use and increased risk of any cancer. (New England Journal of Medicine, July 2012)

            Sanofi is sponsoring a 2-year extension to ORIGIN, called ORIGINALE (Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine Intervention and Legacy Effect).

            The results of the ORIGIN trial have been filed with the FDA and the EMA to update the Lantus® dossier at the end of 2012.

      Apidra®Apidra®

            Apidra® (insulin glulisine) is a rapid-acting analog of human insulin. Apidra®Apidra® is indicated for the treatment of adults with type 1 diabetes, or in type 2 diabetes for supplementary glycemic control. Apidra®Apidra® has a more rapid onset and shorter duration of action than fast-acting human insulin and can be associatedin combination with long-acting insulins such as Lantus®Lantus® for supplementary glycemic control at mealtime.

            

    In addition, Apidra®Apidra® is equally effective in adult diabetics ranging from lean to obese and offers patients greater flexibility of administration, either before or just after mealtime.

            

    Apidra®Apidra® can be administered subcutaneously using syringes or specific pens including the Apidra® SoloSTAR®Apidra® SoloSTAR® disposable pen and the ClikSTAR®ClikSTAR® reusable pen.

            

    Apidra® was launched in Germany in 2004, in other European countries in 2005, in the United States in 2006, and in Canada and Japan in 2009. Apidra®Apidra® is available in over 60100 countries worldwide.

            After a temporary shortage of Apidra® 3mL cartridges (including Apidra® SoloSTAR®) in 2011 which impacted supplies in some markets, production of Apidra® 3mL cartridges returned to full capacity in the first half of 2012.

      Insuman®Insuman®

    Insuman®        Insuman® (human insulin) is a range of insulin solutions and suspensions for injection and is indicated for diabetes patients where treatment with insulin is required. Human insulin is produced by recombinant DNA technology inEscherichia coli.strains.

    Insuman®        Insuman® is supplied in vials, cartridges, or pre-filled disposable pens (OptiSet®(OptiSet® and SoloStar®SoloSTAR®) or reusable pens (ClickSTAR®) containing the active substance human insulin. The Insuman®Insuman® range is comprised of rapid-acting insulin solutions (Insuman®(Insuman® Rapid and Insuman®Insuman® Infusat) that contain soluble insulin, an intermediate-acting insulin suspension (Insuman®(Insuman® Basal) that contains isophane insulin, and combinations of fast- and intermediate-acting insulins in various proportions (Insuman®(Insuman® Comb). Insuman®Insuman® is mostlyprincipally sold in Germany.


      Amaryl®/Amarel®/Solosa®

            

    Amaryl®/Amarel®/Solosa®

    Amaryl®Amaryl® (glimepiride) is a latest-generation, orally administered once-daily sulfonylurea (a glucose-lowering agent) indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Amaryl®Amaryl® reduces the body’sbody's blood sugar level in two ways: by helping the body to produce more insulin both at mealtime and between meals, and by decreasing insulin resistance.

            

    The combination of metformin (which reduces hepatic glucose production and decreases insulin resistance) with a sulfonylurea such as Amaryl®Amaryl® is a rational combination for counteractingeffective in combating the two defects seen incauses of type 2 diabetes. It is one of the most prescribed combinations of diabetes drugs worldwide. Amaryl M®, a fixed-dose combination of Amaryl®Amaryl® plus metformin in a single presentation, was launched in 2007.

    Our leading market for Amaryl® is Japan, where it is the best-selling oral anti-diabetes product by volume (source: IMS 2010 sales).        A number of generics have received marketing authorization and have been launched in Europe, and the United States. Generics recently became available in Japan (November 2010), but have not significantly impacted AmarylStates and Japan.

      ® sales.BGStar® / iBGStar®

            

    BGStar® / iBGStar™

    Sanofi-aventisSanofi and its partner AgaMatrix are co-developing innovativeintelligent solutions in diabetes care with the aim ofthat demonstrate their commitment to simplifying and innovating the diabetes management experience for patientspeople with diabetes and healthcare providers. The blood glucose monitoring solutions will beare exclusive to sanofi-aventisSanofi and are designed to be synergistic with ourthe rest of the diabetes portfolio, with a positive effect on sales of Lantus®portfolio. BGStar® and other products expected.

    BGStar®iBGStar® are modern and iBGStar™ areintelligent blood glucose meters that feature Dynamic Electrochemistry®, an innovative technology that extracts a spectrummonitoring solutions which are easy to use, accurate, reliable and fit the lifestyle of information from blood thatpeople with diabetes today:

      iBGStar® is inaccessible to traditional electrochemical methods and compensates for many interfering factors that can often distortthe first blood glucose results.meter that seamlessly connects to the iPhone and iPod touch. It comes with the iBGStar® Diabetes Manager Application (DMA), allowing patients to capture and analyze diabetes-related information on the go, simplifying their daily diabetes management.



      BGStar® integrates convenient, accurate and easy-to-use blood glucose management with decision-making support services.

            

    These monitoring devices are an important step towards ourSanofi's vision of becoming the global leader in global diabetes care by integrating innovativeintelligent monitoring technology, therapeutic innovations, personalized services and support solutions. The first blood glucose monitoring (BGM) devices, BGStar®

            BGStar® and iBGStar™,iBGStar® are scheduled to become commercially available in 2011.

    BGStar® has received regulatory approval forFrance, Germany, Spain, Italy, the U.S. market (FDA)Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Estonia, Australia, the UK and for Europe. iBGStar™ has received regulatory approval for Europe, and was submitted in Q4 2010the Philippines. iBGStar® is also available in the United States.States and Saudi Arabia.

      Lyxumia®

            Lyxumia® (lixisenatide) is a once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist. In February 2013, the European Commission granted marketing authorization in Europe for Lyxumia® indicated for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to achieve glycemic control in combination with oral glucose-lowering medicinal products and/or basal insulin when these, together with diet and exercise, do not provide adequate glycemic control. On completion of pricing and reimbursement discussions, Sanofi will initiate a phased launch of Lyxumia® throughout the European Union. Applications for regulatory approval were also submitted in several other countries around the world and are being reviewed. The FDA accepted the file for review in February 2013.

            Additional Phase IIIb studies have been initiated and the ELIXA cardiovascular outcomes trial is ongoing.

            A proof-of-concept study to compare insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed ratio combination versus insulin glargine on glycemic control over 24 weeks has been fully recruited.

            GLP-1 is a naturally-occurring peptide hormone that is released within minutes after eating a meal. It is known to suppress glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells and stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells.

            The active ingredient of Lyxumia® is in-licensed from Zealand Pharma.


            The main compound currently in Phase III clinical development in the Diabetes field is New Glargine Formulation: A new formulation of insulin glargine with an improved pharmacodynamic profile is now in Phase III clinical testing. In addition to the two Phase III studies started during 2011, in the second half of 2012 the EDITION III and IV Phase III trials were initiated together with two dedicated clinical studies in Japan.


    Rare Diseases

            The acquisition of Genzyme in 2011 brought to the Group specific expertise in rare diseases, a sector where there are still many unmet needs, and expanded Sanofi's presence in the biotechnology sector.

            Our Rare Disease business is focused on products for the treatment of rare genetic diseases and other chronic debilitating diseases, including lysosomal storage disorders, or LSDs, a group of metabolic disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies. Our principal rare disease products are enzyme replacement therapies: Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection) to treat Gaucher disease, Fabrazyme® (agalsidase beta) to treat Fabry disease and Myozyme® / Lumizyme® (alglucosidase alpha) to treat Pompe disease. In January 2013, Kynamro™ (mipomersen), an antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits the synthesis of apolipoprotein B-100, was approved by the FDA for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

      Cerezyme®

            Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection) is an enzyme replacement therapy used to treat Gaucher disease, an inherited, potentially life-threatening LSD. It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 Gaucher patients worldwide.

            Cerezyme® is the only therapy with an 18-year history of reducing, relieving and reversing many of the symptoms and risks of Type 1 and Type 3 (in certain markets) Gaucher disease. Cerezyme® is administered by intravenous infusion over 1-2 hours.

            In 2012, significant progress was made in resolving supply challenges encountered starting in 2009, and successfully restoring existing patients in major markets to normal dosing. For more information regarding manufacturing issues related to Cerezyme®, see "Item 4 — Information on the Company — Production and Raw Materials".

            The principal markets for Cerezyme® are the United States, Europe and Latin America.

      Fabrazyme®

            Fabrazyme® (agalsidase beta) is an enzyme replacement therapy used to treat Fabry disease, an inherited, progressive and potentially life-threatening LSD. Fabry disease is estimated to affect between 5,000 and 10,000 people worldwide. Fabrazyme® is administered by intravenous infusion.

            Fabrazyme® is available in over 30 countries, including the United States and Europe.

            The strong recovery of Fabrazyme®, following manufacturing issues which began in 2009, continued in 2012 with the approval of the new Framingham plant in January 2012, stable production runs, the return of all existing patients in all markets to full dose and the addition of new patients. In the U.S., Fabrazyme® also benefited from Shire's withdrawal of the Replagal® BLA. For more information regarding manufacturing issues related to Fabrazyme®, see "Item 4 — Information on the Company — Production and Raw Materials".

      Myozyme® / Lumizyme®

            Myozyme® / Lumizyme® (alglucosidase alpha) are enzyme replacement therapies used to treat Pompe disease, an inherited, progressive and often fatal LSD. We estimate that there are approximately 10,000 Pompe patients worldwide.

            Myozyme® has been marketed since 2006 in the United States and the EU and is currently available in 48 markets worldwide. Lumizyme® is the first treatment approved in the United States specifically to treat patients


    with late-onset Pompe disease: Lumizyme® has been marketed since June 2010. Myozyme® and Lumizyme® are administered by intravenous infusion. Lumizyme® is used to treat Pompe disease in patients over eight years of age without evidence of cardiac hypertrophy.

            Both products are a recombinant form of the same human enzyme but are manufactured using different sized bioreactors.

      Kynamro™

            Kynamro™ (mipomersen) is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that inhibits the synthesis of apoB, a primary protein constituent of atherogenic lipoproteins. Mipomersen is being developed, in collaboration with Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc., for the treatment of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and severe heterozygous FH (HeFH). FH is a genetic disorder that causes chronic and lifelong exposure to markedly elevated concentrations and numbers of atherogenic, apoB-containing lipoproteins (LDL, Lp(a)) leading to premature and severe cardiovascular disease. On January 29, 2013, Genzyme and Isis announced the FDA approval of Kynamro™ (Mipomersen sodium) for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. On December 14, 2012 Genzyme and Isis announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) had adopted a negative opinion for its marketing authorization application submitted in 2011. In January 2013, Genzyme requested a re-examination of the CHMP opinion.

    The main compounds currently in Phase II or III clinical development in the Diabetes/Other Metabolic DisordersRare Diseases field are:

    Lixisenatide (AVE0010 GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, type 2 diabetes mellitus; Phase III). (lixisenatide is in-licensed from Zealand Pharma A/S). In Phase IIb, once-a-day dosing with lixisenatide was shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar and decreasing body weight with good tolerability. Enrollment to the nine studies of the GETGOAL Phase III program in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was completed at the end of 2009. Positive results were obtained

      Eliglustat tartrate — Substrate reduction therapy targeted for the treatment of Gaucher disease type 1. This product candidate is administered orally in capsule form and has the potential to transform the treatment experience of patients by providing an alternative to bi-weekly infusions. The fourth year of data from the first Phase III trials with AVE0010, and were presented at EASD in Stockholm. An initial study investigating use of AVE0010 on top of basal insulins confirmed improvement of HbA1C. A program evaluating the benefit of a combination of lixisenatide / Lantus® is currently in Phase I.

    The GPR119 receptor agonist SAR260093, currently in Phase II hastrial of eliglustat tartrate suggests continued improvement across all endpoints including markers of bone disease. On February 15, 2013 Sanofi and Genzyme announced positive new data from the Phase III ENGAGE and ENCORE Studies.

      In ENGAGE, a dual modePhase III trial aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of action affecting both insulineliglustat in 40 treatment-naive patients with Gaucher disease type 1, improvements were observed across all primary and GLP-1 release. It is in-licensed from Metabolex.secondary efficacy endpoints over the nine-month study period.

    In ENCORE, a Phase III study assessing eliglustat vs. Cerezyme® in 160 patients with Gaucher disease type 1, the primary composite endpoint of clinical stability was met as well as for the individual components of the composite endpoint which was secondary endpoints.

    SAR236553Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

            Our Multiple Sclerosis franchise is focused on the development and commercialization of therapies that treat this chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. More than 2 million people suffer from MS worldwide. Our MS franchise consists of Aubagio® (teriflunomide), co-developeda once daily, oral immunomodulator that is approved in the United States and Australia, and Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab), a monoclonal antibody that has completed two Phase III pivotal studies and has marketing applications under review by regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Europe.

      Aubagio®

            Aubagio® (teriflunomide), an immunomodulatory agent with Regeneron (REGN727) entered Phase IIanti-inflammatory properties, inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme involved in Januaryde novo pyrimidine synthesis. The exact mechanism by which teriflunomide exerts its therapeutic effect in MS is unknown but may involve a reduction in the number of activated lymphocytes in CNS. Aubagio® has shown significant efficacy across key measures of MS disease activity, including reducing relapses, slowing the progression of physical disability, and reducing the number of brain lesions as detected by MRI. Results of the first pivotal study (TEMSO), indicating that the product had an effect on disease activity in terms of relapse rate, disability progression and brain lesions with a favorable safety profile, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in October 2011. The target indication is LDL reductionResults from the second pivotal study (TOWER) were presented at 28th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research


    in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in October 2012. These results showed that Aubagio® significantly reduced the annualized relapse rate and slowed progression of disability in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia not at goal with statins.

    Oncologyrelapsing forms of multiple sclerosis compared to placebo. Aubagio® is the first and only oral MS therapy to significantly slow the progression of disability in two Phase III trials.

            

    Sanofi-aventis is present in the oncology field, primarily in chemotherapy, with three major products: Taxotere®, Eloxatine®, and Jevtana®, which was launched commerciallyAubagio® received FDA approval in the United States in July 2010.September 2012 for patients with relapsing forms of MS. The product also received regulatory approval in Australia in November 2012. Marketing applications for Aubagio® are currently under review by the European Medicines Agency and other regulatory authorities.

    The main compound currently in Phase III clinical development in the multiple sclerosis field is Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab), a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD52 antigen abundant on the surface of B and T lymphocytes leading to changes in the circulating lymphocyte pool. Alemtuzumab has been developed to treat patients with relapsing forms of MS. The two pivotal Phase III studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab were completed in 2011 and the results were published in theLancet in November 2012. The first study, CARE-MS I, demonstrated strong and robust treatment effect on the relapse rate co-primary endpoint vs Rebif in treatment-naive MS patients. The co-primary endpoint of disability progression (time to sustained accumulation of disability: SAD) did not meet statistical significance. The second study, CARE-MS II, demonstrated that relapse rate and SAD were significantly reduced in MS patients receiving alemtuzumab as compared with Rebif in MS patients who had relapsed on prior therapy. Results from CARE-MS II also showed that patients treated with Lemtrada™ were significantly more likely to experience improvement in disability scores than those treated with Rebif, suggesting a reversal of disability in some patients. In both pivotal studies, safety results were consistent with previous alemtuzumab use in MS and adverse events continued to be manageable. Marketing applications for Lemtrada™ are currently under review by regulatory authorities.


    Taxotere®Oncology

            Sanofi has started to diversify its presence in the oncology field beyond chemotherapy (Eloxatine®, Taxotere® and Jevtana®), and launched an angiogenesis inhibitor, Zaltrap®, in August 2012 in the U.S.

      Taxotere®Taxotere®

            Taxotere® (docetaxel), a taxoid class derivative, inhibits cancer cell division by essentially “freezing”"freezing" the cell’scell's internal skeleton, which is comprised of microtubules. Microtubules assemble and disassemble during a cell cycle. Taxotere®Taxotere® promotes their assembly and blocks their disassembly, thereby preventing many cancer cells from dividing and resulting in death in somemany cancer cells.

            

    Taxotere®Taxotere® is available in more than 10090 countries as an injectable solution. The single vial formulation (one vial IV route 20-80mg) was launched in the U.S. and in the European Union in 2010. It has gained approvalbeen approved for use in eleven indications in five different tumor types (breast, prostate, gastric, lung, and head and neck). Taxotere®Taxotere® is indicated for early stage and metastatic breast cancer, first-line and second-line metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), androgen-independent (hormone-refractory) metastatic prostate cancer, advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction), and the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

            

    The GEICAM 9805 study, published in December 2010 in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that women with node negative cancer benefited from the addition of Taxotere to anthracycline therapy, a commonly used regimen.

    The single vial formulation (one vial IV route 20-80mg) was approved in the U.S. in August 2010 (approved in the European Union in November 2009). A dossier for the pediatric indication for Taxotere® (designed to be responsive to the FDA’s prior written request for pediatric data) was approved by the FDA in May 2010. Taxotere® was also approved by China’s State Food And Drug Administration in May 2010 for the treatment of patients with hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer.

    The top four countries contributing to sales of Taxotere®Taxotere® in 20102012 were the United States, France, Japan, China and Germany.Russia. Generics of docetaxel were launched at the end of 2010 in Europe. InEurope, in April 2011 in the United States we anticipate that the FDA will grant final approval to one or more generics of docetaxelU.S., and in 2011.December 2012 in Japan (see "— Patents, Intellectual Property and Other Rights" below).

      Eloxatine®

            

    Eloxatine®

    Eloxatine®Eloxatine® (oxaliplatin) is a platinum-based cytotoxic agent. Eloxatine® combinedEloxatine®, in combination with infusional (delivered through the bloodstream) administration of two other chemotherapy drugs, 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (the FOLFOX regimen), is approved by the FDA for adjuvant treatment of people with stage III colon cancer who have had their primary (original) tumors surgically removed. This approval was based on evidence of an improvement in disease-free survival after four years.


            Eloxatine® is in-licensed from Debiopharm and is marketed in more than 70 countries worldwide. The top four countries contributing to sales of Eloxatine® in 2012 were the United States, Canada, China, and South Korea.

            

    Following the end of the Eloxatine®Eloxatine® European regulatory data exclusivity in April 2006, a number of oxaliplatin generics have received marketing authorization and have been launched throughout Europe. With regard to the U.S. market, a number of oxaliplatin generics received final marketing authorization from the FDA and were marketed until June 30, 2010, when their manufacturers were ordered by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey to cease selling their unauthorized Eloxatine® genericMarket exclusivity in the United States. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and other Financial Information”.States was lost on August 9, 2012. Several generics of oxaliplatin are available globally, except in Canada where Eloxatine® still has exclusivity.

      Jevtana®

            

    Eloxatine® is in-licensed from Debiopharm and is marketed in more than 70 countries worldwide.

    Jevtana®

    Jevtana®Jevtana® (cabazitaxel) is a new taxane derivative approved in combination with prednisone for the treatment of patients with hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer previously treated with a docetaxel-containing treatment regimen. Jevtana®Jevtana® was the result of a 14-year research and development program to address the significant unmet medical need after taxane-based treatment progression.

    The results of the TROPIC Phase III study were released for the first time at the 2010 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco in March 2010. The study was published in The Lancet on October 2, 2010. Updated study results as presented at the 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June 2010 demonstrated that cabazitaxel plus prednisone/prednisolone significantly improved overall survival versus the standard regimen of mitoxantrone plus prednisone/prednisolone in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer whose disease progressed following treatment with docetaxel-based chemotherapy. A combination of cabazitaxel and prednisone/prednisolone significantly reduced the risk of death by 28% with an improvement in median overall survival of 15.1 months vs. 12.7 months in the mitoxantrone combination arm.

            

    InJevtana® was launched in the United States filing of the rolling New Drug Approval (NDA) was completed on March 31,in 2010. The Jevtana® NDA was assigned priority review and was approved by the FDA on June 17, 2010 with its commercial launch a month later.

    Jevtana® has been well accepted by patients, physicians, and public and private oncology healthcare payers in the United States. Jevtana®Jevtana® therapy is now covered by CMS (Committee for Medicare and Medicaid Services), and by most of the private insurance companies that pay for oncology care. In addition, the safety profile seen in clinical practice has been consistent with that seen in the pivotal TROPIC study.

            In JanuaryMarch 2011, the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommendingJevtana® received marketing authorization from the European Commission. The product was launched during the second quarter of 2011 in Germany and the UK. Jevtana® is now approved in 78 countries.

            Sanofi has initiated a broad development program with Jevtana®. The clinical program is projected to evaluate Jevtana® in first- and second-line treatment of prostate cancer patients, second-line treatment of small-cell lung cancer patients, and pediatric patients with brain cancer.

            The top four countries contributing to sales of Jevtana® in 2012 were the U.S., Germany, Italy and Brazil.

      Mozobil®

            Mozobil® (plerixafor injection) is a hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer indicated in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM).

            The main countries contributing to Mozobil® sales in 2012 were the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K. and Italy.

      Zaltrap®

            Zaltrap® (aflibercept) is a recombinant fusion protein which acts as a soluble decoy receptor that binds to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A), VEGF-B and placental growth factor (PIGF), preventing the bound VEGF from binding to their native receptors. VEGF-A is one of the mediators contributing to angiogenesis. VEGF-B and PlGF, related growth factors in the VEGF family, may contribute to tumor angiogenesis as well. In the U.S., Zaltrap® is a registered trademark of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

            In the U.S., Zaltrap® is approved under the U.S. proper name ziv-aflibercept for use in combination with FOLFIRI, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. Zaltrap® is marketed in the U.S. in August 2012.

            In the European Union, for Jevtana®.

    Jevtana®Zaltrap® (aflibercept) was also approved in Brazil on October 26, 2010. Dossiers have been submitted in Canada, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, India and Morocco. Submissions are expected next in China, Peru and Costa Rica.February 2013 by the European Commission to treat metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to or has progressed after an oxaliplatin-containing regimen.

            The marketing of Zaltrap® is organized through our collaboration with Regeneron (see "Item 5 — Alliance Arrangements with Regeneron").

    Two large phase III studies in hormone-refractory resistant        Concerning the development program for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, will begin recruiting patientsthe Phase III VENICE trial (First-line treatment for androgen-independent (hormone-refractory) metastatic prostate cancer in combination


    with docetaxel and prednisone) did not meet the first halfpre-specified criterion of 2011. These include a study versus docetaxelimprovement in the first line setting and a study evaluating the optimal doseoverall survival. The safety profile was generally consistent with previous studies of cabazitaxelZaltrap® in the second line setting. In addition, cabazitaxel is also being readied for study in small-cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, and pediatric settings.combination with docetaxel.

            

    The oncology R&D pipeline includes a broad spectrum of novel agents with a variety of mechanisms of action for treating cancer, including cytotoxic agents, anti-mitotic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, anti-vascular agents, targeted therapies and monoclonal anti-bodies.anti-bodies (unconjugated or conjugated with cytotoxics). Projects are presented from the most advanced to the least advanced stage of development.

            The main compounds currently in Phase II or III clinical development in the Oncology field are:

      BSI-201(iniparib: United States Adopted Name: INN pending) (NovelIniparib (SAR240550; BSI-201) is an agent with PARP inhibitorynovel mechanism of activity metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC) and advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Phase III). Developed by BiPar Sciences, Inc. (BiPar), a leader in the emerging field of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) repair acquired by sanofi-aventis in 2009, BSI-201that is currently being evaluated for its potential to enhance the effect of chemotherapy–induced DNA damage. In January 2011, we announced results from a phase III study that was being conducted with iniparib (BSI-201). Results showed that iniparib failed to meet primary end points of overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. However, results suggested improvement of overall survival and progression-free survival in the second- and third-line settings, consistent with earlier Phase II results. The overall safety analysis indicated that the addition of BSI-201 did not significantly add to the toxicity profile of gemcitabine and carboplatin. We plan to discuss these data with the United States and European healthcare authorities in the near future. In parallel, BSI-201 is being developedstudied in advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (Phase III)III, fully accrued) as well as ovarian and in multiple additional solid tumors, including ovarian cancer and other breast and lung tumors,cancers (Phase II).

    Aflibercept (the VEGF Trap, anti-angiogenic agent; solid tumors; Phase III). The VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Trap is being developed under an alliance with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc (Regeneron). Aflibercept is a novel anti-angiogenic agent that acts While the initial dosing regimen was based on the putative PARP inhibitory activity, current efforts are aimed at elucidating the mechanism of action and exploring the maximal tolerated dose both as a decoy receptor or “trap” for circulating VEGF. Three double-blind comparative Phase III studies of aflibercept versus placebosingle agent and in combination with chemotherapy are ongoingchemotherapy.

    SAR302503 (TG101348) was acquired when we purchased TargeGen, Inc. in the following indications: second line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in combination with irinotecan/5-FU/LV (FOLFIRI regimen), VELOUR trial; second line non squamous non-small cell lung cancer in combination with docetaxel, VITAL

    study; first line androgen independent metastatic prostate cancer in combination with docetaxel/prednisone, VENICE study. Patient recruitment has been completed for all trials. Recruitment to a fourth study in first line metastatic pancreas cancer was prematurely discontinued in September 2009 based on the recommendation of an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC). As part of a planned interim efficacy analysis, the IDMC determined that the addition of aflibercept to gemcitabine would be unable to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint of overall survival compared to placebo plus gemcitabine as it was unlikely to demonstrate superiority versus gemcitabine alone. Additional exploratory studies in earlier stage disease or other indications are being conducted either by sanofi-aventis and Regeneron or in collaboration with the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

    Ombrabulin (AVE8062; combretastatin derivative, a new anti-vascular agent in-licensed from Ajinomoto; sarcoma; Phase III). Single agent and combination studies with platinums and taxanes alone and in combination have been conducted with ombrabulin. A Phase III study in soft tissue sarcoma in combination with cisplatin was initiated in 2008 and is over 90% enrolled.

    SAR245408 (XL147) was in-licensed from2010 and is being developed under an alliance with Exelixis, Inc. This phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)exclusively by Sanofi. SAR302503 is a selective oral, small molecule inhibitor of the JAK2 kinase. JAK2 and the JAK/stat pathway have been identified as key regulators of growth and differentiation of normal hematopoeitic cells, and are commonly dysregulated in multiple myeloproliferative disorders, including myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocytosis (ET). SAR302503 is under evaluationnow in Phase III, being investigated in the JAKARTA trial for the treatment of primary and secondary myelofibrosis. Enrollment in this study has been completed. The unique ability of SAR302503 to decrease bone marrow fibrosis will be further explored in the JAKARTA trial. In addition, a Phase II study in MF has recently been completed and results were presented at the December 2012 conference of monotherapy for the treatmentAmerican Society of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. Combinations with paclitaxel/carboplatin, erlotinib, letrozole and trastuzumab are also being evaluated. This oral agent is being developed for the treatment of women with endometrial or breast cancer.

    SAR245409 (XL765) was also in-licensed from and is being developed under an alliance with Exelixis, Inc. This oral agent is an inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and also acts against the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)Hematology (ASH). A Phase I/II studytrial in combinationmyelofibrosis patients who have failed treatment with letrozole for the treatment of metastatic hormone-receptor-positive breast cancerJAK2 kinase inhibitor, JAKAFI™/JAKAVI™, has been initiated. Combinations with erlotinibinitiated and temozolomide are also being evaluated.

    In December 2010, sanofi-aventisenrollment is ongoing. Also ongoing is a Phase II trial in hydroxyurea-resistant PV and Merck Serono (a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) announced that they had signed a worldwide research and development agreement to collaboratively investigate novel combinations of investigational agents that could block specific pathways in cancer cells. The novel combinations involve Merck Serono’s MEK inhibitorMSC1936369B (also known as AS703026), our PI3K/ mTOR inhibitorSAR245409 (also known as XL765), and our class I PI3K inhibitorSAR245408 (also known as XL147). Phase I dose escalation studies of these product candidates are projected for 2011.ET.



    SAR256212(MM-121). Under an exclusive global collaboration and licensing agreement, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and sanofi-aventisSanofi are co-developing SAR256212, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting ErbB3. ErbB3 has been identified as a key node in tumor growth and survival. SAR256212 blocks Heregulin binding to ErbB3, and formation of pErbB3 and pAKT. Given SAR256212’s broad applicabilitySAR256212's mode of action, it has the potential to be used in a wide selectionnumber of tumors and settings. SAR256212 is in phasePhase II stage of development (a proofin Breast, Lung and Ovarian cancers in order to achieve Proof of concept study in ER/PR+ breast cancer patients after failureConcept of aromatase inhibitors), while a number of combinations withits activity at reversing resistance to hormones, chemotherapy and targeted agents targeting EGFR. During 2012, over 450 patients were enrolled in this phase II program that will complete by the second half of 2013. Biopsies at study entry are being explored in the phase I program.performed for all patients to identify biomarkers predictive of response to MM-121. A companion diagnostic tool will be developed during the clinical program.

      In addition, a phase 1 combination ofSAR256212 and SAR245408 has been ongoing throughout 2012 in three U.S. sites, based on the rationale that dual blockade of the PI3K pathway prevents feedback loop for reactivating the pathway. The last dose escalation cohort at full dose of both drugs will start in January 2013; so far the safety of the 2 agents together is excellent with no DLTs reported.

    SAR245408 (XL147) was in-licensed from Exelixis, Inc. and is being developed by Sanofi. This oral phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor is under evaluation in parallela Phase Ib study in combination with MM121 (see above) and a Phase II study in patients with hormone receptor positive breast cancer in combination with letrozole. Development in endometrial cancer has been discontinued due to insufficient evidence of activity. Development of the combination of SAR245408 in combination with pimasertib (also known as MSC1936369B) in Phase 1b (under collaboration with Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) was discontinued in order to focus on the SAR245409 — pimasertib combination.

    SAR245409 (XL765) was also in-licensed from Exelixis, Inc. and is being developed by Sanofi. This oral agent is an inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and also acts against the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). A Phase II trial of monotherapy in mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphoma is ongoing. As indicated above, a

        Phase I trial of a novel combination with MSC1936369B (under collaboration with Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) is ongoing. Combinations with bendamustine and rituximab are also being evaluated. Development in metastatic hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer has been discontinued due to insufficient evidence of activity.

      SAR3419 (Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) maytansin-loaded anti-CD19 mAb; B-cell malignancies: B-Non Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL), B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias (ALL). License from Immunogen Inc.). The clinical development program is in the Phase II stage in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL, aggressive lymphoma type) with the aim of confirming clinical program.activity both as a single agent and in combination with Rituximab (rituxan, anti CD20 mAb). A second indication is being developed with a Phase II study in adult patients with R/R ALL.

            Three further projects (semuloparin, ombrabulin and clofarabine) that were under regulatory review and in Phase III respectively in 2012, have experienced the following changes:

      Semuloparin: Following the June 20, 2012 semuloparin data review by the FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee, and its vote against the approval of semuloparin for prophylactic prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, as well as other comments released by some regulatory authorities, Sanofi has decided to withdraw all applications concerning semuloparin.

      Ombrabulin (AVE8062) combretastatin derivative, a new anti-vascular agent in-licensed from Ajinomoto; sarcoma; Phase III). The ombrabulin project has been discontinued for the following reasons: the results of the phase III study in sarcoma which despite reaching its primary PFS (progression free survival) endpoint, did not demonstrate sufficient clinical benefit to support regulatory submissions; the negative outcome of a phase II trial in NSCLC; and the early termination of the phase II study in ovarian cancer based on the results of a pre-specified interim analysis. In 2010, we conducted severalall these trials there were no substantial safety concerns.

      Clofarabine (Clolar® / Evoltra®) (Genzyme) (Purine-nucleoside analog). No additional collaborations with other companies, universities and institutes to investigate novel oncology agents (see “— Pharmaceutical Research & Development — Portfolio” below).

      indications are being developed via corporate-sponsored studies for clofarabine in either i.v. or oral formulations, although investigator-initiated studies are continuing.


    Other FlagshipPrescription Products

      Lovenox®/Clexane®

            

    Lovenox®/Clexane®

    Lovenox®Lovenox® (enoxaparin sodium) is the most widely studied and prescribed low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the world. Availableavailable in over 100 countries, itcountries. It has been used to treat over 350 million patients since its launch.

            

    Lovenox®Lovenox® has the broadest range of indications amongst LMWHs.low molecular weight heparins (LMWH). A comprehensive clinical development plan has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of LovenoxLovenox® in the prevention and treatment of venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) and in the management of the full spectrum of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

    In VTE management, Lovenox®Lovenox® is continuing to grow as a treatment for the prevention of VTE, mainly in acutely ill patients not undergoing surgery.

            

    In 2008, new oral anticoagulants were launched forTwo competing generics of enoxaparin are available in the prevention of VTE in orthopedic surgery. These indications represent only around 15% of Lovenox® usage in 2010. After two years, the impact on Lovenox® usageU.S. No biosimilar has been limited. The next expected indication for these new oral anticoagulants is stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, replacing vitamin K antagonists (e.g. warfarin), with no direct impact expected on Lovenox® since stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation is not a Lovenox®approved indication.

    On July 23, 2010, the FDA approved a generic of enoxaparin and rated it as fully substitutable for Lovenox®. Sanofi-aventis has expressed concern over potential implications for patient safety, since the approved product has not been subject to clinical comparison with Lovenox in order to demonstrate similar safety and efficacy. Clinical testing is considered by many experts and the EMA as the appropriate way to ensure sameness in the absence of clear demonstration ofEuropean Union. An authorized generic is available in the identical composition, which is generally not possible to demonstrate for complex medicines of biological origin. Consequently, sanofi-aventis requested a U.S. district court to provide relief against the FDA review process.See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Impacts from generic competition".

            

    In 2010, Lovenox®2012, Lovenox® was the leading anti-thrombotic in the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom (source: IMS 20102012 sales).

      Plavix®/Iscover®

            

    Plavix® / Iscover®

    Plavix®Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate), a platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonist with a rapid onset of action that selectively inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP, is indicated for long-term prevention of


    atherothrombotic events in patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction, recent ischemic stroke or established peripheral arterial disease. Plavix® 75mgPlavix® is indicated for the secondary prevention of atherothrombosis regardless of the location of the arteries initially affected (heart, brain, lower limbs). This indication is supported by the results of the landmark CAPRIE trial, including almost 20,000 patients. CAPRIE demonstrated the superior efficacy of Plavix® over acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, the active ingredient of Aspirin®), with a comparable safety profile.

    Following the significant results of several clinical trials, involving a total of almost 62,000 patients, Plavix® 75mgPlavix® is now also indicated for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with and without ST segment elevation in combination with ASA.

            

    Plavix®Plavix® is also available in a 300 mg tablet that reinforces early use by simplifying its approved loading dose administration in patients with ACS.

            

    In January 2011, on the basis of the ACTIVE A study results (7,554 patients), the EMA granted marketing authorization for Plavix®Plavix® in combination with ASA for the prevention of atherothrombotic and thromboembolic events, including stroke, in patients with atrial fibrillation who have at least one risk factor for vascular events, are not suitable for treatment with Vitamin K antagonists (VKA), and have a low bleeding risk. This indication has also been granted by Canadian Authorities. A dossier supporting this indication is under review by the FDA.

            

    A Phase III mortality and shunt-related morbidity study in infants palliated with a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt was completed in 2010. Even though results did not support an indication in such infants, the FDA granted sanofi-aventis an additional six month period of exclusivity to market Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate). Exclusivity for Plavix® in the U.S. is now scheduled to expire on May 17, 2012.

    To further characterize patient responsiveness to Plavix® and provide the best guidance to healthcare professionals, a clinical program designed in close collaboration with the FDA has been completed by sanofi-aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). Based on this program the label has been updated worldwide, including new results on the pharmacological interaction of omeprazole with Plavix® and recent pharmaco-genomics data which have shown genomic variability of the response to Plavix® treatment (diminished effectiveness in poor metabolizers). This has been highlighted in the U.S. label with a boxed warning.

    The extensive clinical program for Plavix®, including all completed, ongoing and planned studies, is among the largest of its kind, involving more than 130,000 patients overall. Plavix® indications are incorporated into

    major scientific guidelines in North America, Europe and Japan. Over 115 million patients in 115 countries are estimated to have been treated with Plavix® since its launch in 1998, providing significant evidence of real-life efficacy and safety experience with this product.

    In Europe, certain generic clopidogrel products have been affected by the recall recommended in March 2010 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Sanofi-aventis clopidogrel products were not affected by the recall. We manufacture all of our clopidogrel-containing products for Europe in full compliance with the relevant rules and regulations in force, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

    CoPlavix®CoPlavix® / DuoPlavin®DuoPlavin®, a fixed dose combination of clopidogrel bisulfate and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with acute coronary syndrome who are already taking both clopidogrel and ASA. The combination has already been launched in several countries (including Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, and Mexico).

            

    The marketing of Plavix®Plavix® / CoPlavix®CoPlavix® / DuoPlavin®DuoPlavin® is organized through our alliance with BMS which was restructured in 2012 with effect on January 1, 2013 (see “—"Item 5 — Alliance Arrangements with BMS” below)Bristol-Myers Squibb"). Sales of Plavix®Plavix® in Japan are consolidated by sanofi-aventis and are outside the scope of our alliance with BMS. Exclusivity for Plavix® in the U.S. expired on May 17, 2012 and a number of generics have been launched. Previously, generics had also been launched in Europe.

            

    Plavix®Plavix® is the leading anti-platelet in the U.S.Chinese and ChineseJapanese markets (source: IMS 20102012 sales). In Europe, a number of generics have received marketing authorization and have been launched, but Plavix

      ® sales have proved resilient in Germany and France, with market shares(1) by value of 44.8% in Germany and of 42.5% in France. Market share was 39.2% in Western Europe by value (IMS).Aprovel®/Avapro® /Karvea®

            

    Aprovel®/Avapro® /Karvea®

    Aprovel®Aprovel® (irbesartan) is an anti-hypertensive belonging to the class of angiotensin II receptor antagonists. These highly effective and well tolerated antagonists act by blocking the effect of angiotensin II, the hormone responsible for blood vessel contraction, thereby enabling blood pressure to return to normal. In addition to Aprovel®Aprovel®/Avapro®Avapro®/Karvea®Karvea®, we also market CoAprovel®CoAprovel®/Avalide®Avalide®/Karvezide®Karvezide®, a fixed dose combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic that increases the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys and provides an additional blood pressure lowering effect. These products achieve control of blood pressure in over 80% of patients, with a very good safety profile.

            

    Aprovel®Aprovel® and CoAprovel®CoAprovel® tablets are available in a wide range of dosages to fit the needs of patients with different levels of hypertension severity.

            

    Aprovel®Aprovel® is indicated as a first-line treatment for hypertension and for the treatment of nephropathy in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. CoAprovel®CoAprovel® is indicated in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with a monotherapy, but also as initial therapy in patients who are likely to need multiple drugs to achieve their blood pressure goals (in the United States only).

            

    Aprovel®Aprovel® and CoAprovel®CoAprovel® are marketed in more than 80 countries. The marketing of Aprovel®Aprovel® and CoAprovel®CoAprovel® is organized through an alliance with BMS which was restructured in 2012 (see “—"Item 5 — Alliance Arrangements with BMS”Bristol-Myers Squibb" below). In Japan, the product is licensed/sub-licensed to Shionogi Co. Ltd and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd, respectively. Aprovel® U.S. market exclusivity expired in March 2012 and a number of generic versions have been launched.


    Multaq®

            

    Alliance with BMS

    Plavix® and Aprovel® are marketed through a series of alliances with BMS. The alliance agreements include marketing and financial arrangements that vary depending onMultaq® (dronedarone) is the countrymost extensively studied anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) in which the products are marketed.

    Three principal marketing arrangements are used in the BMS alliance:

    co-marketing: each company markets the products independently under its own brand names;

    exclusive marketing: one company has the exclusive right to market the products; and

    co-promotion: the products are marketed through the alliance arrangements (either by contractual arrangements or by separate entities) under a single brand name.

    (1)

    Plavix® market = oral platelet aggregants inhibitors + oral aspirin£325mg + oral dipyridamole.

    Under the alliance arrangements, there are two territories, one under our operational management and the other under the operational management of BMS. The territory under our operational management consists of Europe and most of Africa and Asia, while the territory under the operational management of BMS consists of the rest of the world excluding Japan. In Japan, Aprovel® has been marketed jointly by Shionogi Pharmaceuticals and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd since June 2008. The BMS alliance does not cover rights to Plavix® in Japan; sales of Plavix® in Japan are consolidated by sanofi-aventis.

    In the territory under our operational management, the marketing arrangements are as follows:

    we use the co-promotion system for most of the countries of Western Europe for Aprovel® and Plavix® and for certain Asian countries for Plavix®;

    we use the co-marketing system in Germany, Spain and Greece for both Aprovel® and Plavix® and in Italy for Aprovel®; and

    we have the exclusive right to market Aprovel® and Plavix® in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and we have the exclusive right to market Aprovel® in Asia, Scandinavia and Ireland.

    In the territory under BMS operational management, the marketing arrangements are as follows:

    we use the co-promotion system in the United States and Canada, where the products are sold through the alliances under the operational management of BMS;

    we use the co-marketing system in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Australia for Plavix® and Aprovel® and in Colombia only for Plavix®; and

    we have the exclusive right to market the products in certain other countries of Latin America.

    In countries where the products are marketed by BMS on a co-marketing basis, or through alliances under the operational management of BMS, we often sell the active ingredients for the products to BMS or associated entities.

    The financial impact of our principal alliances on our financial position and income is significant, and is described under “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Financial Presentation of Alliances”; see also “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We rely on third parties for the marketing of some of our products” for more information relating to risks in connection with our alliance agreements.

    Multaq®

    Multaq® (dronedarone) uniquely provides comprehensive management of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) withand has demonstrated a viewunique cardiovascular (CV) outcome benefit in the ATHENA study in addition to improving cardiovascular outcomes.effective rhythm control in the EURIDIS and ADONIS studies.

            

    Multaq®Multaq® is a multichannel blocker with both rhythm (prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrences) and rate (decrease of ventricular rate) controlling properties and additional effects (anti-hypertensive, vasodilatory). It is the first and only anti-arrhythmic drug to have shown a significant reduction in cardiovascular hospitalization and death in patients with paroxysmal and persistent Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter.Flutter .

            

    Multaq® has a convenient fixed dose regimen of twice daily 400 mg tablets to be taken with morning and evening meals. Treatment with Multaq® does not require a loading dose and it can be initiatedFollowing reports in an outpatient setting.

    Multaq® is approved in over 50 countries worldwide and has been launched in 29 countries including the largest pharmaceutical markets: the United States, and in 2010 in the top 5 European markets (Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France).

    In the United States, Multaq® is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF or AFL, with a recent episode of AF/AFL and associated cardiovascular risk factors.

    In Europe, Multaq® is indicated in adult clinically stable patients with a history of or with current non-permanent AF to prevent recurrence of AF or to lower ventricular rate.

    The landmark ATHENA trial is the only double-blind anti-arrhythmic study in patients with AF to have assessed morbidity-mortality. The study enrolled a total of 4,628 patients. In this trial, the efficacy and safety of Multaq® was evaluated in patients with AF/AFL or a recent history of these conditions. Multaq® 400mg twice a day, in addition to standard therapy, was shown to significantly reduce the risk of first cardiovascular hospitalization or death by 24% (p<0.001) when compared to placebo, meeting the study’s primary endpoint. In a secondary analysis of the ATHENA trial, Multaq® significantly reduced the total number of hospital days versus placebo.

    A Permanent Atrial fibriLLAtion outcome Study (PALLAS) using dronedarone on top of standard therapy was initiated in the third quarter of 2010 to assess the potential clinical benefit in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events. The multinational, randomized, double-blind Phase IIIb trial has two composite co-primary endpoints: 1. Major cardiovascular events (stroke, systemic arterial embolism, myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death). 2. Cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause. There will be 10,800 patients enrolled in 43 countries at 700 sites. The trial is event-driven with a fixed Common Study End Date, meaning that the study duration will depend upon the occurrence of a statistically required number of outcome events.

    In September 2010, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) issued their new Atrial Fibrillation guidelines that gave a clear and prominent first line use position to Multaq®. These were followed by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s Guidelines which also recommended Multaq® as a first line treatment option for non-permanent AF patients with preserved heart function.

    In January 2011 sanofi-aventis issued a Dear Health Care Professional Letter in the U.S. and in the European Union informing health care providers of several cases of hepatocellular liver injury and hepatic failure in patients receiving Multaq®Multaq®, including two post-marketing reports of acute hepatic failure requiring transplantation. The FDA also issued a Drug Safety Communication on hepatic events reported in patients treatedtransplantation, Sanofi has collaborated with Multaq®. In February 2011, both the EU Summary of Product Characteristicshealth authorities agencies to update prescribing information and U.S. Prescribing Information were updated to include liver function monitoring. Sanofi coordinated the implementation of the updated label by disseminating proactively relevant educational materials to prescribers.

            The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirmed in September 2011 that the benefits of Multaq® continue to outweigh the risks with a revised indication for the treatment of a limited, newly defined population: Multaq® is indicated for the maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion in adult clinically stable patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Due to its safety profile, Multaq® should only be prescribed after alternative treatment options have been considered and should not be given to patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction or to patients with current or previous episodes of heart failure.

            The FDA approved a label update in December 2011 to ensure its use in the appropriate patient population, specifically in patients in sinus rhythm with history of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), and also reinforcing warnings and precautions for use.

    In Europe, EMAupdated guidelines were issued by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) confirming Multaq®'s crucial role in the AF treatment armamentarium as a first line option in a broad range of patients. Multaq® is coordinatingthe only recommended first line AAD for AF patients with hypertensive heart disease and left ventricular hypertrophy. Multaq® is still the only AAD recommended in non-permanent AF with CV risk factors to reduce CV hospitalization.

            The main countries contributing to Multaq® sales in 2012 were the U.S., Germany and Italy.

      Renagel® and Renvela®

            Renagel® (sevelamer hydrochloride) and Renvela® (sevelamer carbonate) are oral phosphate binders used by chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis as well as late-stage CKD patients in Europe to treat a review of all available data concerning the possible risks of liver injurycondition called hyperphosphatemia, or elevated phosphorus levels, which is associated with the use of Multaq®heart and their impact on its benefit-risk ratio.bone disease. Renvela® is a second generation, buffered phosphate binder.

            

    Other pharmaceutical productsIn the United States, there are an estimated 395,000 dialysis patients, approximately 90% of whom receive a phosphate binder. There are an estimated 350,000 dialysis patients in the EU and 65,000 in Brazil. In the EU, Renvela® is also approved to treat CKD patients not on dialysis.

            

    Stilnox®/Ambien® /Myslee®We market Renagel® and Renvela® directly to nephrologists through Sanofi's employee sales force and distribute these products through wholesalers and distributors. In Japan and several Pacific Rim countries, Renagel® is marketed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd and its sublicensee, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.

            In the United States, Genzyme and generic manufacturers have settled pending litigation with regard to the production and sale of generic formulations of Renvela® tablets, Renvela® for oral suspension and Renagel®. According to the terms of the settlements, the first-filer for each product can enter the U.S. market on March 16, 2014 and second-filers can enter the market on September 16, 2014, or earlier under certain circumstances, pending approval of their generic application.


            The top five countries contributing to the sales of Renagel® and Renvela® in 2012 were the U.S., Italy, France, the UK, and Brazil.

      Synvisc®/Synvisc-One®

            Synvisc® and Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) are viscosupplements used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of certain joints. Synvisc is indicated for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, ankle, and shoulder joint in countries that have adopted CE marking, and for pain due to knee osteoarthritis in the United States. Currently the main viscosupplementation market is for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

            Synvisc® is a triple-injection product and Synvisc-One® a single-injection product. Both are administered directly into the intra-articular space of the joint to temporarily restore osteoarthritis synovial fluid.

            Synvisc® and Synvisc-One® are primarily marketed through Sanofi's employee sales force directly to physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies, while in some countries the products are still promoted by independent distributors.

            In 2012, Sanofi initiated a pivotal clinical trial of Synvisc-One® for treatment of pain associated with mild to moderate primary osteoarthritis of the hip. The trial is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 350 patients recruited from 26 sites in the United States.

            In 2012, the top five countries contributing to Synvisc® and Synvisc-One® sales were the U.S., Canada, France, Mexico and Germany.

      StilnoxLeGoo®

            At the end of 2012, Sanofi launched LeGoo®, a gel for temporary endovascular occlusion of blood vessels during surgical procedures in the U.S. LeGoo® is an innovative technology that is expected to enhance the Sanofi Biosurgery portfolio.

      ®Stilnox®/Ambien® /Myslee®

            Stilnox® (zolpidem tartrate) is indicated in the short-term treatment of insomnia. Stilnox®Stilnox® rapidly induces sleep that is qualitatively close to natural sleep and devoid of certain side effects that are characteristic of the benzodiazepine class as a whole. Its action lasts for a minimum of six hours, and it is generally well tolerated, allowing the patient to awaken with a reduced risk of impaired attention, decreased alertness or memory lapses throughout the day.

            

    We have developed a controlled release formulation of zolpidem tartrate, marketed only in the United States under the brand name Ambien® CR.

    Stilnox®Stilnox® is marketed in over 100 countries. It was launched in Japanis available under the brand name Myslee®Ambien® / Ambien®CR in December 2000. Myslee® has beenthe United States and Myslee® in Japan, where it is co-promoted jointly with Astellas since 2006.Astellas.

            

    The top threeStilnox® and Ambien CR® are subject to generic competition in most markets, contributing to sales of Stilnox® in 2010 (either immediate or controlled release formulations) wereincluding the United States Japan and Italy. Generic zolpidem tartrate has been available in Europe since 2004.Europe. In the United States,Japan, generics of the immediate release formulation of Ambien® have been available since 2007. Ambien® CR genericsMyslee® entered the U.S. market in October 2010.June 2012.

      Allegra®/Telfast®

            

    Allegra®/Telfast®

    Allegra®Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride) is a long-lasting (12- and 24-hour) non-sedating prescription anti-histamine for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and for the treatment of uncomplicated hives. It offers patients significant relief from allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness.

    We also market Allegra-D®Allegra-D® 12 Hour and Allegra-D®Allegra-D® 24 Hour, anti-histamine/decongestant combination products with an extended-release decongestant for effective non-drowsy relief of seasonal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion. Generics of most forms of Allegra®Allegra®/Tefast®Tefast® have been approved in our major markets, withmarkets.


            In the notable exception of Japan.

    In January 2011,United States, the FDA approved the Allegra®Allegra® family formoved to over-the-counter (OTC) use in adults and children two years of age and older.older in 2011. Allegra® was also launched on the OTC market in Japan in November 2012, though it also remains available on prescription (see "— Consumer Health Care" below).

            

    Allegra®Allegra®/Telfast®Telfast® is marketed in approximately 80 countries. The largest market for Allegra®prescriptions of Allegra® is Japan.

    Copaxone®

    Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) is a non-interferon immunomodulating agent indicated for reducingJapan, where competing generics entered the frequency of relapsesmarket in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Copaxone® is available as a self-injectable pre-filled syringe storable at room temperature for up to one month.

    This disease-modifying drug is characterized by an original and specific mode of action on multiple sclerosis. Clinical studies have shown that Copaxone® isearly 2013 (for more effective than placebo at two years, but also that it has a clinical efficacy over 15 years both in reducing relapses and progression of disability. A significant effect on lesions has also been confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

    In 2009, the U.K. Medicine and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved an expanded label for Copaxone® to include the treatment of patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis.

    We market Copaxone® outside the United States and Canada through our alliance with Teva (see “— Alliance with Teva” below).

    Alliance with Teva

    We in-license Copaxone® from Teva and market it through an agreement with Teva, which was originally entered into in 1995, and has been amended several times, most recently in 2005.

    Under the agreement with Teva, marketing and financial arrangements vary depending on the country in which the products are marketed.

    Outside the United States and Canada, there are two principal marketing arrangements:

    Exclusive marketing: we have the exclusive right to market the product. This system is used in a number of European countries (Portugal, Italy, Greece, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland), as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

    Co-promotion: the product is marketed under a single brand name. We use the co-promotion system in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Spain.

    In the United States and Canada, Copaxone® was sold and distributed by sanofi-aventis but marketed by Teva until March 31, 2008. On March 31, 2008, Teva assumed the Copaxone® business, including sales of the product, in the United States and Canada. As a result, we no longer record product sales or share certain marketing expenses with respect to the United States and Canada and, until March 31, 2010, we received a royalty from Teva of 25% of sales in these markets.

    Under the terms of our agreement, the Copaxone® business in countries other than the U.S. and Canada is being transferred to Teva over a period running from the third quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2012 at the latest, depending on the country. Following the transfer, sanofi-aventis will receive from Teva a royalty of 6% for a period of two years, on a country-by-country basis. In September 2009, the Copaxone® business was transferred to Teva in Switzerland and Lichtenstein. In 2010, the Copaxone® business was transferred to Teva in Poland (September 2010), in the Czech Republic (October 2010) and in the United Kingdom (December 2010). See “Item 3. Keyinformation see "Item 8 Financial Information — D. Risk FactorsA. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Risks Relating to Our Business — We relyInformation on third parties for the marketing of some of our products,” for more information relating to risks in connection with our alliance agreements.Legal or Arbitration Proceedings").

      Depakine®

      Tritace®/Triatec® /Delix®/Altace®

            

    Tritace® (ramipril) is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure following or in the absence of acute myocardial infarction, and nephropathy. Tritace® is the only ACE inhibitor approved for the prevention of stroke, myocardial infarction and death in high-risk patients and has the broadest spectrum of indications among ACE inhibitors for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

    The combinations with diuretics (ramipril + hydrochlorothiazide) and calcium channel blockers (ramipril + felodipine) are available in Europe.

    Tritace® is marketed in over 70 countries, including the United States where it is marketed by King Pharmaceuticals. A number of generics have received marketing authorization and have been launched worldwide.

    Depakine®

    Depakine®Depakine® (sodium valproate) is a broad-spectrum anti-epileptic that has been prescribed for more than 40 years. Numerous clinical trials and long years of experience have shown that it is effective for all types of epileptic seizures and epileptic syndromes, and is generally well tolerated. Consequently, Depakine®Depakine® remains a reference treatment for epilepsy worldwide.

            

    Depakine®Depakine® is also a mood stabilizer, registered in the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and, in numerous countries, in the prevention of mood episodes. Depakine® is recommended as a first line treatment in these indications by international guidelines such as the guidelines of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry Guidelines 2009, the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments 2009, and the British Association for Psychopharmacology 2009.

            

    We provide a wide range of formulations of Depakine®Depakine® enabling it to be adapted to most types of patients: syrup, oral solution, injection, enteric-coated tablets, Depakine® Chrono® (a sustained release formulation in tablets) and Depakine® Chronosphere® (sustained release formulation of Depakine®Depakine® packaged in stick packs, facilitating its use by children, the elderly and adults with difficulties swallowing).

            

    Depakine®Depakine® is marketed in over 100 countries, includingand is generally subject to generic competition.

      Auvi-Q™

            At the United States, where itend of January 2013, Sanofi launched Auvi-Q™ (epinephrine injection, USP) in the U.S. Auvi-Q™ is licensed to Abbott.

    Xatral®/Uroxatral®

    Xatral® (alfuzosin hydrochloride) belongs to the class of alpha1-blockers. Capable of acting selectively on the lower urinary tract, it was the first alpha1-blocker indicatedfirst-and-only epinephrine auto-injector with audio and marketed exclusivelyvisual cues for the emergency treatment of symptomslife-threatening allergic reactions in people who are at risk for or have a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Itanaphylaxis. Up to six million Americans may be at risk for anaphylaxis, although the precise incidence is alsounknown and likely underreported.

            Sanofi US licensed the only alpha1-blocker indicated as an adjunctive therapy with catheterization for acute urinary retention, a painful and distressing complication of BPH.

    Xatral® OD (extended release formulation) is activeNorth American commercialization rights to Auvi-Q™ from the first dose, provides rapid and lasting symptom relief, and improves patient quality of life. Xatral® is the only alpha1-blocker showing no deleterious effect on ejaculation, as shown by the final results of the international ALF-LIFE trial. The once-daily formulation of Xatral® (branded Uroxatral® in the United States) has been registered in over 90 countries and is marketed worldwide, with the exception of Australia and Japan.Intelliject,Inc.

    Generic alfuzosin became available in most European countries in 2009. Pediatric exclusivity was granted for Uroxatral® in the United States, prolonging the product’s claim to exclusivity until July 18, 2011.

    Actonel®/Optinate® /Acrel®

    Actonel® (risedronate sodium) belongs to the bisphosphonate class that helps prevent osteoporotic fractures.

    Actonel® is the only osteoporosis treatment that reduces the risk of both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in as little as six months. Actonel® also provides reduced risk of fracture at all key osteoporotic sites: vertebral, hip and non-vertebral sites, studied as a composite endpoint (hip, wrist, humerus, clavicle, leg and pelvis).

    Actonel® is available in various dosage strengths and combination forms to better suit patient needs. Depending on dosage form, Actonel® is indicated for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis, osteoporosis in men, or Paget’s disease.

    Actonel® is marketed in more than 75 countries through an alliance with Warner Chilcott (see Note C.2 to our consolidated financial statements included at item 18 of this annual report).

    The contribution of this alliance on our financial position and income is described under “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Financial Presentation of Alliances”. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We rely on third parties for the marketing of some of our products” for more information relating to risk in connection with our alliance agreements.

    Nasacort®

    Nasacort®AQ Spray (NAQ) (triamcinolone acetonide) is an unscented, water-based metered-dose pump spray formulation unit containing a microcrystalline suspension of triamcinolone acetonide in an aqueous medium. Previously indicated for the treatment of the nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children six years of age and older, Nasacort® AQ received an additional approval for the seasonal and annual treatment of pediatric patients between the ages of two and five years from the FDA in September 2008. NAQ is an intranasal corticosteroid, which is recommended in treatment guidelines as first-line treatment for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis patients.

    In settlement of patent litigation, Barr has been granted a license to sell a generic triamcinolone acetonide in the United States as early as 2011.

      Main compounds currently in Phase II or III clinical development:

            In the Metabolic field:

      Phase II results forSAR236553, co-developed with Regeneron (REGN727: anti-PCSK9 mAb), have been obtained confirming a significant reduction in mean LDL-C by 40% to 72% over 8 to 12 weeks in patients with elevated LDL-C in patients on stable dose of statins.

        A large phase III clinical program has been initiated (11 trials, 22,000 patients), and the first results are expected during the third quarter of 2013.

    In the Ophthalmology fieldfield:

            

    Sanofi-aventis acquiredSanofi started establishing its footprint in ophthalmology through the acquisition of Fovea, a French ophthalmology specialist Fovea(in October 2009), the ophthalmology assets of Genzyme (acquired in October 2009. Products2011), and a collaboration agreement with Oxford BioMedica (April 2009) that led to the exercise of two opt-in options in the pipeline include :August 2012.

    a        One project in Phase II eye-drop fixed dose combination of prednisolone and cyclosporine for allergic conjunctivitis (FOV1101);

    a phase IIFOV2304 — eye-drop formulation of a bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist evaluated in diabetic macular edema) was discontinued in October 2012, and the review of Phase IIb results forFOV-1101 (eye-drop fixed dose combination of prednisolone acetate and cyclosporine A for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (FOV2304);allergic conjunctivitis) led to a reassessment of the commercial prospects for this compound and a decision to continue development under a sublicense agreement with an as yet unidentified third party.


            

    a phase II intravitreal formulation of a protein inhibiting the kallikrein-kinin pathway for the treatment of retinal vein occlusion induced macular edema (FOV2302).

    Oxford BioMedica has entered into a new collaboration with sanofi-aventis to develop novel gene-based medicines, utilizing LentiVector® gene delivery technology, for the treatment of ocular disease. The new agreement covers four LentiVector®-based product candidates for different ophthalmologic indications such as wet age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and corneal graft rejection.

    In the Thrombosis and Cardiovascular field:

      Otamixaban (direct factor Xa inhibitor, interventional cardiology; Phase III initiation)III). Otamixaban is an injectable, selective direct inhibitor of coagulation factor Xa. It is a synthetic small molecule. Otamixaban exhibits a fast on- and off-set of action. A Phase III program to confirm the positive outcome from the SEPIA-ACS Phase II study was initiated in 2010 and is now ongoing.ongoing; results are expected in the 2nd quarter of 2013.

            

    Semuloparin (indirect factor Xa/IIa inhibitor, prevention of VTE; Phase III) is a selectively engineered injectable ultra-low-molecular-weight heparin with a novel anti-thrombotic profile combining a high anti-factor Xa activity and a residual anti-factor IIa activity. Development is primarily focused on primary prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in cancer patients undergoing

    chemotherapy, representing an attractive unmet medical need for VTE prevention. Data generated in prevention of VTE during surgery procedures have provided valuable information for appraising the risk/benefit profile of semuloparin, which was shown to be a safe and effective anticoagulant. The semuloparin Phase III program in medical cancer patients has completed recruitment and continues as planned, with results expected to be presented in 2011.

    Celivarone (anti-arrhythmic; Phase IIb). Based upon the results of a previous trial, a new Phase II study in patients fitted with an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator is ongoing.

    In the Central Nervous System field:

    Teriflunomide (orally active dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor, multiple sclerosis; Phase III). An extensive Phase III monotherapy development program in relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis is ongoing. Results of the first pivotal study, indicating that the product had an effect on disease activity in terms of relapse rate, disability progression and brain lesions with a favorable safety profile, were presented at ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis) in October 2010. In addition, a Phase III adjunctive therapy study (TERACLES) has been launched to define the additional efficacy and safety profile of teriflunomide, when added to background stable therapy with interferon (IFN-beta). This study follows on from the successful Phase II study which showed teriflunomide had an acceptable tolerability in adjunct to IFN-beta and demonstrated significant improvements of the disease as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    SSR125543 (a CRF1 receptor antagonist) is currently in phase II for major depressive disorders.

    In the Internal Medicine field:

      Ferroquine(4-aminoquinoline; malaria; Phase IIb). Ferroquine is a new 4-amino-quinoline being developed for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria. Ferroquine is active against chloroquine sensitive and chloroquine resistant Plasmodium strains, and due to its long half-life has the potential to be part of single dose cure regimens and the unified global treatment of both vivax and falciparum malaria. A Phase IIb study evaluating the optimal posology is currently ongoing.Sarilumab (SAR153191

    Together withSAR97276(in Phase I see “— Pharmaceutical Research & Development” below), ferroquine is part of our global commitment to fight neglected diseases which heavily impact populations of developing countries, as demonstrated by both our “Access to Medicines” group and the new “Neglected Diseases Development Strategy and Realization” unit created within R&D. Our “Access to Medicines” group and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) are conducting an extensive pharmacovigilance study (the first in this setting) to monitor the use and tolerability of ASAQ (fixed-dose combination of artesunate and amodiaquine).

    SAR153191), a monoclonal antibody against the Interleukin-6 Receptor (anti IL-6R mAb) derived from our alliance with Regeneron, has enteredis in Phase III in adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The SARIL-RA phase III program is underway with three ongoing clinical studies:

    SARIL-RA-MOBILITY study, investigating the effects of sarilumab, (when added to Methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active RA who are inadequate responders to MTX therapy), on the reduction of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis at 24 weeks, inhibition of progression of structural damage at 52 weeks and improvement in physical function over 52 weeks;

    SARIL-RA-TARGET study, investigating the effects of Sarilumab when added to DMARD therapy in patients with active RA who are inadequate responders or intolerant to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) antagonists on reduction of signs and symptoms at week 24 and improvement of physical function over 24 weeks in patients;

    SARIL-RA-EXTEND study, which is enrolling participants by invitation from currently ongoing studies and aims to evaluate in this uncontrolled extension the long term safety and efficacy of Sarilumab on top of DMARDs in patients with active RA.

      Additional studies in the SARIL-RA phase III clinical program are to be implemented in 2013.

    Dupilumab (SAR231893), a monoclonal antibody against the Interleukin-4 alpha Receptor (anti IL-4R alpha) derived from our alliance with Regeneron, is currently being developed in two indications. Dupilumab modulates signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13 pathways. Asthma will enter Phase IIb in rheumatoid arthritis2Q2013. The asthma PoC study results demonstrated broader efficacy (exacerbations, lung function and ankylosing spondylitis.symptoms) than the competition. Atopic dermatitis will also enter Phase IIb in 2Q2013. The atopic dermatitis PoC study results demonstrated improvement in signs and symptoms of active disease, with very effective and rapid onset of action compared to systemic therapies currently used in AD.

      Consumer Health Care (CHC)

            

    Consumer Health Care is a core growth platform identified in our broader strategy for achieving sustainable growth.strategy. In 2010,2012, we recorded CHC sales of €2,217 million; nearly€3,008 million, an increase of 9.9%. Nearly half of our CHC sales were in emerging markets, 28%22% in Europe, and 14%21% in the United States.

            In March 2011, the Allegra® family of allergy medication products was commercially launched in the U.S. for over-the-counter (OTC) use in adults and children two years of age and older. The Allegra® family of OTC products is available in drug, grocery, mass merchandiser, and club stores nationwide. In November 2012, Sanofi launched Allegra® OTC in Japan, for patients suffering allergic rhinitis (15 years and older).

    Organic growth in 2010 was        CHC sales are also supported by our legacy CHC portfolio,brands, which providesprovide us with a strong presence in the analgesics, gastro-intestinal,fever & pain and digestive health areas.

      Doliprane® is a range of paracetamol formulas to fight pain and fever. Thanks to a wide offer both in terms of dosages (from 2.4% paracetamol suspension up to 1g formulas) and pharmaceutical forms (suspension, tablets, powder, suppositories), Doliprane® covers the needs of patients from baby to elderly. Doliprane® is sold mainly in France and in some African countries.

      NoSpa® is a product containing drotaverine hydrochloride. NoSpa® is indicated in abdominal spastic pain such as intestinal spasm, menstrual pain, or vesical spasm. NoSpa® is sold mainly in Russia and Eastern Europe.

      Enterogermina® is composed of two billion Bacillus clausii spores in a ready-to-drink oral suspension in vials of 5ml and in capsules. Enterogermina® is indicated in the prevention and the treatment of intestinal imbalance during acute or chronic intestinal disorders (from babies to adults). Enterogermina® is sold mainly in Europe and has been enjoying strong growth in Latin America, India and Central Asia.

      Essentiale® is a herbal preparation for liver therapy, made of highly purified essential phospholipids extracted from soybeans and containing a high percentage of phosphatidylcholine, a major constituent of cellular membrane. Essentiale® is used to treat symptoms such as lack of appetite, sensation of pressure in the right epigastrium, toxico-nutritional liver damage and hepatitis. Essentiale® is sold mainly in Russia, Eastern Europe, and some South East Asian countries.

      Maalox® is a well-established brand containing two antacids: aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Maalox® is available in several pharmaceutical forms — tablets, suspension, and stick packs — to provide consumer choice. Maalox® is present in 55 countries: in Europe, Latin America, Russia, Africa, Middle East, and in some Asian countries.

      Magne B6® is a product containing magnesium and vitamin B6. MagneB6® has various therapeutic indications from irritability, anxiety and sleep problems to women's health issues like premenstrual syndrome or menopause discomfort. MagneB6® is present in Europe and Russia.

      Lactacyd® is a range of products for feminine hygiene. Lactacyd® is sold mainly in Brazil and Asia. Lactacyd® was launched in China in May 2011.

            Complementary to our legacy CHC business, our other products include:

      Chattem's products in the United States (other than the Allegra® family of OTC products), mainly comprising branded consumer healthcare products, toiletries and dietary supplements across niche market segments. Chattem's well-known brands include Gold Bond®, Icy Hot®, ACT®, Cortizone-10®, Selsun Blue® and Unisom®. In January 2013, Chattem completed the acquisition of the worldwide rights to the Rolaids® brand from McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. Rolaids® is an over-the-counter antacid that helps relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.

      Oenobiol's products in France: dietary supplements to promote beauty (sun care, weight, hair care, skin care) and well-being (digestive comfort, anti-stress) and to help manage menopausal problems.

      BMP Sunstone products in China, including the leading pediatric cough and cold areas.

      Doliprane® is a range of paracetamol formulas to fight pain and fever. Thanks to a wide offer both in terms of dosages (from 2.4% paracetamol suspension up to 1g formulas) and pharmaceutical forms (suspension, tablets, powder, suppositories), Doliprane® covers the needs of the patients from baby to elderly. Doliprane® is sold mainly in France. In August 2010, DolipraneLib® (500 mg paracetamol tablets) was launched in France in new easy-to-carry packaging.

      Magne B6® is a product containing magnesium and vitamin B6, which was granted its first marketing authorization in France in 1970. It has now been granted marketing authorizations in more than

      40 countries around the world. MagneB6® has various therapeutic indications from irritability, anxiety and sleep problems to women’s health issues like premenstrual syndrome or menopause discomfort. MagneB6® is available in tablets and vials of oral solution.

      Enterogermina® is composed of two billionBacillus clausii spores in a ready-to-drink oral suspension in vials of 5 ml and in capsules. Launched in liquid form in 1958 in Italy, the new two-billion dosage was launched in 2001; the capsule form was launched in 2006. Enterogermina® is indicated in the prevention and the treatment of intestinal imbalance during acute or chronic intestinal disorders (from babies to adults). Enterogermina® is sold mainly in Europe and has been enjoying strong growth in Latin America.

      Essentiale® is a herbal preparation for liver therapy, made of highly purified essential phospholipids extracted from soybeans and containing a high percentage of phosphatidylcholine, a major constituent of cellular membrane. Essentiale® is used to treat symptoms such as lack of appetite, sensation of pressure in the right epigastrium, toxico-nutritional liver damage and hepatitis. Essentiale® is sold mainly in Russia (37% growth) and some South East Asian countries.

      Maalox® is a well established brand containing two antacids: aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Maalox® is available in several pharmaceutical forms — tablets, suspension, and stick packs — to provide consumer choice. Maalox® was launched first in France in 1972 and is now present in 55 countries; in Europe, Latin America, Russia and in some Asian countries.

      NoSpa® is a product containing drotaverine hydrochloride. NoSpa® is indicated in abdominal spastic pain such as intestinal spasm, menstrual pain, or vesical spasm. NoSpa® is sold mainly in Russia and Eastern Europe.

      Lactacyd® is a range of liquid soaps for feminine hygiene. Lactacyd® is sold mainly in Brazil (28% growth) and Asia.

      Chattem’sbrand Haowawa®.

      Minsheng products in the United States are mainly branded consumer healthcare products, toiletries and dietary supplements across niche market segments. Chattem’s well known brands include Gold Bond®, Icy Hot®, ACT®, Cortizone-10®, Selsun Blue® and Unisom®.

      In January 2011, the FDA approved the Allegra® family of allergy medication products for over-the-counter use in adults and children two years of age and older. The Allegra® family of OTC products will be available in drug, grocery, mass merchandiser and club stores nationwide. This switch constitutes a key step in our CHC growth strategy in the U.S.

      Following the recent acquisitions of Laboratoire Oenobiol, Kernpharm and Chattem, and the signature of a joint-venture agreement with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, we conducted several additional acquisitions and alliances in CHC in 2010:

      The August 2010 acquisition of Nepentes S.A. was an important step in our diversification strategy in the fast-growing emerging European markets. Nepentes is an opportunity for us to create a leading Consumer Health Care business in Poland, and will consolidate our leading position in Central and Eastern Europe. We intend Nepentes to accelerate its growth by extending its product lines and developing outside Poland, with a diversified portfolio of dermocosmetics and medicines, including key brands like Iwostin and Emolium. The company has subsidiaries in Bulgaria and Romania.

      On October 28, 2010 we took another strategic step by entering into a definitive agreement with BMP Sunstone (a NASDAQ listed company), under which sanofi-aventis acquired all outstanding shares of BMP Sunstone on February 24, 2011 for cash consideration of $10 per share, or a total of approximately $520.6 million on a fully diluted basis. BMP Sunstone markets the leading pediatric cough and cold brand, Haowawa® (which means “Goodbaby” in Chinese), with a portfolio of both western OTC drugs and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products. The acquisition will also bring sanofi-aventis a very well-established national distribution network providing unique access to the fast-growing prefecture level and rural level cities.

      The joint venture with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., together with the acquisition of BMP Sunstone, will make sanofi-aventis a leading consumer health care company in China, with a strong position in both Vitaminsincluding 21 Super Vita®, one of the leading vitamins & Minerals Supplements and Cough & Cold, the two largest categories in this market source (Nicholas Hall, 2009). Sanofi-aventis will leverage its distribution strength to launch its own OTCmineral supplements.

      Universal Medicare brands in India, comprising a wide range of nutraceutical and lifestyle management products vitamins, antioxidants, mineral supplements and anti-arthritics such as Seacod®, CoQ®10, Collaflex® and Multivit®.

            The top three countries contributing to our CHC sales in 2012 were the very near future.United States, France, and Russia.

      Generics

            

    In 2010,2012, sales of the generics business grewreached €1,844 million, an increase of 5.0%. Performance was impacted by 41.5%lower sales of the authorized generic of Lovenox® in the U.S. and less favorable market conditions in Brazil (heightened competition coupled with once-off tax changes in Sao Paulo State which influenced the generics market).

            In Latin America, Medley®, Sanofi's Brazilian brand of affordable medicines, was rolled out in Mexico and Venezuela at end of 2011 and in Colombia and Central America during 2012. In October 2012, Sanofi announced that it had signed an agreement to €1,534 million. This growth was boostedacquire Genfar S.A., a leading pharmaceuticals manufacturer headquartered in


    Bogota, Colombia, and a major player in Colombia and the other countries in Latin America. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent and is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2013.

            In 2012, Sanofi sales of generic products in Emerging Markets especially Eastern Europe and Brazil, by the acquisitions of Zentiva, Kendrick and Medley, all completed in 2009. Another growth driver was the United States, where we launched an authorized generic of Ambien® CR during the period, capturing more than 50% of total prescriptions of Zolpidem CR generics (source IMS TRx end December). On a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, our generic business enjoyed solid organic growth of 18.5%.exceeded €1 billion. See “Item"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31 2010st, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31 2009st, 2011 — Net Sales by Product — Pharmaceuticals”Pharmaceuticals segment".

            

    In March 2009 we created our European Generics Platform, covering generics activities across Western and Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey. We have decided to rebrand all our European generics businessesThe rebranding of Sanofi Generics activities under the Zentiva name. This means that the existing generics businesses of Winthrop and HelvepharmZentiva® brand in Western Europe, will operate under the Zentiva brand. The rollout beganinitiated in January 2011 in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

    Following on from our 2009 acquisitions, we continued to expand our geographical reach in generics during 2010:

    In May 2010, sanofi-aventis and Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (one of the fastest growing generics companies in Japan, and a market leader in that country) announced an agreement to establish a new joint venture, sanofi-aventis Nichi-Iko K.K., to develop a generics business in Japan. The new joint venture will be held 51% by sanofi-aventis K.K. and 49% by Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and will allow us to develop a strong presence in the fast-growing Japanese generics market.is nearly complete.

    Vaccine Products

            

    Sanofi Pasteur is a fully integrated vaccines division offering the broadesta broad range of vaccines in the industry (source: internal estimates).vaccines. In 2010, sanofi pasteur immunized over2012, Sanofi Pasteur provided more than 1 billion doses of vaccine, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe against 20 serious diseases, and generated net sales of €3,808€3,897 million. Sales were favorably impacted by strong growth in markets outside North America and Europe, A(H1N1) pandemic influenzaincluding sales of the IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) Imovax® Polio in Japan, continued growth of Pentaxim®Pentaxim® sales and successful seasonal influenza vaccine campaigns in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. See “Item"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 20102012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 20092011 — Net Sales — Human Vaccines (Vaccines).” segment."

            

    Sanofi Pasteur is a world leader in the vaccine industry in terms of sales. In the United States, and Canada, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur is the market leader in the segments where we compete.compete (source: based on internal estimates).

            

    In Europe, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur vaccine products are developed and marketed by Sanofi Pasteur MSD, a joint venture created in 1994 and held equally by sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur and Merck & Co. Inc., which serves 19 countries. In addition to sanofi pasteur products, Sanofi Pasteur MSD also distributes such Merck & Co. vaccine products as Gardasil®Gardasil® and Zostavax®, in the joint venture’sventure's geographic scope. In 2010,2012, Sanofi Pasteur MSD net sales, which are accounted for using the equity method, amounted to €918€845 million.

            

    Sanofi Pasteur has been expanding in Asia (China, India and Japan), Latin America (Mexico and Brazil), Africa, the Middle-East and Eastern Europe. Sanofi Pasteur is very active in publicly-funded international markets such as UNICEF and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization.

    Immunization (GAVI).

            See "— Vaccines Research and Development" below for a presentation of the Sanofi Pasteur R&D portfolio.

    The table below shows net sales of vaccines by product range:

    (€ million)
    20102012
    Net Sales

    Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines1,184 
    Influenza Vaccines *  1,297
    Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines984884 
    Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines  527650 
    Adult Booster Vaccines  449496 
    Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines  382364 
    Other Vaccines  169319 

    Total Human Vaccines

      3,8083,897 

    *Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

    *
    Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

      Pediatric, Combination and Poliomyelitis (Polio) Vaccines

            

    These vaccines vary in composition due to diverse immunization schedules throughout the world.


            

    Sanofi Pasteur is one of the key players in pediatric vaccines in both emerging and mature markets with a broad portfolio of standalone and combination vaccines protecting against up to fivesix diseases in a single injection.

    Pentacel®        Pentacel®, a vaccine protecting against five diseases (pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio andHaemophilus influenzaetype b), was launched in the United States in 2008.

    Pediacel®        Pediacel®, another acellular pertussis-baseda fully liquid pentavalent vaccine, ishas been the standard of care in the United Kingdom and the Netherlandssince 2004 for protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio andHaemophilus influenzae type b disease. In November 2010,infections. As of December 31, 2011, Pediacel®® was approved in 29 countries across Europe.Europe in a new syringe presentation.

            Pentaxim®, a combination vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio andHaemophilus influenzae type b, was first marketed in 1997 and was launched in China in May 2011. To date, more than 150 million doses of Pentaxim® have been distributed in over 100 countries, and the vaccine has been included in the national immunization programs in more than 23 countries.

    Act-HIB®        Act-HIB®, for the prevention ofHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib) infections, is also an important growth driver within the pediatric product line. In 2008, Act-HIB®Act-HIB® became the first Hib vaccine to be approved in Japan.

    HexaximTM, a hexavalent        Hexaxim® is the only fully liquid, ready to use 6-in-1 (hexavalent) pediatric vaccine (expected to provideproviding protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polyomielitis (polio),polio,Haemophilus influenzae type b infections and hepatitis B)B. In June 2012, Sanofi Pasteur received a positive scientific opinion for Hexaxim® from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as part of the Article 58 procedure designed to evaluate medicinal products intended for international markets outside the European Union. As a second step, to ensure continuity of supply as well as expanded access to hexavalent vaccines throughout the 27 E.U. member states, the vaccine was submitted to the European Medicines Agency for license review in Europe. In February 2013, the EMA recommended market approval for the 6 in 1 pediatric vaccine. This innovative vacine will be commercialized under the brand name Hexyon™ in Western Europe by Sanofi Pasteur MSD, and under the brand name Hexacima™ in Eastern Europe by Sanofi Pasteur.

            PR5I is aimed specifically ata combination vaccine designed to help protect against six diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio (poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3), invasive disease caused byHaemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B. This product is jointly being developed between Sanofi Pasteur and Merck in the international regionU.S. and is under development. The vaccine is currently inEurope. Phase III clinical trials with regulatory submission anticipatedstudies in the U.S. and Europe began in April 2011.

            

    Sanofi Pasteur is one of the world’sworld's leading developers and manufacturers of polio vaccines, in both oral (OPV) and enhanced injectable (eIPV) form. The worldwide polio eradication initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF has positioned sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur as a global preferred partner with both OPV and eIPV vaccines.

            

    Sanofi Pasteur is also supporting the introduction of eIPV in the international region.internationally. With recent progress towards polio eradication in countries such as Brazil and Japan in 2012, Sanofi Pasteur expects the use of eIPV to gradually increase. As a result, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur is expanding its production capacity to meet the growing demand.

    On July 25, 2010, the World Health Organization withdrew the prequalification        Shantha Biotechnics (Shantha) in India is currently pursuing requalification of Shan5™Shan5®, a combination vaccine protecting against five diseases (diphtheria,diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, tetanus,hepatitis B andHaemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B) and ShantetraTM, a combination vaccine protecting against four diseases (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and hepatitis B) developed by Shantha. This decision was driven bywith the abnormal visual appearanceWHO. Shantha has worked closely with Sanofi Pasteur to improve key manufacturing steps in the production of the product. According to WHO/UNICEF, noneantigen components of the information availablevaccine. The path back to date suggests a safety problemobtaining prequalification status has been discussed extensively with Shan5™ or ShantetraTM. No adverse events following immunization with Shan5™ or Shantetra™ have been reported to the WHO. Sanofi Pasteur has designed an action plan geared to improving the robustness of the processes used by Shantha. A remediation plan was submitted to the WHO atand local Indian regulators. Based on the endsuccessful completion of June 2010. Sanofi Pasteurclinical studies, Shan5® is dedicating its highest expertiseexpected to help Shantha regain the pre-qualification of Shan5™ as early as possible.WHO prequalification in 2014.

      Influenza Vaccines

            

    Sanofi Pasteur is a world leader in the production and marketing of influenza vaccines. Sales of the influenza vaccines Fluzone®Fluzone® and Vaxigrip®Vaxigrip®/Mutagrip®Mutagrip® have more than tripled since 1995 and annual supply reached more than 200 million doses in 20102012 to better meet increasing demand. In recent years, influenza vaccine demand has experienced strong growth in many countries, particularly in the U.S., Brazil and Mexico. Sanofi Pasteur expects


    the global demand for influenza vaccines to continue to grow within the next decade due to increased disease awareness, as a result of the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic, growth in emerging markets and wider government immunization recommendations.

    In recent years, influenza vaccine demand has experienced strong growth in many countries, particularly in the U.S., South Korea, Brazil and Mexico.        Sanofi Pasteur expects this trend to continue over the coming years. Sanofi Pasteur will remainremains focused on maintaining its leadership in the influenza market and on meeting the increasing demand for both pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines through the launch of innovative vaccines.

            In 2010, sanofi pasteur inaugurated2012, Sanofi Pasteur expanded its influenza vaccine facilitieslaunch of Fluzone® ID in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province, China) Ocoyoacac (Mexico) with the goal of producing influenza vaccines for those markets by 2012/2013.

    In 2009, the European Commission granted marketing authorization for sanofi pasteur’s Intanza®/IDflu®, the first intradermal (ID) microinjection influenza vaccine.U.S. in adults. The advantages of this vaccine are particularly its convenience and ease of administration, should help improve the coverage rate in Europe. This new vaccine for seasonal influenza is marketed as Intanza® or IDflu®. Intanza®administration. Fluzone ID® and Intanza®/IDflu® vaccine isIDflu® vaccines are now approved in the United States, European Union, Canada, Australia and other countries for the prevention of seasonal influenza in both adults (age 18 and over) and the elderly (age 60 and over). In 2010, sanofi pasteur submitted Fluzone® ID for regulatory approval in the U. S. Phase III data on the investigational Fluzone® Intradermal vaccine showed intradermal vaccine needed less antigen and smaller injection volume than Fluzone®, administered by the intramuscular method, to induce a comparable immune response. Sanofi Pasteur is seeking licensure of Fluzone® ID in the U.S. for adults from 18 to 64 years of age.

            

    In December 2009,Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine, launched in the FDA approved sanofi pasteur’s supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for licensing of Fluzone® High-Dose influenza virus vaccine. The Fluzone® High-Dose vaccineUnited States in 2010, was specifically designed to generate a more robust immune response against influenza in people 65 years of age or older. This age group, which typically shows a weaker immune response, has proven to respond better to the Fluzone®Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine. This new vaccine experienced a successful launchIt continued its strong growth in the U.S. in 2010.2012.

            

    In September 2009, the FDA approved the company’s supplemental Biologics License Application for its Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine, marking an important milestone in the pandemic fight. The U.S. licensed vaccine is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine indicated for active immunization of adults and children aged six months and older against influenza caused by the A(H1N1) 2009 virus. Sanofi Pasteur provides the only influenza vaccine licensed in the United States for populations as young as six months of age. In 2010, sanofi pasteur delivered 126 million doses of A(H1N1) vaccines worldwide.

    In November 2009, Panenza® (non-adjuvanted A(H1N1) vaccine) was registered by theAgence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé (AFSSAPS). The vaccine was made available to the French authorities, and vaccination began in France in November 2009. Panenza® is also registered in Spain, Luxemburg, Germany, Brazil, Hong Kong, Slovakia, Thailand, Tunisia and Turkey. In February 2010, the EMA granted marketing authorization for Humenza®, an adjuvanted A(H1N1) monovalent influenza vaccine for the active immunization of persons aged over 6 months against influenza infections caused by the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic virus.

    Fluzone®Fluzone® QIV candidate vaccine is a quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine containing two antigens of type A (H1N1 and H3N2) and two antigens of type B (one each from Yamagata and Victoria lineage). Selecting the prevailing influenza strains for upcoming seasons is an incredibly difficult task. In the recent past, there have been a number of mismatches of the B strain component in the trivalent vaccine compared with the circulating B lineage. Sanofi Pasteur expects that increasing the number of strains in the vaccine will give increased protection against the most prevalent strains. The targeted population isSanofi Pasteur filed a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) with the same as standard-dose Fluzone® TIV (trivalent vaccine): children 6 months through 17 years, and adults and elderly 18 years and above. In October 2010, sanofi pasteur released positive results. The Phase II clinical trial showed theFDA for Fluzone® QIV was immunologically non-inferior to trivalent vaccines with just one of the B strains, and their safety profiles did not materially differ. Our candidate vaccine entered phase III in October 2010.2012. The sBLA file has been accepted by the FDA for full review, and an action date is anticipated in the second quarter of 2013.

      Adult and Adolescent Boosters

            

    The incidence of pertussisPertussis (whooping cough) is on the rise globally, affectingaffects children, adolescents and adults (source: WHO publication WER 2005). Its resurgence,adults. Resurgence, in particular in the State of California in the U.S. and other parts of the world, in 2010, combined with increased awareness of the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases in general, has led to higher sales of this product group in recent years. Adacel®

            Adacel®, the first trivalent adolescent and adult booster against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, was licensed and launched in the United States in 2005. Since 2004, Adacel® has been the standard of care in Canada, where most provinces provide routine adolescent immunization. This vaccine plays an important role in efforts to better control pertussis, by preventing the disease in adolescents and adults, and by breaking the cycle of transmission to infants too young to be immunized or only partially vaccinated. Adacel®Adacel® is now registered in more than 50 countries.

            

    Quadracel®Quadracel®, a quadrivalent booster vaccine (fifth dose) including diphtheria, tetanus, accelularacellular pertussis and IPV, is being developed for the U.S. market. It willwould allow a child to complete the entire childhood series with the fewest doses possible. AIt is currently in Phase III clinical trial is scheduled to start during the first half of 2011.trials.

      Meningitis and pneumonia vaccines

            

    Sanofi Pasteur is at the forefront of the development of vaccines to prevent bacterial meningitis. In 2005, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur introduced Menactra®Menactra®, the first conjugate quadrivalent vaccine against meningococcal meningitis, arguablyconsidered by many as the deadliest form of meningitis in the world. In 2009, sales of Menactra® continued to grow in the United States following implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for routine vaccination of pre-adolescents (11-12 years old), adolescents at high school entry (15 years old), and college freshmen living in dormitories. In October 2007,By April 2011, the FDA had granted sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur a license to expand the indication of Menactra®Menactra® to children two years through 10 yearsas young as 9 months of age. Menactra®Menactra® is now indicated for people aged 2-559 months through 55 years in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia and numerous other countries in Canada. An Infant/Toddler (age 9/12 months) biological license application was submitted for Menactra® for regulatory approval in the United States in 2010. This project is aimed at covering a lower age group with a two-dose only schedule. Three pivotal clinical studies have been completed to support the 9-12 month indication. No safety concerns were identified and the vaccine was immunogenic for the four serotypes (A, C, Y, W-135). In 2010, sanofi pasteur also launched Menactra® inLatin America, the Middle East and Latin America.Asia Pacific regions.

            

    Meningitis A, C, Y, W-135 conj. Second Generation — Thisis a project targetstargeting a second generation meningococcal vaccine that uses an alternative conjugation technology. In 2009, an Investigational New Drug application was submitted to the FDA in order to conduct the2011, interim Phase II clinical trial results were obtained and indicated that the product is sufficiently immunogenic for further development in the United States. This trial started in December 2009, and enrollment was completed in 2010.infants.

    For over 30 years, sanofi pasteur has supplied vaccines for meningococcal meningitis serogroups A and C used to combat annual epidemics in Sub-Saharan countries (African meningitis belt).

      Travel and Endemics Vaccines

            

    Sanofi Pasteur’s Travel/Endemics vaccines provide the widestPasteur provides a wide range of travelertravel and endemic vaccines in the industry, and includeincluding hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever, cholera Japanese encephalitis, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)vaccines and anti-venoms. These vaccines are used in endemicsendemic settings in the developing


    world and are the basis for important partnerships with governments and organizations such as UNICEF. These vaccinesThey are also used by the military and travelers to endemic areas. As the global leader in the majority of these vaccine markets, sanofi pasteur’sSanofi Pasteur's Travel/Endemics activity has demonstrated stable growth.

            

    IMOJEV™, a Japanese encephalitis vaccine, is endemicalso in Southeast Asia. Replacement of the currently available vaccines with a single-dose product is expected to provide a strong competitive advantage and facilitate expansion of vaccination programs.development. The Australian healthcare authorities granted approval of the latest variations of the IMOJEV™ file on August 16, 2010September 24, 2012 for individuals aged 12 months and over. On October 29, 2010,over, followed by the Thai Food and Drug Administration granted licensureon November 14, 2012. IMOJEV™ has now been launched in the same age indication.

    these two countries.

    The        A new generation Vero serum-free improvement of our current Verorab® rabies vaccine (VRVg) would(VerorabVax™) will provide a worldwide, single rabies vaccine as a follow-upreplacement to our current rabies vaccine offerings. Results from the 2009 Phase III clinical trial demonstrated non-inferiority of VRVg versus Verorab®. A regulatory submission to AFSSAPSVerorab® in pre-exposure prophylaxis. VRVg was approved in France occurredas a line extension of VeroRab in October 2010.

    January 2011 and clinical development is finalized in China with completion of Phase III confirming non-inferiority vs. Verorab® in simulated post-exposure prophylaxis.

    In December 2009, Shantha launched ShanCholTM, India’sIndia's first oral vaccine to protect against cholera in children and adults. ShanChol™ was World Health Organization pre-qualified in 2011 and more than 1 million doses of ShanCholTM were sold worldwide in 2012.

      Other Products

            Sanofi Pasteur acquired Topaz Pharmaceuticals in October 2011. The integration of Topaz was completed in 2012. The FDA licensed Sklice® (ivermectin) lotion, 0.5%, on February 7, 2012 as a one-time treatment for head lice in persons aged 6 months and older, and commercial launch commenced in July 2012.

    Animal Health: Merial

            

    Our animal health activity is carried out through Merial, one of the world’sworld's leading animal healthcare companies (source: Vetnosis), dedicated to the research, development, manufacture and delivery of innovative pharmaceuticals and vaccines used by veterinarians, farmers and pet owners (source: Vetnosis September 2010).owners. It provides a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of production and companion animals. Its net sales for 20102012 amounted to €1,983 million (Merial’s sales€2,179 million.

            Merial became Sanofi's dedicated animal health division following the joint statement issued by Merck and Sanofi in March 2011 announcing the end of their agreement to create a new animal health joint venture by combining their respective animal health segments. Consequently all Merial financials are not includedconsolidated in Group reports. See Note D.2. to our consolidated net sales; for more information see “Item 5 — Resultsfinancial statements included at Item 18 of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2009 — Net Sales — Animal Health”).this annual report.

            

    The animal health product range comprises four major segments: parasiticides, anti-infectious drugs, other pharmaceutical products (such as anti-inflammatory agents, anti-ulcerous agents, etc.) and vaccines. Merial’sMerial's top-selling products include Frontline®Frontline®, a topical anti-parasitic flea and tick brand for dogs and cats; Ivomec®cats, the highest selling veterinary product in the world (source: Vetnosis); Heartgard®, a parasiticide for control of heartworm in companion animals; Ivomec®, a parasiticide for the control of internal and external parasites in livestock; Heartgard®Vaxxitek®, a parasiticidehigh-technology vector vaccine, protects chickens against infectious bursal disease (IBD) and Marek's disease; Previcox®, a highly selective anti-inflammatory/COX-2 inhibitor for relief of pain and control of heartworminflammation in companion animals; and Eprinex®dogs; Eprinex®, a parasiticide for use in cattle.cattle; and Circovac® a PCV2 (porcine circovirus type 2) vaccine for swine. Merial plays a key role in the veterinary public health activities of governments around the world. It is the world leader in vaccines for Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD), rabies, and bluetongue (BTV) (source: Vetnosis).

            

    The compound patent protecting fipronil, the active ingredient of Frontline®Frontline®, expired in 2009 in Japan and in some European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and in August 2010 in the United States. In those markets where the fipronil compound patent has expired, Frontline®Frontline® products are generally still protected through formulation patents (directed to combinations) which expire at the latest in 2017 in Europe (August 2016 in the United States). Frontline®Frontline® is also protected by a method of use patent in the United States and the European Patent area (Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom), expiring March 2018. As for human


    pharmaceutical products, patent protection for animal pharmaceutical products extends in most cases for 20 years from the filing date of the priority application.

            

    As regards regulatory exclusivity, the position of veterinary medicinal products in Europe is similar to that of human pharmaceutical products: 8-yeareight-year data exclusivity and 10-yearten-year market exclusivity. In the United States, there is 10-yearten-year data exclusivity for products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and an additional 5five years during which a generic applicant has to compensate the originator if it cites the originator’soriginator's data. For FDA approved veterinary medicinal products, a regulatory exclusivity period of 5five years is granted for a new chemical entity and 3three years for a previously-approved active ingredient. No data exclusivity exists at present for veterinary vaccines in the United States.

            In April 2012, Merial acquired Newport Laboratories (Newport), a privately held company based in Worthington, Minnesota (United States), a leader in autogenous vaccines with a focus on swine and bovine production markets.

    Merial’s        On December 20, 2012, Merial entered into a binding agreement to acquire the animal health division of the Indian company Dosch Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, creating a market entry for Merial in that country's strategically important and growing animal health sector. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to finalize sometime in the first half of 2013.

            The 2012 performance of the companion animals franchise was driven by the growth of pet vaccines worldwide and by the performance of Heartgard® in the U.S. For production animals, the performance was mainly driven by the avian segment (notably Vaxxitek®) and the swine segment, thanks to Circovac® sales and the acquisition of Newport.

            Merial's major markets are the United States, France, Brazil, Italy, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, Germany, Japan, Germany, Spain, China, and Canada. Emerging Markets contributed double digit sales growth in 2012, and now account for 26.6% of total Merial sales.

            

    Merial operates through a network of 1617 production sites, with major sites located in France, the United States, Brazil and China. The major R&D sites are located in France and in the United States. Merial employs approximately 5,600 employees worldwide.

    6,060 people worldwide (see Item 4D "Property, Plant & Equipment").

    PharmaceuticalGlobal Research & Development

            The mission of Sanofi's Global Research & Development organization is to discover and develop therapies that prevent, treat and cure diseases. Our day-to-day commitment is to respond to patients' real needs and to provide them with adapted therapeutic solutions in order to improve their well-being and extend their life.

    Since        To meet these challenges, R&D has evolved towards an integrated organization, encompassing a wide range of therapeutic areas that represent a large and growing burden on populations and healthcare systems, in line with trends and the most pressing health needs.

            These include:

      Diabetes. Diabetes is rapidly growing health problem in all parts of the world. The current global prevalence of diabetes is approximately 366 million and this number is expected to exceed half a billion subjects by 2030 (source: www.idf.org). Despite numerous therapeutic offerings, people with diabetes are at considerably higher risk of premature death and debilitating complications impairing their quality of life and imposing health care systems all over massive costs.

      Cardiovascular diseases. Despite medical advances, cardiovascular diseases account for the largest number of deaths worldwide. Today over 17 million annual deaths are attributable to cardiovascular diseases and because of an aging population and a global epidemic of metabolic disease these numbers are expected to double over the next 25 years (source: WHO 2008).

        Oncology. Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide accounting for over 7 million deaths per year. Deaths from cancer are projected to continue to rise with over 13 million deaths projected in 2030 (source: WHO 2008). While progress has been made in some cancers, development of new therapies is desperately needed.

        Immune mediated diseases (including Multiple Sclerosis).

        Age-related degenerative diseases. The increasing proportion of older people in the global population is contributing to a rise in age-related degenerative diseases and has serious implications for health care systems. Care-givers, health systems and societies need to be ready to cope with the growing needs of elderly in every part of the world.

        Infectious diseases. These create significant and critical unmet medical needs both in the developed and developing worlds. Hospital-acquired infections are a major concern for public health in industrialized countries. Every year in the United States, 1.7 million people fall victim to hospital-acquired bacterial infections. In low-income countries, people predominantly die of infectious diseases such as lung infections, tuberculosis and malaria.

        Rare diseases. Approximately 7,000 rare disorders are known to exist and new ones are discovered each year. Rare diseases affect between 25-30 million people in the United States, and about 30 million people in the European Union.

        Vaccines. See "— Vaccines Research and Development" below.

        Animal health.

              To carry out our mission, meet these challenges and maximize our impact we are striving to bring innovation to patients and to build a pipeline of high value projects.

              Medical value, scientific quality and operational effectiveness are the three drivers that underpin our strategy. We focus on projects that have the potential to provide the best medical value differential to patients and payers and to reduce healthcare costs for society.

              By using a translational medicine approach, ensuring that research hypotheses are validated in humans as early 2009,as possible, we can translate basic research findings into medical practice more quickly and efficiently and improve the scientific quality of our projects. The open innovation and large collaboration processes applied worldwide helped us to deliver the best and most innovative solutions for patients. By implementing new operating models to ensure optimal progress on our projects, especially during clinical development phases, we will improve our operational effectiveness and deliver the right therapeutic solutions to patients more quickly.

              Research & Development Organization

              Over recent years, we have been engaged inmoved from a wide-ranging transformation program designedpure pharmaceutical R&D organization to overcomea global and integrated R&D organization where forces are combined to meet a diversity of health needs.

        Sanofi Pharma R&D, which is dedicated to the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry. Researchdiscovery and development (R&D)of human medicines. This is the first prioritya decentralized organization, consisting of this program. Rapid developments in the scientific environment, which are bringing about a veritable revolution in biopharmaceutical research, especially in biology, have generated profoundtwo divisions (Oncology and continuous change in the pharmaceutical environment. To anticipate the consequences of these changes and to maintain our innovative capacities, we intend to have the most effective R&D organization in the pharmaceutical industry in place by 2013. The new R&D approach aims to foster greater creativity and innovation, while remaining fully focused on patient needs. Streamlined organizational structures are designed to make R&D more flexible and entrepreneurial and hence better adapted to overcome future challenges.

        Organization

        The resulting structure is focused on addressing patient needs, and not onDiabetes), five therapeutic indications per se.

        The new R&D organization is composed of three different types of units:

        Entrepreneurial Units: Divisions, Therapeutic Strategic Units (TSUs) and, several Distinct Project Units (DPUs), focused on patient needs and driving valuefive Scientific platforms, responsible for the operational aspects of development.

        Genzyme R&D, which has strong expertise in collaboration with the external academicrare diseases, is now fully integrated into Sanofi Pharma R&D. It consists of two different departments covering early and biotech communities. Three global divisions have been created — Diabetes, Oncology and Ophthalmology — to further strengthen our position in these three areas. Five TSUs have been formed with a focus on major pathophysiologies, pressing public health needs, or major geographic areas (Aging, Fibrosis & Wound Repair, Immuno-Inflammation, Infectious Diseases and Asia-Pacific). DPUs have been created to drive projects outside the areas covered by the Divisions and TSUs. In addition, an exploratory unit will deliver early innovation, exploring and incubating new ideas, new technologies and new methodology.

        Five scientific core platforms provide expert scientific support throughout the organization and operate as internal state-of-the-art service providerslate stage products (according to the Entrepreneurial Units.

        development phase of each project).


        Sanofi Pasteur R&D, which closely monitors all new approaches and technological discoveries in vaccines against infectious diseases. Its research priorities include new vaccines, the improvement of existing vaccines, combination vaccines, administration systems and innovative technologies.

        Merial R&D, which aims to deliver and support effective, innovative, safe and cost-effective animal health products. Although the specifics of animal health are different from human health, there are many potential synergies opening up a wide range of new research avenues.

              

      EnablingWe are constantly adapting our R&D approach, combining global and Support functionslocal action, leveraging local innovative research ecosystems and global high quality development capabilities in order to achieve the greatest possible impact.

              We are being realignedcreating geographically-focused integrated research innovation centers also called "hubs" in four areas: North America, Germany, France and Asia. In the Boston area (United States), which has a high concentration of universities and innovative biotechnology companies, our R&D has been reorganized to support the new structureincreasing presence of the Group.

              Our R&D is now organized to promote the best use of our resources within the local ecosystem. Our network-based organization is open to external opportunities, and governance arrangements.

      This new model will fosterenables us to more effectively capitalize on innovation from a strategywide range of openness with closer cooperation between our researchers and external partners, and a more reactive and flexible organization that promotes the emergence of innovation and the grouping of researchers in stronger centers of expertise (oncology, diabetes, aging, etc.). Implementation of this new structure is ongoing.sources.

      In line with this approach, a number of alliances and acquisitions were entered into during 2010 with companies including Ascenta, Regulus, Metabolex and TargeGen. See Note D.1. and Note D.21.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

        Portfolio

              

      During 2010,As in 2011, R&D followed up theagain conducted a rigorous and comprehensive portfolio review initiated in 2009.review. Projects were assessed using seventwo key criteria which allow management to rapidly understand how the portfolio performs in terms of innovation, unmet medical needs, risk and value. They can be summarized as follows:The two key criteria include:

      science: level of innovation, level of safety, quality and reliability

        relative medical value: which encompasses the extent of the scientific data;

      pharmacovigilance: assessment ofunmet need, the benefit/risk ratio for products (i.e.,market dynamics and the clinical benefit versus the potential side effects).

      execution: likelihood of development and manufacturing success;

      market: existence of a market, positioning within this market, and our place in the market;

      reimbursement: likelihood of achieving the desired price and reimbursement based on the health authoritiesauthorities' positioning and sanofi-aventis competencies;

      Sanofi competencies.

      science translation: which includes the level of innovation and translatability of the science including likelihood of development success.

              

      regulatory/legal: dealing with the environment around the project, patent status, regulatory guidelines; and

      financial: predicted return on investment for the project.

      A “Portfolio Management & Reporting Group” provides permanent support to the new operating structures in management, reporting, and other processes. Complete R&D pipeline reviews will be conducted regularly.

      At the end of 2010, the currentThe clinical portfolio as of the date of filing of this annual report is the result of decisions taken during these reviews, plus compounds entering the portfolio from the discovery phase or from third parties throughvia acquisition, collaboration or alliances.

              

      As described at “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We may fail to adequately renew our product portfolio whether through our own research and development or through acquisitions and strategic alliances." our product development efforts are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in any new product development program.


      The clinical portfolio for new medical entities can be summarized as follows:


      Phase I
      Phase II
      Phase III /registration
      Diabetes Solutions  Phase IPhase IIPhase III
      DiabetesSAR101099

      SAR260093

      SAR236553

      Lixisenatide
      Oncology

      SAR3419

      SAR103168

      SAR153192

      SAR245409 (XL765)

      SAR302503 (TG101348)

      SAR566658

      SAR650984

      SAR245408 (XL147)

      SAR256212 (MM-121)

      aflibercept

      ombrabulin (AVE8062)

      SAR240550 (BSI-201)

      OphthalomlogyRetinoStat®

      FOV1101

      FOV2302

      FOV2304

        lixisenatide(AVE0010)
      TSU Aging
      Cardiovascular diseases 

      SAR110894

      SAR113945

      SAR114137

      SAR152954

      SAR292833

      SAR164653
      SAR236553
      GZ402669mipomersen
      SAR126119otamixaban(XRP0673)
      SAR127963    
      TSU Fibrosis & Wound Repair
      Oncology 

      SAR100842

      SAR302532

      SAR125844
      SAR245408iniparib(BSI-201)
      SAR153192SAR245409SAR302503
      SAR260301SAR256212
      SAR307746SAR3419
      GZ402674    
      TSU Infectious Diseases 

      SAR97276

      SAR279356

      SAR405838
      SAR566658
      SAR650984
      Immune Mediated diseasesSAR100842SAR156597alemtuzumab
      (including MS)SAR113244SAR339658teriflunomide
      SAR252067dupilumabsarilumab(SAR153191)
      Age related degenerativeSAR228810SAR110894
      diseasesSAR391786SAR113945
      SAR399063SAR292833
      SAR404460
      Infectious Diseases ferroquine  
      TSU Immuno-Inflammation SAR231893 SAR153191SAR97276  
      DPUs 

      SAR104772

      SAR411298

       

      SSR125543

      celivarone

      SAR279356
       

      semuloparin

      otamixaban

      teriflunomide

      Rare DiseasesGZ402665eliglustat tartrate
      GZ402671
      GZ404477
      OphtalmologyGZ402663FOV1101
      StarGen™
      UhsStat™
      RetinoStat®

              

      Phase I studies are the first studies performed in humans, in healthy volunteers. Their main objective is to assess the tolerability, the pharmacokinetic profile (the way the product is distributed and metabolized in the body and the manner by which it is eliminated) and where possible the pharmacodynamic profiles of the new drug.drug (i.e. how the product may react on some receptors).

              

      Phase II studies are early controlled studies in a limited number of patients under closely monitored conditions to show efficacy and short-term safety and to determine the dose and regimen for Phase III studies.

              

      Phase III studies have the primary objective of demonstrating or confirming the therapeutic benefit and the safety of the new drug, in the intended indication and population. They are made to provide an adequate basis for registration.

              

      TheOur Phase II & III compounds are described in the section “—"— Pharmaceutical Products — Main Pharmaceutical Products”Products" above. ThisA table summarizing selected key facts concerning our late stage experimental pharmaceutical products follows, at the end of this section.

              The remainder of this section focuses on compounds entering Phase I compounds entries,or in Phase II and also lists projects that were terminated in 2010.2012.


        Diabetes/Other Metabolic Disorders portfolio

        SAR101099, a Urotensin II Receptor Antagonist,SAR164653, an inhibitor of Cathepsin A, entered Phase I.I development. The product is being developed to reduce progressionprevent heart failure for patients having experienced episodes of diabetic nephropathy,acute heart failure.

              The network of R&D collaborations with world leading academic institutions was significantly extended in 2012. A collaboration with the Charité in Berlin that began in 2010 was further extended to include Diabetes as an additional focus. In addition we entered into a severe complicationresearch alliance with the Helmholtz Zentrum in Munich, and a new collaboration with the Joslin Diabetes Center (affiliate of diabetes.

      The novel regenerative compoundSAR288223, also known as PancreateTM, is in the preclinical stage. This product is in-licensed from CureDM, and aims to stimulate growth of islet cells in the pancreas, resulting in restoration of glucose control in the blood.

      Lantus®

      The Lantus® European marketing authorizationHarvard Medical School) was renewed in May 2010, and the Lantus® Pediatric Investigational Plan was adopted in September 2009.

      The partnership with Wellstat forformed to promote the development of a PKC epsilon inhibitor in the treatment of type 2 diabetes has been terminated.

      Oncology portfolio

      In June 2010, we announced that we had signed an agreement to acquire TargeGen Inc., whose lead compoundTG 101348 (SAR302503)is a potent inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (JAK-2). It is an oral agent in Phase I/II and is being developednew medicines for the treatment of patients with myeloproliferative diseases including myelofibrosis (MF) and Polycythemia Vera (PV).

      Also in June 2010, we signed an exclusive global collaboration and licensing agreement with Ascenta Therapeutics for a number of compounds that could restore tumor cell apoptosis. These compounds inhibit the p53-HDM2 (Human Double Minute 2) protein-protein interaction, leading potentially to reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor functions and thereby enhancing current cancer treatments.

      In September 2010, sanofi-aventis and theBelfer Institute of Applied Cancer Science at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) announced that they had entered into a collaboration and license agreement to identify novel oncology targets for the development of new therapeutic agents directed at such targetsdiabetes and related biomarkers.disorders.

      The following late phase projects were terminated:

        The global development ofalvocidibwas halted because the regulatory path proved longer than initially planned.

      The development of larotaxel was terminated due to a lack of sufficient efficacy.

      OphthalmologyOncology portfolio

      A number of

      Two compounds, for the treatment of eye diseaseSAR260301 (PI3Kb selective inhibitor) and SAR405838 (P53/HDM2 antagonist) were added to the portfolioSanofi Phase I pipeline.

      GC 1008, an anti-TGFß monoclonal antibody, is not being further developed for oncology indications via corporate-sponsored studies, although investigator-initiated studies are continuing.

              In 2012, we established further collaborations with other companies, universities and institutes to investigate novel oncology agents with partners including the acquisition of FoveaMassachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in the United States and the collaboration agreement with Oxford BioMedica (see “— Pharmaceutical ProductsInstitut Gustave-Roussy (IGR) in France.

        Sanofi — Main Pharmaceutical ProductsGenzyme early stage portfolio

        rhASM — Other Pharmaceutical Products” above).

        RetinoStat® (gene therapy) forEnzyme replacement therapy targeting the treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) enteredNiemann-Pick B disease. A Phase Ib study should start early 2013.

        Fresolumimab — TGF-ß antagonist targeting the treatment of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The Phase II program was launched early 2013.

        AAV-AADC — Gene therapy based on AAV vector targeting the treatment of moderate to severe Parkinson's disease. Phase I is to be completed.

        SAR339658 (also known as GBR500), a monoclonal antibody directed at the VLA-2 (Very Late Antigen 2) integrin receptor was in-licensed from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals in May 2011. The primary target indication is inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The compound successfully completed Phase I in December.2010 and entered Phase IIa in 2012.

        TSU Aging portfolio

        Two compounds have completed their Phase II clinical program with data analysis ongoing:

        SAR110894 (H3 receptor antagonist for the treatment of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer's dementia) completed its Phase I program and is expected to start Phase II early 2011..

        Three compounds progressed into clinical development (First In Man study)



        SAR113945, an IKK- (IKK-ß kinase inhibitor for the treatment of osteoarthritis (intra-articularby intra-articular administration);.



        One compound has progressed into phase II clinical development:

        SAR292833 — GCR-15300, licensing agreement with Glenmark Pharmaceutical (TRPV3 antagonist for the oral treatment of chronic pain).

        Two compounds have entered Phase I clinical development:

        SAR228810 (anti-protofibrillar AB mAb for the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia).

        SAR391786 — REGN1033 (Anti GDF8 — mAb in sarcopenia) in collaboration with Regeneron.

        One nutraceutical project has entered a clinical program:

        SAR399063 (DHA-GPL & Vit D) for the treatment of sarcopenia.

        SAR114137Three compounds have entered preclinical development:

        SAR396049 (CDRAP-MIA in osteoarthritis), a cathepsin S/licensing agreement with SCIL.

        SAR244181 (P75 dimerization inhibitor in Overactive Bladder).

        SAR296968 (NCX inhibitor in Chronic Heart Failure).

        Two compounds have been terminated:

        SAR114137 (CathepsinS/K inhibitor for the treatment of osteoarthritis;

      SAR152954, an H3 receptor antagonist.

      GCR15300 (SAR292833), a first-in-class molecule for theoral treatment of chronic pain in-licensed from Glenmark, entered the portfoliopain).

      SAR407899 (Rho-Kinase inhibitor).

        Discovery/development partnerships:

        The agreement with Audion Therapeutics (research in Phase I.hearing disorders) has been terminated.

      In December 2010, FDA put on hold all the clinical trials performed

      An agreement was signed in March 2012 with anti-NGF drugs because of side effects occurring with products developed by other companies. Consequently,CNRH, INRA, ASL, 3iNature (Biotechs in Auvergne, France) on the development of SAR164877 (REGN475), co-developed with Regeneron, is on clinical hold.

      A key collaboration agreement was signed with La Charite Hospital, Berlin, on stroke research.

      products for treatment of sarcopenia.

        TSU Infectious Diseases portfolio

        Ferroquine/OZ439 combination for malaria (Partnership with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV)). Ferroquine is a new 4-amino-quinoline being developed for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria. Ferroquine is active against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium strains, and due to its long half-life has the potential to be part of single dose cure regimens and the unified global treatment of both vivax and falciparum malaria.

          SAR279356 (first-in-class human monoclonal antibody for the preventionOZ439 is a synthetic peroxide antimalarial drug candidate from MMV designed to provide a single dose oral cure in humans. An IND was filed with the FDA in November 2012 and treatment ofS. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, Y. pestis and other serious infections) — The option to acquire a license from Alopexx for the development of SAR279356 was finalized in October 2010. The phase I study program has been completed successfully and Phase II is expected in the first half of 2011.

          SAR97276is an antimalarial drug belonging to a new chemical class with an innovative mechanism of action, being developed for the treatment of severe malaria. The optimal dosing schedule is currently being evaluated in children with uncomplicated malaria, prior to initiating the treatment of subjects with severePlasmodium falciparum malaria.

          Other Projects portfolio

          The phase I program forSAR104772, an oral inhibitorstudy of thrombin-activable fibrinolysis (TAFIa) for acute ischemic stroke, is ongoing. Preclinical developmentcombinations of the corresponding intravenous formulation (SAR126119) has been initiated, and the Phase I programtwo compounds is expectedplanned to start in 2011.February 2013.

        SAR279356

        The CHMP issued a positive opinion onPlavix® in addition to aspirin for patients with atrial fibrillation who are at increased risk of stroke and are not suitable for oral anticoagulant treatment. A dossier is also under review in several other countries.

        Pediatric development has been completed on clopidogrel. At a dose (first-in-class human monoclonal antibody for the prevention and treatment of 0.2 mg/kgS. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, Y. pestis and other serious infections) — determined on the basis of similar pharmacodynamic activityThe option to clopidogrel 75 mg in adults — was not effective in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease palliated with a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt.

        In Japanese patients receiving elective PCI,clopidogrel was shown to have a better safety profile than ticlopidine. A dossier for this indication is in preparation for submission in Japan in 2011.

        A dossier was submitted forUroxatral® based on the results of the pediatric development. While the results could not demonstrate the efficacy of alfusozin in patients with voiding disorders, all elements of the pediatric written request were met, and exclusivity has been granted forUroxatral® in the United States thereby prolonging the product patent exclusivity until July 18, 2011.

        Development ofSSR411298 — a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor — in major depressive disorder in elderly patients was discontinued, as the results of the Phase II dose finding study did not support progression to Phase III. Alternative development strategies are under evaluation based on analysis of the data.

        Nerispirdine(K+ and Na+ Channel Blocker, symptomatic treatment for multiple sclerosis; Phase II) was terminated in symptomatic therapy for MS because it failed to meet the endpoints of the Phase II dose ranging study, as reported in April 2010

        Other discovery/ development partnerships

        A licensing agreement was signed in May with Glenmarkacquire an exclusive worldwide license from Alopexx Pharmaceuticals LLC for the development and commercialization of SAR279356 was exercised in October 2010. Following the successful completion of a Phase I study in early 2011, a Phase II PK/PD study was initiated. This study was terminated in 4Q2012 in favor of a revised development plan to include more extensive preclinical credentialing prior to conduct of a future phase II proof of concept study.

        SAR97276 (in licensed from CNRS) is an antimalarial drug belonging to a new chemical class with an innovative mechanism of action, being developed for the treatment of severe malaria. Clinical development of monotherapy treatment is on hold while the potential for the product as a combination therapy with other antimalarials is evaluated.

      The Sanofi Fovea ophthalmology pipelinenow includes four projects in clinical-stage development:

        sFlt01 (Phase I): a gene therapy to deliver anti-angiogenic gene (anti-sFlt01) to stop the progression of neovascularization and edema related to wet Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and to improve patients' vision;

        Retino Stat® (Phase I): a gene therapy to treat wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD);

        StarGen™ (Phase I): a gene therapy to treat (by replacing missing ABCR gene) Stargardt disease, an orphan inherited condition that leads to progressive sight loss from age seven+;

        UshStat™ (Phase I): a gene therapy to deliver functional MY07A gene to photoreceptor in Usher type 1B disease, an orphan inherited condition that results in progressive visual field constriction and vision loss.

        Other Projects portfolio

        The Phase I program forSAR126119, an injectable synthetic inhibitor of TAFI (thrombin-activable fibrinolysis inhibitor) has been successfully conducted. We are looking for a partnership to pursue the development of this molecule and set up a phase II study in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

        The development ofSSR411298 (an oral fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor) as a treatment of chronic pain in cancer patients has been discontinued in light of our positioning in pain treatment and the priorities for our R&D portfolio.

        R&D expenditures for late stage development

              Expenditures on research and development amounted to €4,922 million in 2012, of which €4,219 million in the Pharmaceuticals segment, €539 million in Human Vaccines and €164 million in Animal Health. Research and development expenditures were the equivalent of 14.1% of net sales in 2012, compared to 14.4% in 2011, 14.1% in 2010 and 15.5% in 2009. The stability of R&D expenditure as a percentage of sales over the past three years is explained by the management of the portfolio and close control over expenditures, despite the increasing proportion of products in chronic pain treatment. The first molecule includedlate stage development. Preclinical research in this agreement entered the portfolioPharmaceuticals segment amounted to €1,038 million in 2012, compared to €1,113 million in 2011 and €1,037 million in 2010. Of the remaining €3,181 million relating to clinical development in the pharmaceutical sector (€2,989 million in 2011 and €2,848 million in 2010), the largest portion was generated by Phase III or post-marketing studies, reflecting the cost of monitoring large scale clinical trials.

              For each of our late stage compounds in the Pharmaceutical segment that were in Phase I (SAR292833 –GRC15300) (see “— TSU Aging portfolio” above)III in 2012, we set out below the date at which this compound entered into Phase III development, information concerning any compound patent in the principal markets for innovative pharmaceutical products (the United States, European Union and Japan) as well as comments regarding significant future milestones that are reasonably determinable at this date. Because the timing of such milestones typically depends on a number of factors outside of our control (such as the time to validate study protocols and recruit subjects, the speed with which endpoints are realized, and the substantial time taken by regulatory review) it is frequently not possible to provide such estimates, and any such estimates as are given should be understood to be indicative only. See also "Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business".

      Phase III
       Entry into Phase III (1)
       Compound Patent Term (2)
       Comments
       
       
       (month/year)
       U.S.
       E.U.
       Japan
        
       
      Lyxumia® (lixisenatide) (3) May 2008 (4)  2020  2020  2020 Dossier approved in Europe in February 2013 and submitted in the U.S. in December 2012. The FDA accepted the file for review on February 19, 2013
       
      Zaltrap® (aflibercept) July 2006  2020  2020  2020 2nd line colorectal cancer, approved and launched in the U.S. in August 2012, and approved in the E.U. in February 2013
       
      iniparib (BSI-201) June 2009  2013  2014  N/A Phase III program ongoing in 1st line squamous Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
                   Phase II program in 2nd line ovarian cancer ongoing
       

      Phase III
       Entry into Phase III (1)
       Compound Patent Term (2)
       Comments
       
       
       (month/year)
       U.S.
       E.U.
       Japan
        
       
      otamixaban April 2010  2016  2016  2016 Phase III results in Acute Coronay Syndrome (ACS) expected in the second quarter of 2013
       
      Aubagio® (teriflunomide) (3) September 2004  2014  expired  expired In the monotherapy treatment of multiple sclerosis, dossier approved in September 2012 in the U.S., launched in October and submitted in February 2012 in Europe.
       
      SAR236553 (REGN727) (anti PCSK-9 mAb) July 2012  2029  2029  2029 Phase III program on going in hypercholesterolemia
       
      SAR302503 (TG101348) January 2012  2026  2026 (3) 2026 (3)Phase III program ongoing in the treatment of myelofibrosis
       
      Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab) September 2007
      (MS)
        2015 (5) 2014  expired Dossier submitted in Europe and U.S. for the treatment of relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis in May and November 2012, respectively
       
      New formulation Insulin glargine December 2011  2015 (6) 2014  2014 Phase III program ongoing
       
      Kynamro™ (mipomersen) (3) August 2007  2025  pending  2023 Dossier submitted in July 2011 in Europe and approved in the U.S. on January 29, 2013 in the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)
       
      eliglustat tartrate September 2009  2022  2022  2022 Phase III program ongoing in the treatment of Gaucher Disease type 1
       
      sarilumab August 2011  2028  2027  2027 Phase III program in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis ongoing
       
      (1)
      First entry into Phase III in any indication.
      (2)
      Subject to any future supplementary protection certificates and patent term extensions.
      (3)
      Application pending in some countries.
      (4)
      Development of lixisenatide as stand alone entity. A program evaluating the benefit of a combination of lixisenatide / Lantus® is in development.
      (5)
      Regulatory exclusivity: May 2013.
      (6)
      Including a 6-month pediatric extension.

              With respect to the compound patent information set out above, investors should bear the following additional factors in mind.

      A global strategic alliance

        The listed compound patent expiration dates do not reflect possible extensions of up to five years available in the United States, the European Union, and Japan for pharmaceutical products. See "— Patents, Intellectual Property and Other Rights — Patent Protection" for a description of supplementary protection certificates and patent term extensions.

        Depending on the discovery, developmentcircumstances surrounding any final regulatory approval of the compound, there may be other listed patents or patent applications pending that could have relevance to the product as finally approved; the relevance of any such application would depend upon the claims that ultimately may be granted and commercializationthe nature of microRNA therapeutics was signed with Regulusthe final regulatory approval of the product.

        Regulatory exclusivity tied to the protection of clinical data is complementary to patent protection, and in June 2010. These productsmany cases may provide more efficacious or longer lasting marketing exclusivity than a compound's patent estate. See "— Patents, Intellectual Property and Other Rights — Regulatory Exclusivity" for additional information. In the United States the data protection generally runs five years from first marketing approval of a new chemical entity extended to seven years for an orphan drug indication and twelve years from first marketing approval of a biological product (e.g., aflibercept). In the European Union and Japan the corresponding data protection periods are at the discovery stage.

        generally ten years and eight years, respectively.

      Vaccines Research and Development

              

      Our human vaccine research and development (R&D) remains focused on improving existing vaccines, as well as on the development of new prophylactic vaccines.

        Portfolio

              

      The sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur R&D portfolio includes 1514 vaccines currently in advanced development as shown in the table below. The portfolio includes 6 vaccinesfive vaccines/antibody products for novel targets and 9nine vaccines which are enhancements of existing vaccine products.

      Phase I
      Phase IIaIIPhase IIb

      Phase III
      Submitted



      Streptococcus pneumonia *


      Meningitis & pneumonia vaccine


      Tuberculosis *


      Recombinant subunit vaccine


      Rotavirus (Shantha)


      Live Attenuated Tetravalent Rotavirusattenuated tetravalent rotavirus oral vaccine


      Pseudomonas aeruginosa *


      Antibody fragment product

      Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia



       

      Rabies *

      mAb post exposure prophylaxis

      Meningitis A,C,Y,W
      conj.

      2nd generation generation

      Meningococcal
      meningococcal conjugate Infantinfant vaccine


      Rabies VRVg


      Purified vero rabies vaccine

      DTP-HepB-Polio-Hib vaccine(1)

      ACAM C. diff *


      Clostridium difficile
      Toxoid vaccine



       


       


      Hexaxim™

      DTP-HepB-Polio-Hib vaccine

      Quadracel®

      DTP (1)

      Quadracel®

      DTP(1) IPV vaccine 4-6 years U.S.

      Dengue *


      Mild-to-severe dengue fever vaccine


      FluzoneFluzone® QIV IM® QIV
      Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine

      Vaxigrip® QIV IM
      Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine
      DTP-HepB-Polio-
      Hib (1)
      Pediatric hexavalent vaccine




      Hexaxim®/New hexavalent vaccine
      DTP-HepB-Polio-
      Hib vaccine (1)
      Fluzone® QIV ID
      Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine intradermal
       

      Menactra®

      Meningococcal conjugate vaccine for Infants/Toddlers at 9-12 months

      Fluzone® ID

      Seasonal influenza vaccine. intradermal micro-injection U.S.

      (1)
      D=Diphtheria, T=Tetanus, Hib=Haemophilus influenzae b, HepB=Hepatitis B, P=Pertussis.
      *
      New targets

      (1)

      D=Diphtheria, T=Tetanus, Hib=Haemophilus influenzae b, HepB=Hepatitis B, P=Pertussis.

      *New targets

      Project highlights

              

      This section focuses on Phase I compounds and novel targets. Other vaccines in Phase II or III are described in the section “—"— Vaccine Products”Products" above.


        Influenza

              

      To sustain our global leadership in the development of influenza vaccine, our R&D efforts are focused on innovative approaches for assessing new formulations and alternative delivery systems, as well as quadrivalent flu vaccine development (see “—"— Vaccine Products”Products").

        Pediatric Combination & Adolescent/Adult Boosters

      Several pediatric vaccines are under development. Tailored for specific markets, they are aimed at protecting against five or all six of the following diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis (polio),Haemophilus influenzae type b infections and hepatitis B.B (see "— Vaccine Products").

        Meningitis

              

      Neisseria meningitidesmeningitidisbacteria is a leading cause of meningitis in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, affecting infants and children as well as adolescents. The primary focus of several ongoing projects related to Menactra®Menactra® is to decrease the age at which this vaccine can first be administered. (see “—"— Vaccine Products” above)Products").

        Pneumococcal Vaccine

              

      Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria is the leading etiological agent causing severe infections such as pneumonia, septicemia, meningitis and otitis media, and is responsible for over three million deaths per year worldwide, of which one million are children. Anti-microbial resistance inStreptococcus pneumoniae has complicated the treatment of pneumococcal disease and further emphasized the need for vaccination to prevent large-scale morbidity and mortality.

      Sanofi Pasteur is focused on the development of a multi-protein-based pneumococcal vaccine. This approach should result in a vaccine with superior serotype coverage as compared to current polysaccharide or conjugate based vaccines. Thevaccines and should not induce nor be sensitive to serotype replacement. Results from the first Phase I clinical trial of a bivalentbi-component formulation was initiated in February 2010demonstrated safety and completed enrollment in 2010. Aimmunogenicity. Results from a second Phase I clinical trial to evaluate a third antigen was initiatedalso demonstrated safety and immunogenicity (ability to induce an immune response). A third Phase I clinical trial of a tri-component formulation began in June 2010.September 2011 in adults, adolescents, and infants in Bangladesh.

        Rabies Vaccine

              

      Rabies mAb Post Exposure Prophylaxis— This product consists of two rabies monoclonal antibodies (MABs)(mAbs) that will be used in association with the rabies vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is beingIn 2011, Sanofi Pasteur reviewed the rabies mAb project, developed in collaborationpartnership with Crucell. A Phase II clinical trial to evaluate safetyCrucell, acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2011, has taken over full responsibility for the development of the product and immunogenicitySanofi Pasteur will be initiated in 2011.market it, when the vaccine is available.

        New Vaccine Targets

              

      Dengue— Dengue fever has increasing epidemiological importance due to global socio-climatic changes. It is a major medical and economic burden in the endemic areas of Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa. It is also one of the leading causes of fever among travelers. Multiple approaches have been tested to develop a vaccine covering the four viral serotypes of dengue fever in order to prevent this disease and its severe complications (hemorrhagic fever). Results of a Phase II clinical trial in adults in the United States demonstrated proof of concept of the lead vaccine candidate based on ChimeriVax™ technology. Sanofi Pasteur’sPasteur's dengue vaccine research program includes ongoing clinical studies (adults and children) in several countries in endemic regions. The first Phase III study was initiated in October 2010 in Australia. This final stagecomplexity of clinical development aims at demonstrating that production of thedengue virus infection has hampered vaccine on an industrial scale will meet the consistency criteria requiredresearch for market authorizations. The study in Australiadecades and it is the first to use ourtime in 50 years of dengue research that a vaccine was seen that protected a large group of children from clinical disease caused by dengue viruses. The results of the world's first efficacy study confirmed the excellent safety profile of Sanofi Pasteur's dengue vaccine doses produced on an industrial scale. Furthercandidate. The full analysis of vaccine efficacy against each serotype, reflecting real-life conditions (intent to treat analysis) showed vaccine efficacy to be 61.2% against dengue virus type 1, 81.9% against type 3 and 90% against type 4. One of the


      dengue virus types (serotype 2) eluded the vaccine. Analyses are ongoing to understand the lack of protection for serotype 2. Phase III efficacy studies to evaluate efficacy will beginare ongoing in 2011.several Latin American and South East Asian countries.

              

      Tuberculosis— Statens Serum Institute of Denmark (SSI) has granted sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur a license to its technology with regard to the use of certain fusion proteins in the development of a tuberculosis vaccine. The license from SSI includes access to the Intercell IC31®IC31® adjuvant. The candidate vaccine is made up of recombinant protein units. Results from the 2008 Phase I trial found that the H4/IC31 tuberculosis vaccine candidate was safe when administered to healthy adults living in a region of high endemic tuberculosis. Rapid and poly-functional antigen-specific T cell responses were induced following a single dose of the investigational vaccine. A second Phase I trial was initiated in Switzerland in December 2010. A Phase I/II study will be initiated in the Republic of South Africa in infants primed with BCG.

              

      HIVTheA follow-up study to the Phase III clinical trial in Thailand completedprovided new clues in 2011 about the types of immune responses that may have played a role in the protection seen in 2009 providedwith our ALVAC®-HIV vaccine. In 2011, Sanofi Pasteur entered into a public-private partnership with Novartis Vaccines, the first concrete evidence sinceBill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the discovery of the HIV virus in 1983 that a vaccine against HIV is potentially feasible. Additional work is required to develop and test a vaccine suitable for approval and worldwide use. During 2010, the Thai study partnership (the U.S. Army, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand,HIV Vaccine Trial Network, and sanofi pasteur) continued to work together in monitoring patients infected withthe Military HIV in the Phase III trial, evaluating existing clinical samples using state-of-the-art immunological tools, and designing future studies. Sanofi Pasteur has also initiated discussions with potential industrial partnersResearch Program to substantiate and extend the vector prime/protein subunit boost regimen used in Thailand. Plans are being made to also study the Phase III trial. Public-private partnerships will be evaluated asregimen in the Republic of South Africa. This collaboration is expected to further the field of HIV vaccine development by sharing resources and by providing the manufacturing component of a sourcepartnership of funding agencies, research organizations, governments, and experts in the field of HIV vaccine development. Sanofi Pasteur is also looking at its NYVAC-HIV vaccine replicating vectors and a flavivirus-based viral vector, Replivax, by participating in international consortium and under the Collaboration for future clinical trials and product development.AIDS Vaccine Discovery (CAVD).

              

      ACAM-Cdiff —Clostridium difficile is a major public health concern in North America and Europe. In hospitals, it is the leading cause of infectious diarrhea in adults, particularly the elderly. The epidemiology ofClostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) has been increasing at an alarminga worrying rate since 2003, driven primarily by the emergence of a treatment-resistant, highly virulent strain CD027. There is currently no vaccine available and the only vaccine candidate currently in development is ACAM-Cdiff. ACAM-Cdiff is a toxoid-based vaccine. Toxoids have been used as the basis of a number of highly successful licensed vaccines. This vaccine candidate has successfully completed Phase I clinical trials with more than 200 participants in which safety and immunogenicity were evaluated. Sanofi Pasteur received a positive response from the United States. FDA’sStates FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research (CBER) on the Fast Track Development Program submission in 2010. In November 2010, ourClostridium difficilevaccine started Phase II of clinical study in the U.S. This

      trial is focused on evaluating prevention of the first episode ofClostridium difficile infection (CDI) in at-risk individuals, which includes adults with imminent hospitalization or current or impending residence in a long-term care or rehabilitation facility. Results from the first stage of this study showed the vaccine was safe and immunogenic and provided important information for dose selection. Phase II study results are under review. A multinational Phase III trial is planned to start in the third quarter of 2013.

              

      Pseudomonas aeruginosa— In February 2010, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur entered into an agreement with KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, a U.S.-based, privately held biotech company, for the development of a Humaneered™ antibody fragment to both treat and preventPseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections. Most seriousPa infections occur in hospitalized and critically or chronically ill patients — primarily affecting the respiratory system in susceptible individuals — and are a serious clinical problem due to their resistance to antibiotics. The two primary target indications for the antibody are prevention ofPa associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients in hospitals, and prevention of relapses and potential improvement of treatment outcomes in patients with an ongoingPa infection. Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur acquired worldwide rights for all disease indications related toPa infections except cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, which sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur has the option to obtain at a later date. KaloBios has already completed phasePhase I clinical trials — one in healthy volunteers and one in cystic fibrosis patients — and a small proof of concept phasePhase II clinical trial in mechanically ventilated patients.patients using anE. coli-derived antibody fragment. A Phase I study in healthy adult volunteers has been initiated in December 2012 with a Chinese hamster ovary cell-derived antibody fragment.


              

      Rotavirus— Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in children aged under five globally. Estimates suggest that rotavirus causes over 25 million outpatient visits, over 2 million hospitalizations and over 500,000 deaths per year. The burden of severe rotavirus illness and deaths falls heavily upon children in the poorer countries of the world, with more than 80% of rotavirus-related deaths estimated to occur in lower income countries of Asia, and in sub-Saharan Africa. Two vaccines (RotaTeq®(RotaTeq® and Rotarix®Rotarix®) are licensed worldwide, but production of local vaccines is necessary to achieve wide coverage. Shantha has a non-exclusive license of rotavirus strains from the U.S. NIH and is developing a live-attenuated human bovine (G1-G4) reassortant vaccine. The license excludes Europe, Canada, United States, China and Brazil. The project is currently in phase I.Phase I/II (dose finding study).

      Patents, Intellectual Property and Other Rights

        Patent Protection

              

      We own a broad portfolio of patents, patent applications and patent licenses worldwide. These patents are of various types and may cover:

        active ingredients;



      pharmaceutical formulations;



      product manufacturing processes;



      intermediate chemical compounds;



      therapeutic indications/methods of use;



      delivery systems; and



      enabling technologies, such as assays.

              

      Patent protection for individual products typically extends for 20 years from the patent filing date in countries where we seek patent protection. A substantial part of the 20-year life span of a patent on a new chemical entity has generally already passed by the time the related product obtains marketing approval. As a result, the effective period of patent protection for an approved product’sproduct's active ingredient is significantly shorter than 20 years. In some cases, the period of effective protection may be extended by procedures established to compensate significant regulatory delay in Europe (a Supplementary Protection Certificate or SPC), the United States (a Patent Term Extension or PTE) and Japan (also a PTE).

              

      TheAdditionally, the product may additionally benefit from the protection of patents obtained during development or after the product’sproduct's initial marketing approval. The protection a patent affords the related product depends upon the type of patent and its scope of coverage, and may also vary from country to country. In Europe for instance, applications for new patents may be submitted to the European Patent Office (EPO), an intergovernmental organization which centralizes filing and prosecution. As of December 2010,2012, an EPO patent application may

      cover the 38 European Patent Convention member states, including all 27 member states of the European Union. The granted “European Patent”"European Patent" establishes corresponding national patents with uniform patent claims among the member states. However, some older patents were not approved through this centralized process, resulting in patents having claim terms for the same invention that differ by country. Additionally, a number of patents prosecuted through the EPO may pre-date the European Patent Convention accession of some current European Patent Convention member states, resulting in different treatment in those countries.

              

      We monitor our competitors and vigorously seek to challenge patent infringement when such challenges would negatively impact our business objectives. See Note D.22.b) to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 18"Item 8 — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Patents" of this annual report.

              

      The expiration or loss of an active ingredienta compound patent may result in significant competition from generic products and can result in a dramatic reduction in sales of the original branded product. See “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks RelatingWe may lose market share to Legal Matters — Generic versions of some of our products maycompeting remedies or generic brands if they are perceived to be approved for sale in oneequivalent or more of their major markets”superior products". In some cases, it is possible to continue to obtain commercial benefits from product


      manufacturing trade secrets or from other types of patents, such as patents on processes, intermediates, structure, formulations, methods of treatment, indications or delivery systems. Certain categories of products, such as traditional vaccines and insulin, have been historically relatively less reliant on patent protection and may in many cases have no patent coverage, although it is increasingly frequent for novel vaccines and insulins to be patent protected. See “—"— Focus on Biologics”Biologics" below. Patent protection is also an important factor in our animal health business, but is of comparatively lesser importance to our Consumer Health Care and generics businesses, which rely principally on trademark protection.

        Regulatory Exclusivity

              

      In some markets, including the European Union and the United States, many of our pharmaceutical products may also benefit from multi-year regulatory exclusivity periods, during which a generic competitor may not rely uponon our clinical trial and safety data in its drug application. Exclusivity is meant to encourage investment in research and development by providing innovators the exclusive use for a limited time of the innovation represented by a newly approved drug product. This exclusivity operates independently of patent protection and may protect the product from generic competition even if there is no patent covering the product.

              

      In the United States, the FDA will not grant final marketing approval to a generic competitor for a New Chemical Entity (NCE) until the expiration of the regulatory exclusivity period (generally five years) that commences upon the first marketing authorization of the reference product. The FDA will accept the filing of an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) containing a patent challenge one year before the end of this regulatory exclusivity period (see the descriptions of ANDAs in “—"— Product Overview — Challenges to Patented Products”Products" below). In addition to the regulatory exclusivity granted to NCEs, significant line extensions of existing NCEs may qualify for an additional three years of regulatory exclusivity. Also, under certain limited conditions, it is possible to extend unexpired U.S. regulatory and patent-related exclusivities by a pediatric extension. See “—"— Pediatric Extension”Extension", below.

              Further, in the United States, a different regulatory exclusivity period applies to biological drugs. The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 ("BPCIA"), was enacted on March 23, 2010 as part of the much larger health care reform legislation known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA"). The BPCIA introduced an approval pathway for biosimilar products. A biosimilar product is a biologic product that is highly similar to the reference (or innovator) product notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components, and which has no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product in terms of the safety, purity, and potency of the product. The BPCIA provides that an application for a biosimilar product that relies on a reference product may not be submitted to the FDA until four years after the date on which the reference product was first licensed, and that the FDA may not approve a biosimilar application until 12 years after the date on which the reference product was first licensed.

      In the European Union, regulatory exclusivity is available in two forms: data exclusivity and marketing exclusivity. Generic drug applications will not be accepted for review until eight years after the first marketing authorization (data exclusivity). This eight-year period is followed by a two-year period during which generics cannot be marketed (marketing exclusivity). The marketing exclusivity period can be extended to three years if, during the first eight-year period, the marketing authorization holder obtains an authorization for one or more new therapeutic indications which are deemed to provide a significant clinical benefit over existing therapies. This is known as the “8+"8+2+1”1" rule.

              

      While these exclusivities are intended to be applicable throughout the European Union, in a decentralized system, national authorities may act in ways that are inconsistent with EU regulatory exclusivity. For example, although European marketing exclusivity for clopidogrel expired in July 2008, in May 2008 the German Health authority BfArM had already registered a competitor’s clopidogrel product based on a contested interpretation of the law. Furthermore, in 2006, the Polish and Bulgarian authorities registered generics of clopidogrel bisulfate based on these countries’ contested position that EU marketing exclusivities need not be applied by individual countries where generics had been approved prior to their accession date.

      In Japan, the regulatory exclusivity period varies from four years (forfor medicinal products with new indications, formulations, dosages, or compositions with related prescriptions)prescriptions, to six years (forfor new drugs containing a medicinal composition, or requiring a new route of administration)administration, to eight years (forfor drugs containing a new chemical entity)entity, to ten years (forfor orphan drugs or new drugs requiring pharmaco-epidemiological study).study.

        Emerging Markets

              

      One of the main limitations on our operations in emerging market countries is the lack of effective intellectual property protection or enforcement for our products. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-RelatedTrade-


      Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIP) has required developing countries to amend their intellectual property laws to provide patent protection for pharmaceutical products since January 1, 2005, although it provides a limited number of developing countries an extension to 2016. Additionally, these same countries frequently do not provide non-patent exclusivity for innovative products. While the situation has gradually improved, the lack of protection for intellectual property rights or the lack of robust enforcement of intellectual property rights poses difficulties in certain countries. Additionally, in recent years a number of countries faced withfacing health crises have waived or threatened to waive intellectual property protection for specific products, for example through compulsory licensing.licensing of generics. See “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — The globalization of the Group’sGroup's business exposes us to increased risks."

        Pediatric Extension

              

      In the United States and Europe, under certain conditions, it is possible to extend a product’sproduct's regulatory exclusivities for an additional period of time by providing data regarding pediatric studies.

              

      In the United States, the FDA may ask a company for pediatric studies if it has determined that information related to the use of the drugs in the pediatric population may produce health benefits. The FDA has invited us by written request to provide additional pediatric data on several of our main products. Under the Hatch-Waxman Act, timely provision of data meeting the FDA’sFDA's requirements (regardless of whether the data supports a pediatric indication) may result in the FDA extending regulatory exclusivity and patent life by six months, to the extent these protections have not already expired (the so-called “pediatric exclusivity”"pediatric exclusivity"). TheOur main products havingwhich have received past FDA grants of pediatric exclusivity at some point are Aprovel®Aprovel®, Lantus®Lantus®, Allegra®Allegra®, Ambien®Ambien®/Ambien®Ambien® CR, Plavix®Plavix®, Taxotere®, and Taxotere®Actonel®.

              

      In Europe, a regulation on pediatric medicines came into force on January 26, 2007. This regulation was implemented in 2009, and provides for pediatric research obligations with potential associated rewards including extension of patent protection (for patented medicinal products) and regulatory exclusivity for pediatric marketing authorization (for off-patent medicinal products). For additional details, see “— Regulation” below.

              

      Japanese regulations do not currently offer the possibility of similar extensions in exchangeIn Japan, for pediatric study results.research there is no extension of patent protection (for patented medicinal products), however, it may result in an extension of marketing exclusivity from 8 to 10 years.

        Orphan Drug Exclusivity

              Orphan drug exclusivity may be granted in the United States to drugs intended to treat rare diseases or conditions (affecting fewer than 200,000 patients in the U.S. or in some cases more than 200,000 with no expectation of recovering costs).

              Obtaining orphan drug exclusivity is a two-step process. An applicant must first seek and obtain orphan drug designation from the FDA for its drug. If the FDA approves the drug for the designated indication, the drug will receive orphan drug exclusivity.

              Orphan drug exclusivity runs from the time of approval and bars approval of another application (ANDA, 505(b)(2), New Drug Application (NDA) or Biologic License Application (BLA)) from a different sponsor for the same drug in the same indication for a seven-year period. Whether a subsequent application is for the "same" drug depends upon the chemical and clinical characteristics. The FDA may approve applications for the "same" drug for indications not protected by orphan exclusivity.

              Orphan drug exclusivities also exist in the European Union and Japan.

        Product Overview

              

      We summarize below the intellectual property coverage in our major markets of the marketed products described above at “—"— Pharmaceutical Products — Main Pharmaceutical Products”Products". Concerning animal health products, Merial’sMerial's intellectual property coverage is described above (see “—"— Animal Health: Merial”Merial"). In the discussion of patents below, we focus on active ingredient patents (compound patents) and any later filed improvement patents listed, as applicable, in the FDA’sFDA's list of Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (the “Orange Book”


      "Orange Book") or on their foreign equivalents, because theseequivalents. These patents tend to be the most relevant in the event of an application by a competitor to produce a generic version of one of our products or the equivalent of these patents in other countries (see “—"— Challenges to Patented Products”Products" below). In some cases, products may also benefit from pending patent applications andor from patents not eligible for Orange Book listing (e.g., patents claiming industrial processes). In each case below, we specify whether the active ingredient is claimed by an unexpired patent. Where patent terms have been extended to compensate for regulatory delay, the extended dates are presented below. U.S. patent expirations presented below reflect U.S. Patent and Trademark Office dates, and therefore do notalso reflect six-month pediatric extensions to the FDA’sFDA's Orange Book dates for the

      products concerned (Aprovel®, Lantus®, Stilnox®/Ambien® CR, Allegra®, Plavix®Lantus® and Taxotere®)Actonel®. A footnote indicates those cases where the FDA’s Orange Book reflects a pediatric exclusivity extended 6 months beyond the United States Patent and Trademarks Office (U.S. PTO) patent expiration date.

              

      We do not provide later filed improvement patent information relating to formulations already available as an unlicensed generic. References below to patent protection in Europe indicate the existence of relevant patents in most major markets in the European Union. Specific situations may vary country by country, most notably with respect to older patents and to countries having only recently joined the European Union.

              

      We additionally set out any regulatory exclusivity from which these products continue to benefit in the United States, European Union or Japan. Regulatory exclusivities presented below incorporate any pediatric extensions obtained. While EUE.U. regulatory exclusivity is intended to be applied throughout the European Union, in some cases member states have taken positions prejudicial to our exclusivity rights. See “— Regulatory Exclusivity” above.

      Lantus®Lantus® (insulin glargine)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: August 2014, 1 protection extended to February 2015 by Pediatric extension

       

      Compound: November 2014 in most of the EU; no compound patent in force in much of EasternWestern Europe requests for pediatric exclusivity until May 2015 are pending

       


      Compound: November 2014

      Regulatory exclusivity: October 2011


      Apidra®Apidra® (insulin glulisine)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: June 2018

       

      Compound: September 2019 in most of the EU


      Compound: May 2022
      Later filed patent: ranging through January 2023 Compound: MayLater filed patent:
      March 2022
      Later filed patent: July 2022

      Later filed improvement patents: formulation March 2022 and January 2023

       

      Regulatory exclusivity:
      September 2014

       

      Later filed improvement patent: formulation July 2022

      Regulatory exclusivity: April 2017

      Taxotere®Taxotere® (docetaxel)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: expired in May 2010


      2Compound: expired


      Compound: expired
      Generics on the market Compound: expired in November 2010 in most ofGenerics on the EUmarket Compound: June 2012

      No generic products presentlyGenerics on the market.

      Later filed improvement patents: additional patent coverage (2012 to 2013)

      Genericized

      Later filed improvement patents: formulation running through November 2013

      market


      EloxatineEloxatine® (oxaliplatin) ® (oxaliplatin) 3(1)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: expired

       

      Compound: expired

       

      Compound: N/A
      (3)
      Later filed improvement patents: coverage ranging through August 2016Generics on the market  4(2) GenericizedGenerics on the market 

      (1)
      We do not own most Eloxatin® patents but license them from Debiopharm for marketing.
      (2)
      See "Item 8 — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Patents — Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) Patent Litigation".
      (3)
      No rights to compound in Japan.

      1

      pediatric exclusivity until February 2015.

      2

      pediatric exclusivity until November 2010.

      3

      We do not own most Eloxatine® patents but license them from Debiopharm for marketing.

      4

      Was genericized in 2010 until settlement of litigation. Is not currently genericized and may or may not retain exclusivity until August 9, 2012, depending on outcome of settlement dispute presently in court.

      Jevtana®Jevtana® (cabazitaxel)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan
      Compound: March 2016 (up to March 2021 if PTE is granted) Compound: March 2016 (patent term extension to be determined once product is approved in Europe) Compound: March 2016 (patent term extension to be determined once product is approved in Japan)
      Later filed improvement patents: coverage ranging through December 2025 Later filed patents: coverage ranging through September 2024 
      Later filed patents: coverage ranging through September 2024
      Regulatory exclusivity: June 2015 Regulatory exclusivity: March 2021 Regulatory exclusivity: to be determined upon approval of a product in Japan


      Lovenox®Lovenox® (enoxaparin sodium)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan


      Compound: no compound patent coverage

      Genericized



      Compound: expired


      Compound: expired
      Generics on the market Compound: June 2011 in part of the EU; exceptions: no compound patent in force in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Greece and much of Eastern Europe 

      Compound: expired

      Regulatory exclusivity: January 2016


      Plavix®Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan


      Compound: November 2011Expired



      1Generics on the market


      Compound: expired

      Generics on the market Genericized (other clopidogrel salts)Compound: 2013
       Regulatory exclusivity: January 2014


      Aprovel® (irbesartan)
      Aprovel® (irbesartan)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: September 20112expired

       

      Compound: August 2012expired in most of the EU; exceptions: expires March 2011 in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia andMay 2013 in Lithuania and Latvia.Lithuania. No compound patent in force in Spain, Portugal, Finland, Norway and much of Eastern Europe


      Compound: March 2016
      Generics on the market Compound:Generics on the marketRegulatory exclusivity: April 2016


      Tritace® (ramipril)

      Later filed improvement patents: formulation coverage ranging through 2016

      Generics on the market in some EU countries

      Later filed improvement patent: formulation (2021)

      Regulatory exclusivity: 2016

      Tritace® (ramipril)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      N/A(1)


      Compound: expired


      Compound: expired
       Compound: expiredGenerics on the market Compound: expired
      Genericized

      (1)
      No rights to compound in the U.S.

      1

      pediatric exclusivity until May 2012.

      2

      pediatric exclusivity until March 2012.

      Multaq®Multaq® (dronedarone hydrochloride)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan


      Compound: July 2011

      (2013 with interim petition granted (July 2016 if PTE petition is granted)



      Compound: expired


      Compound: expired
      Later filed improvement patent: formulation (2018)

      (June 2018)

      Later filed patent: formulation June 2018 extended with SPC up to June 2023 in most of the countries
      Regulatory exclusivity: July 2014

       

      Compound: August 2011

      Later filed improvement patent: formulation (2018; 2023 if SPC granted)

      Regulatory exclusivity: November 2019

       Compound: August 2011


      Stilnox®Stilnox® (zolpidem tartrate)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound patent: expired


      Compound patent: expired


      Compound patent: expired
      Generics on the market Compound patent: expiredGenerics on the market Compound patent:
      Regulatory exclusivity: expired
      Later filed patent: Ambien® CR formulation (December 2019); not commercialized.



      Later filed improvement patent; Ambien®Depakine® (sodium valproate) CR formulation (2019)
      GenericizedGenericized

      Regulatory exclusivity: expired.

      Later filed improvement patent: Ambien® CR formulation (2019); not commercialized.

      Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) 1

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: N/A(1)


      Compound: N/A (1)


      Compound: N/A (1)
       Compound: 2015Later filed patent:
      Depakine® Chronosphere
      formulation (October 2017)
       N/ALater filed patent: Depakine® Chronosphere
      formulation (October 2017)

      (1)
      No rights to compounds in the U.S., E.U. and Japan.

      Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride)
      DepakineU.S.E.U.Japan®(1) (sodium valproate)

      Compound: expired


      Compound: expired


      Compound: expired
      Generics on the marketGenerics on the marketGenerics on the market
      Converted to Over-the-CounterConverted to over-the counter
      Later filed patents: coverage ranging through January 2016


      (1)
      See "Item 8 — A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information — Patents — Allegra® Patent Litigation" of this annual report for further information.

      Nasacort® (triamcinolone acetonide) (1)
      U.S.

       E.U. Japan
      N/A
      Compound: expired

       

      Compound: expired
      Later filed improvement patent: Depakine® Chronosphere® formulation (2017)
       

      Later filed improvement patent: Depakine® Chronosphere® formulation (2017)
      Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride)

      U.S.

      E.U.Japan
      Compound: expiredCompound: expiredCompound: expired
      Converted to Over-the-CounterGenericizedLater filed improvement patents: coverage ranging through 2016
      Nasacort® (triamcinolone acetonide)2

      U.S.

      E.U.Japan
      Compound: expiredCompound: expiredCompound: expired
      Later filed improvement patents: formulation and method of use July 2016 Later filed improvement patent: formulation July 2017 
      Generic licensed as early as 2011 2Generics on the market  


      1.
      (1)
      A license was granted to Barr Laboratories, Inc. in settlement of patent litigation.

      Sanofi-aventis has licensed Copaxone® from Teva, with which we co-promote the product.

      2.A license was granted to Barr Laboratories, Inc. in settlement of patent litigation.

      Xatral®Xatral® (alfuzosin hydrochloride)

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: expired


      3Compound: expired


      Compound: expired
      Generics on the market Compound: expiredGenerics on the market Compound: expired
      GenericizedGenericizedGenericizedGenerics on the market

      Actonel®Actonel® (risedronate sodium)(1)4

      U.S.

       E.U. Japan

      Compound: December 2013,
      Extended to June 2014 by Pediatric extension

       

      Compound: expired in December 2010 in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland and Italy; previously expired elsewhere

       
      N/A

      Compound: Expired
      Later filed improvement patents: coverage ranging through June 2018 Later filed improvement patents: coverage ranging through June 2018 


      (1)
      On October 30, 2009, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals (P&G) sold its pharmaceutical business to Warner Chilcott (WCRX) which became the successor to P&G in rights and interests for the Actonel® alliance and now holds the NDA and the patents for this product in the United States. We commercialize Actonel® with WCRX. See "Item 5 — Financial Presentation of Alliances".

      Amaryl® (glimepiride)
      3.U.S.

      E.U.Japan

      Compound: expired


      Compound: expired


      Compound: expired


      Insuman® (human insulin)
      Pediatric exclusivity for Uroxatral® untilU.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A


      Fabrazyme® (agalsidase beta)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A
      Later filed patents: coverage ranging through September 2015Later filed patents: November 2013
      Biologics Regulatory Exclusivity: April 2015Orphan regulatory exclusivity: January 2014


      Cerezyme® (imiglucerase)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: August 2013


      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A

      Lumizyme® / Myozyme® (alglucosidase alpha)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: N/A

      Later filed patents: coverage ranging through February 2023


      Compound: N/A

      Later filed patents: coverage ranging from March 2021 to May 2023


      Compound: N/A

      Later filed patents: 2021
      Orphan Drug Exclusivity: April 2013Orphan Regulatory Exclusivity: March 2016Orphan Regulatory Exclusivity: April 2017
      Biologics Regulatory Exclusivity: April 2018Biologics Regulatory Exclusivity: March 2016


      Renagel® (sevelamer hydrochloride)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A
      Later filed patent: coverage ranging through August 2013 and September 2014Later filed patent: August 2014Later filed patent: August 2014
      SPC coverage to January 2015 in certain EU countriesPTE protection to December 2016


      Renvela® (sevelamer carbonate)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A


      Compound: N/A
      Later filed patent: coverage ranging through August 2013 and September 2014Later filed patent: August 2014Later filed patent: August 2014
      SPC coverage to January 2015 in certain EU countries
      SPC coverage to August 2019 in certain countries (Austria, Greece and Luxembourg)


      Synvisc® (hyaline G-F 20)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: expired


      Compound: N/A


      Compound: expired


      Synvisc-One® (hyaline G-F 20)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: expired


      Compound: N/A


      Compound: expired
      Later filed patent: January 2028


      Lyxumia® (lixisenatide)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: July 2011.2020


      Compound: July 2020



      Compound: July 2020


      Zaltrap® (aflibercept)
      4.U.S.

      E.U.Japan

      Compound: May 2020 (July 2022 if PTE is granted)


      Compound: May 2020 (May 2025 if SPC granted)


      Compound: May 2020
      Biologics Regulatory Exclusivity: November 2023Regulatory Exclusivity: November 2022


      Aubagio® (teriflunomide)
      OnU.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: October 30, 2009, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals (P&G) sold its pharmaceutical business to Warner Chilcott (WCRX) which became the successor to P&G in rights and interests for the Actonel® alliance and now holds the NDA and the patents for this product in the United States. We commercialize Actonel® with WCRX.2014 (2019 if PTE is granted)


      Compound: expired



      Compound: expired
      Regulatory Exclusivity: September 2017


      Kynamro™ (mipomersen)
      U.S.E.U.Japan

      Compound: December 2025


      Compound: pending


      Compound: 2023

              

      Patents held or licensed by the Group do not in all cases provide effective protection against a competitor’scompetitor's generic version of our products. For example, notwithstanding the presence of unexpired patents, listed above competitors have launched generic versions of Eloxatine®Eloxatin® in Europe, and in the United States, Allegra®Allegra® in the United States (prior to the product being switched to over-the-counter status) and Plavix®Plavix® in Europe.

              

      We caution the reader that there can be no assurance that we will prevail when we assert a patent in litigation and that there may be instances in which the Group determines that it does not have a sufficient basis to assert one or more of the patents mentioned in this report, for example in cases where a competitor proposes a formulation not appearing to fall within the claims of our formulation patent, a salt or crystalline form not claimed by our composition of matter patent, or an indication not covered by our method of use patent. See “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Legal Matters — Generic versions of someWe rely on our patents and proprietary rights to provide exclusive rights to market certain of our products, mayand if such patents and other rights were limited or circumvented, our financial results could be approved for sale in one or more of their major markets.”materially and adversely affected."

              

      As disclosed in Note D.22.b) to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 188 of this annual report, we are involved in significant litigation concerning the patent protection of a number of our products.

        Challenges to Patented Products

              

      In the United States, companies have filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs), containing challenges to patents related to a number of our products. An ANDA is an application by a drug manufacturer to receive authority to market a generic version of another company’scompany's approved product, by demonstrating that the purportedly generic version has the same properties as the original approved product. ANDAs may not be filed with respect to drugs licensed as a biological. See “—"— Focus on Biologics”Biologics" below. An ANDA relies on the safety and other technical data of the original approved product, and does not generally require the generic manufacturer to conduct clinical trials (thus the name “abbreviated”"abbreviated" new drug application), presenting a significant benefit in terms of time and cost. As a result of regulatory protection of our safety and other technical data, the ANDA may generally be filed only five years following the initial U.S. marketing authorization of the original product. See “—"— Regulatory Exclusivity”Exclusivity" above. This period can be reduced to four years if the ANDA includes a challenge to a patent listed in the FDA’sFDA's Orange Book. However, in such a case if the patent holder or licensee brings suit in response to the patent challenge within the statutory window, then the FDA is barred from granting final approval to an ANDA during the 30 months following the patent challenge (this bar beingis referred to in our industry as a “30-month stay”"30-month stay"), unless, before the end of the 30 months, a court decision or settlement has determined either that the ANDA does not infringe the listed patent or that the listed patent is invalid and/or unenforceable.

      FDA approval of an ANDA after this 30-month period does not resolve outstanding patent disputes, but it does remove the regulatory impediments to a product launch by a generic manufacturer willing to take the risk of later being ordered to pay damages to the patent holder.

              

      Procedures comparable to the ANDA exist in other major markets.

              

      In the European Union, a generic drug manufacturer may only reference the data of the regulatory file for the original approved product after data exclusivity has expired. However, there is no patent listing system in Europe comparable to the Orange Book, which would allow the patent holder to prevent the competent authorities from granting marketing approval by bringing patent infringement litigation prior to approval. As a result, generic products may be approved for marketing following the expiration of marketing exclusivity without regard to the patent holder’sholder's rights. Nevertheless, in most of these jurisdictions once the competing product is launched and in some jurisdictions, even prior to launch (once launch is imminent), the patent holder canmay seek an injunction against such marketing if it believes its patents are infringed. See Note D.22.b) to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 188 of this annual report.


      The accelerated ANDA-type procedures are potentially applicable to most,many, but not all, of the products we manufacture. See “—"— Focus on Biologics”Biologics" and “— Regulation”"— Regulation" below. We seek to defend our patent rights vigorously in these cases. Success or failure in the assertion of a given patent against onea competing product is not necessarily predictive of the future success or failure in the assertion of the same patent - ora fortiori the corresponding foreign patent - against a secondanother competing product due to factors such as possible differences in the formulations of the competing products, intervening developments in law or jurisprudence, local variations in the patents and differences in national patent law and legal systems. See “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Legal Matters — Generic versionsWe rely on our patents and proprietary rights to provide exclusive rights to market certain of our products, mayand if such patents and other rights were limited or circumvented, our financial results could be approved for sale in one or more of their major markets”materially and adversely affected".

      Trademarks

              

      Our products are sold around the world under trademarks that we consider to be of material importance in the aggregate. Our trademarks help to maintain the identity ofidentify our products and services, andto protect the sustainability of our growth. Trademarks are particularly important to the commercial success of our CHC, generics and retail animal health business.

      It is our policy to protect and register our trademarks with a strategy adapted to each product or service depending on their countries of commercialization:i.e., on a worldwide basis for worldwide products or services, or on a regional or local basis for regional or local products or services.

              

      Our trademarks are monitoredThe process and defended based on this policy and in order to prevent infringement and/ or unfair competition.

      Our trademarks contribute to the identity of our products and services, and help support their development.

      The degree of trademark protection variesvary country by country, as each statecountry applies its own trademark laws to trademarks used in its territory.and regulations. In most countries, trademark rights may only be obtained bythrough formal trademark application and registration. In some countries, trademark protection iscan be based primarily based on use. Registrations are granted for a fixed term (in most cases ten years) and are renewable indefinitely, butexcept in some instances may becountries where maintenance of the trademarks is subject to the continued use of the trademark.their effective use.

              

      When trademark protection is based on use, it covers the products and services for which the trademark is used. When trademark protection is based on registration, it covers only the products and services designated in the registration.registration certificate. Additionally, in certain cases, we may enter into a coexistence agreement with a third-party that owns potentially conflicting rights in order to better protect and defend our trademarks.

              Our trademarks are monitored and defended based on this policy and in order to prevent counterfeit, infringement and/or unfair competition.

      Production and Raw Materials

              

      For many years, we have chosen to keep the manufacture of our products in-house in order to have better control of quality and distribution. Our principal manufacturing processes consistproduction process consists of three principal stages: the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients, the incorporationtransformation of thosethese ingredients into products, and packaging.

              

      We generally develop and manufacture theOur general policy is to produce our main active ingredients that we use in our products. We have a general policy of producing the active ingredients for ourand principal products at our own plants in order to minimize our

      dependence on external manufacturers and to maintain strict and precise control over the product throughout the production cycle. In some cases, however, we rely on third parties for the manufacture and supply of certain active ingredients and medical devices. We have outsourced certainsome of our production, elements, especially as part ofunder supply agreements entered into within the framework ofcontracts associated with plant divestitures or in order to adaptestablish a local presence to marketcapitalize on growth in emerging markets. As a result,In particular, we outsource a portionpart of the production of the active ingredients used in Stilnox®Stilnox® and Xatral®Xatral®, and certain formulations of various pharmaceutical products.product formulations. Our main pharmaceutical subcontractors are Famar, Haupt, Patheon, Catalent and Sofarimex. These subcontractors are required to follow our guidelines in terms ofgeneral quality and logistics andpolicies, as well as meeting other criteria. See “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — The manufacture of our products is technically complex, and supply interruptions, product recalls or inventory losses caused by unforeseen events may reduce sales, delay the launch of new products and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition”Business".

              

      Among our other key products, weWe also depend on third parties in connection withfor the manufacture of Eloxatine®. Under the terms of our license agreement with Debiopharm, we purchase the active ingredient from Debiopharm, and the production of the finished lyophilized product is outsourced to two manufacturers. The manufacturing of the liquid form of Eloxatine® is conducted at our facility in Dagenham (United Kingdom).

      certain products. Under our partnershipalliance with BMS, a multi-sourcing organizationmulti-vendor supply and securitysafety stock arrangements are in place for Plavix® /clopidogrel bisulfatePlavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate) and Aprovel® / irbesartan.Aprovel® (irbesartan).


              Our pharmaceutical production sites are divided into three categories:

        We purchaseGlobal sites, which serve all markets. Situated principally in Europe, these facilities are dedicated to the raw materials used to produce Lovenox® frommanufacture of our active ingredients, injectables, and a number of sources.our principal products in solid form;



        Regional sites, which serve markets at continental level, in Europe and particularly the BRIC-M countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and Mexico), giving us a strong industrial presence in emerging markets;

        Local sites, which serve their domestic market only.

              

      Our main European pharmaceutical production facilities are located in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Hungary. In North America, we run two facilities in the United States (Kansas City and Saint Louis), supplemented recently with the acquisition of Chattem (Tennessee), and one in Canada (Laval). We have one plant in Japan (Kawagoe) and additional facilities located in many other parts of the world. To carry out the production ofSanofi Pasteur produces vaccines sanofi pasteur uses a wide industrial operations network, withat sites located in North America, France, Mexico, China, Thailand, Argentina and India. The pharmaceutical sites at Le Trait (France) and Anagni (Italy) also contribute to Sanofi Pasteur's industrial operations by making available their aseptic filling and freeze-drying facilities. A new antigen production unitfacility in Mexico for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines is expected to commencewas approved by the Mexican authorities early in 2012, and began commercial production in 2012, oncetime for the necessaryMexican influenza vaccination campaign in September 2012.

              In 2011, we diversified our industrial operations into rare diseases (with the acquisition of Genzyme) and via the integration of Merial, Sanofi's dedicated animal health division.

              Merial markets pharmaceutical products (Frontline®, Heartgard®, Zactran®, Previcox®) and a broad range of vaccines for different animal species (dogs, cats, horses, ruminants, pigs and fowl). A number of pharmaceutical products are subcontracted (Heartgard®, Eprinex®) but almost all veterinary vaccines are manufactured at its own plants. Merial's dedicated animal health industrial operations cover all activities, from the purchase of raw materials through to the delivery of the finished product, meeting customer needs through a reliable and flexible offering that meets quality expectations. There are 17 production and marketing approvals have been obtained from Mexican officials.sites spread across nine countries.

              

      All of our pharmaceutical and vaccine facilities are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant, in accordanceline with international guidelines. Our main facilitiesprincipal sites are also FDA approved includingby the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

              This applies to our pharmaceutical facilities in AmbarèFrance (Ambarès, Tours, Le Trait, Maisons-Alfort, and Compiègne in France, Dagenham and Holmes ChapelLyon); in the United Kingdom Frankfurt(Haverhill, Holmes Chapel, Dagenham and Fawdon, the last two of which are due to close in 2013 and 2015, respectively); in Ireland (Waterford); in Germany Veresegyhaz(Frankfurt); in Hungary Saint Louis(Veresegyhaz); in Italy (Anagni); and in the United States (Saint Louis). Our Vaccines sites with FDA approval are Marcy l'Étoile and LavalLe Trait (Fluzone® ID USA) in Canada, our vaccinesFrance; Swiftwater, Canton and Rockville in the United States; and Toronto in Canada.

              The Genzyme facilities at Marcy l’Etoile and Val de Reuil (hosting a distribution center) in France, Swiftwater in the United States (Allston, Framingham, Ridgefield, Cambridge) and Toronto in Canada.Europe (Geel, Belgium) are all FDA approved.

              Our animal health facilities in Athens, Worthington, Gainesville, Berlin and Raleigh in the United States are managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), while the sites at Paulinia (Brazil) and Toulouse (France) have FDA approval for some of their operations.

              Wherever possible, we seek to have multiple plants approved for the production of key active ingredients and our strategic finished products, as inproducts. This is the case of Lovenox®with Lovenox®, for example.

              

      In February 2011, we received an FDA warning letter concerning part of our Frankfurt facility following a routine FDA inspection in September 2010. The warning letter cites CGMPcited GMP compliance issues in certain manufacturing processes, without referring to specific products. While we takebelieving that the warning seriously and are working to address the remaining recommendations, we are also confident that none of the issuespoints raised in the letter did not compromise the quality of our marketed products, or our abilitywe acted on this warning and worked towards satisfying the recommendations through a "compliance first" action plan at the Frankfurt facility. In October 2011, we notified the FDA that we had completed this plan. The FDA reinspected the site in April 2012, and issued an unqualified report on Form FDA 483. This was confirmed in the FDA Establishment Inspection Report, received August 14, 2012, which officially closed the warning letter procedure.

              On May 24, 2010, Genzyme entered into a consent decree with the FDA relating to the facility at Allston in the United States, following FDA inspections at the facility that resulted in observations and a warning letter raising


      Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) deficiencies. A consent decree is a court order entered by agreement between a company and the government (in this case the FDA) that requires the company to take certain actions as set out in the decree. Under the terms of Genzyme's consent decree, Genzyme is permitted to continue manufacturing at the site during the remediation process, subject to supplycompliance with the markets with all products.terms of the consent decree.

              The consent decree requires Genzyme to implement a plan to bring the Allston facility operations into compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The plan must address any deficiencies reported to Genzyme or identified as part of an inspection completed by a third-party expert in February 2011. Genzyme has itself retained an expert to monitor and oversee the implementation of the remediation workplan. This workplan was submitted to the FDA in April 2011 and accepted by the FDA in January 2012, and is expected to take a further three years to complete. It includes a timetable of specified milestones. If the milestones are not met in accordance with the timetable, the FDA can require us to pay $15,000 per day, per affected drug, until these compliance milestones are met. Upon satisfying all compliance requirements in accordance with the terms of the consent decree, Genzyme will be required to retain an auditor to monitor and oversee ongoing compliance at the Allston facility for an additional five years. To date, all requirements of the consent decree, including all requirements of the workplan, have been met by Genzyme.

              In March 2012, modifications to the workplan were submitted to the FDA to take account of planned changes in manufacturing operations for Fabrazyme® and Cerezyme® at the Allston facility. These modifications were accepted by the FDA. In addition, the U.S. facility at Framingham was approved by the FDA and the EMA in January 2012 for the production of Fabrazyme®.

              On July 12, 2012, Sanofi Pasteur received a warning letter from the FDA following routine inspections conducted during 2012 at its facilities in Toronto (Canada) and Marcy l'Étoile (France). The warning letter contains observations about products intended for the U.S. market, and the premises in which they are produced. Sanofi Pasteur takes these observations extremely seriously, and is working actively with the FDA to implement a series of immediate and ongoing measures to address the issues raised in the warning letter and to further strengthen its production tools and quality systems.

      More details about our manufacturing sites are set forthfound below at “— D."— Property, Plant and Equipment”Equipment".

      Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

              

      The manufacturing and research operations of sanofi-aventisSanofi are subject to increasingly stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are complex and rapidly changing, and sanofi-aventisSanofi invests the necessary sums in order to comply with them. This investment, which aims to respect health, safety and the environment, varies from year to year and totaled approximately €113€100 million in 2010.2012.

              

      The applicable environmental laws and regulations may require sanofi-aventisSanofi to eradicate or reduce the effects of chemical substance usage and release at its various sites. The sites in question may belong to the

      Group, be currently operational, or they may have been owned or operational in the past. Under some of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of a property may be held liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances on, under or in its property, or transported from its property to third party sites, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or under certain circumstances caused the presence of the contaminants, or at the time site operations occurred, the discharge of those substances was authorized.

              

      Moreover, as is the case for a number of companies involved in the pharmaceutical, chemical and agrochemical industries, soil and groundwater contamination has occurred at some Group sites in the past, and may still occur or be discovered at others. In the Group’sGroup's case, such sites are mainly located in the United States, Germany, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Brazil, Italy and the United Kingdom. As part of a program of environmental audits conducted over the last few years, detailed assessments of the risk of soil and groundwater contamination have been carried out at current and former Group sites. In cooperation with national and local authorities, the Group constantlyregularly assesses the rehabilitation work required and thiscarries out such work has been implemented when appropriate. Long-term rehabilitation work is in progress or planed in Rochester, Cincinnati, Mount-Pleasant, East Palo Alto, Ambler and Portland in the United States; Frankfurt in Germany; Beaucaire, Valernes, Limay, Rousset,


      Romainville, Neuville, Vitry and VitryToulouse in France; Dagenham in the United Kingdom; Brindisi and Garessio in Italy; Ujpest in Hungary; Hlohovec in Slovakia; Prague in the Czech Republic; and on a number of sites divested to third parties and covered by contractual environmental guarantees granted by sanofi-aventis. Sanofi-aventisSanofi. Sanofi may also have potential liability for investigation and cleanup at several other sites.

              

      Provisions have been established for the sites already identified and to cover contractual guarantees for environmental liabilities for sites that have been divested. For example, in 2007 the State of New Jersey initiated a claim against Bayer CropScience seeking compensation for damages caused to natural resources (NRD) at a former Rhône-Poulenc site in the United States, resulting in indemnification claims by Bayer CropScience against the Group under contractual environmental guarantees granted at the time of Bayer’sBayer's acquisition of the CropScience business. Rehabilitation studies and an NRD assessment are underway in a similar project in Portland, Oregon. Potential environmental contingencies arising from certain business divestitures are described in Note D.22.e) to the consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. In 2010, sanofi-aventis2012, Sanofi spent €45 million on rehabilitating sites previously contaminated by soil or groundwater pollution. During the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, a comprehensive review was carried out relating to the legacy of environmental pollution. In light of data collected during this review, the Group adjusted the provisions to approximately €781€728 million as at December 31, 2010.2012; this figure includes the provisions related to Genzyme.

              

      Because ofDue to changes in environmental regulations governing site remediation, the Group’sGroup's provisions for remediation obligations may not be adequate due to the multiple factors involved, such as the complexity of operational or previously operational sites, the nature of claims received, the rehabilitation techniques considered, the planned timetable for rehabilitation, and the outcome of discussions with national regulatory authorities or other potentially responsible parties, as in the case of multiparty sites. Given the long industrial history of some of our sites and the legacy obligations of Aventis arising from its past involvement in the chemical and agrochemical industries, it is impossible to quantify the future impact of these laws and regulations with precision. See “Item"Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Environmental Risks of Our Industrial Activities”Activities".

              

      To our knowledge, the Group is not currently subject to liabilities for non-compliance with current HSE laws and regulations that could be expected to significantly jeopardize its activities, financial situation or operating income. We also believe that we are in substantial compliance with current HSE laws and regulations and that all the environmental permits required to operate our facilities have been obtained. Regular HSE audits (22(53 in 2010)2012) are carried out by the Group in order to assess compliance with our standards (which implies compliance with regulations) and to initiate corrective measures. Moreover, 103Additionally, nine specialized audits covering contractors or biosafety and 163 loss prevention technical visits were carried out by our teams in 2010.2012.

              

      Sanofi-aventisSanofi has implemented a worldwide master policy on health, safety and the environment to promote the health and well-being of the employees and contractors working on its sites and respect for the environment. We consider this master policy to be an integral part of our commitment to social responsibility. In order to implement this master policy, 7778 rules (policies) have been drawn up in the key fields of HSE management, Good HSE Practices, safety in the workplace, process safety, industrial hygiene, health in the workplace and protection of the environment.

        Health

              

      From the development of compounds to the commercial launch of new drugs, sanofi-aventisSanofi research scientists continuously assess the effect of products on human health. This expertise is made available to employees through two committees responsible for chemical and biological risk assessment. The Group’sGroup's COVALIS committee classifies all chemical and pharmaceutical products handled within the Group and establishes workplace exposure limits for each of them. The Group’sGroup's TRIBIO Committee is responsible for classifying all biological agents according to their degree of pathogenicity, and applies rules for their containment and the preventive measures to be respected throughout the Group. See “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Environmental Risks of Our Industrial Activities — Risks from the handling of hazardous materials could adversely affect our results of operations”operations".


              

      Appropriate Industrial Hygieneindustrial hygiene practices and programs are defined and implemented in each site. These practices consist essentially of containment measures for collective and individual protection against exposure in all workplaces where chemical substances or biological agents are handled. All personnel are monitored with an appropriate initial and routine medical program, focused on the potential occupational health risks linked to their duties.

              

      In addition, a committee has been set up to prepare and support the implementation of the new European Union REACH regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. To fully comply with the new European regulation on the labeling of chemicals (Classification Labeling Packaging), the Group has registered the relevant hazardous chemical substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

        Safety

              

      Sanofi-aventisSanofi has rigorous policies to identify and evaluate safety risks and to develop preventive safety measures, and methods for checking their efficacy. Additionally, sanofi-aventisSanofi invests in training that is designed to instill in all employees a sense of concern for safety, regardless of their duties. These policies are implemented on a worldwide scale to ensure the safety of all employees and to protect their health. Each project, whether in research, development or manufacturing, is subject to evaluation procedures, incorporating the chemical substance and process data communicated by the COVALIS and TRIBIO committees described above. The preventive measures are designed primarily to reduce the number and seriousness of work accidents and to minimize exposures involving permanent and temporary sanofi-aventisSanofi employees as well as our sub-contractors.

              

      The French chemical manufacturing sites in Aramon, Neuville-sur-Saône, Sisteron Vertolaye and Vitry,Vertolaye, as well as the plants located in the Hoechst Industry Park in Frankfurt, Germany, the Zentiva site in Hlohovec, Slovakia, and the chemical production site in Budapest, Hungary, are listed Seveso II (from the name of the European directive that deals with potentially dangerous sites through a list of activities and substances associated with classification thresholds). In accordance with French law on technological risk prevention, the French sites are also subject to heightened security inspections in light ofdue to the toxic or flammable materials stored on the sites and used in the operating processes.

              

      Risk assessments of processes and their installations are drawn up according to standards and internal guidelines incorporating the best state-of-the-art benchmarks for the industry. These assessments are used to fulfill regulatory requirements and are regularly updated. Particular attention is paid to any risk-generating changes: process or installation changes, as well as changes in production scale and transfers between industrial or research units.

              

      Our laboratories that specialize in process safety testing, which are fully integrated into our chemical development activities, apply methods to obtain the physico-chemical parameters of manufactured chemical substances (intermediate chemical compounds and active ingredients) and apply models to measure the effect of potentially leachable substances in the event of a major accident. In these laboratories the parameters for qualifying hazardous reactions are also determined to define scale-up process conditions while transferring from development stage to industrial scale. All these data ensure the relevance of thethat our risk assessments.assessments are relevant.

              

      We believe that the safety management systems implemented at each site, the hazard studies carried out and the risk management methods implemented, as well as our third-party property insurance policies covering any third-party physical damage, are consistent with legal requirements and the best practices in the industry.

        Environment

      The main objectives of our environmental policy are to implement clean manufacturing techniques, minimize the use of natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of our activities. In order to optimize and improve our environmental performance, we have a strategy of continuous improvement practiced at all our sites through the annual implementation of HSE progress plans. In addition, 4960 sites are currently ISO 14001 certified.certified and 15 buildings are LEED certified either in U.S. and Europe. We believe that this strategy clearly expresses the commitment of both management and individuals to health, safety and the environment. In 2010,2012, seven of our European sites were included in the scope of the European CO2 Emissions Credit Trading Scheme aimed at helping to reach the targets set by the Kyoto protocol.


      Our recent efforts in terms of environmental protection have mainly targeted reductions in energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions control, improvements in the performance of water treatment installations, reduction of volatile organic compound emissions, raw material savings and recycling, and reductions in waste materials or increases in the percentage being recycled. In 2010,2012, we reduced carbon dioxide emissions caused by our sales representation car fleet by 13%10% versus 2009,2011, due to the policy of using energy efficient cars as well as a reduction in the number of cars. Since 2005, in terms ofMeasured against the benchmark year for our activity level per unit produced, ournew targets (2010), direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions from our production and research facilities (excluding vehicle fleets) have decreasedfallen by 8% and 17% respectively(1).7.2% overall. We are targeting a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2020 vs. 2010 on a constant structure basis.

              

      An internal committee of experts called ECOVAL assesses the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical agents found in products marketed by sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. It has developed an environmental risk assessment methodology and runs programs to collect the necessary data for such assessments. Additional ecotoxicity assessments are being performed on certain substances which predate current regulations, in order to obtain information that was not gathered when they were launched (as regulatory requirements were different at that time) and evaluate environmental risks resulting from their use by patients.

      Markets

              

      A breakdown of revenues by business segment and by geographic region for 2008, 20092012, 2011 and 2010 can be found at Note D.35. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

              

      The following market shares and ranking information is based on sales data from IMS Health MIDAS, retail and hospital for full year 2010,2011, in constant euros (unless otherwise indicated). For more information on market shares and ranking, see “Presentation"Presentation of Financial and Other Information”Information" at the beginning of this document.

              Genzyme's sales are included from the acquisition date (April 1, 2011).

      Marketing and Distribution

              

      Sanofi-aventisSanofi has a commercial presence in approximately 100 countries, and our products are available in more than 170. Our main markets in terms of net sales are, respectively:

              

      Western Europe represents 29.6% of our net sales; we are the leading pharmaceutical company in France where our market share is 10.1% (11.4% in 2009), and we rank third in Germany with a 5.8% market share (5.6% in 2009). In 2010, sales in Western Europe were down 8.8% due to the impact of generic competition for Plavix® and of Taxotere® and of price pressure applied by the healthcare authorities.

      The United States represents 29.5% of our net sales ; we rank twelfth with a market share of 3.1% (3.4% in 2009). Sales in the U.S. were down 8.4% at constant exchange rates in 2010 reflecting the impact of generics of Lovenox® and Ambien® CR, the workdown of Eloxatine® generics inventory during the second half of 2010, and the impact of healthcare reform. Chattem’s sales are included from February 2010.

      Emerging Markets (see definition in “B. Business Overview"Item 4. Information on the Company — Strategy”,Introduction" above) represent 29.9%31.9% of our net sales, for the first time the largest contribution to net sales of any region. We are the leading healthcare company in emerging markets. In 2010,2012, sales in emerging markets grew by 16.3%8.3% at constant exchange rates. This performance was due to robust organicrates (or +7.2% including the non consolidated sales of Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011). Latin America, Asia and Middle East recorded double-digit sales growth (13.2% onin 2012. Sales in BRIC countries were up 12.0%, accounting for 35.0% of Emerging Markets sales. Sales in China, Brazil, Russia were up 15.0%, 7.7% and 13.6% respectively. In 2012, sales in Africa and the Middle East each exceeded €1 billion for the first time.

              The United States represent 31.1% of our net sales; we rank twelfth with a constant structure basis andmarket share of 3.7% (3.1% in 2011). Sales in the U.S. were up 0.7% at constant exchange rates in 2012 (or -2.8% including the non consolidated sales of Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011), driven by strong performances for Diabetes and Generics but impacted by the loss of exclusivity of Eloxatine® and generic competition for Lovenox®.

              

      (1)

      The CO2 emissions variations per produced unit are calculated for each business and added proportionally to their respective contribution to the total of direct and indirect CO2 emissions. Each business defines a specific indicator of its activity (e.g., hours worked for vaccines, number of boxes produced for pharmaceuticals, etc.).

      rates)Western Europe represents 23.8% of our net sales; we are the leading pharmaceutical company in France where our market share is 9.3% (9.9% in 2011), and we rank fourth in Germany with a 4.7% market share (after the Copaxone® transfer and without taking into account parallel trade). In 2012, sales in Western Europe were down 9.3% at constant exchange rates (or -7.5% including the non consolidated sales of Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011 and excluding Copaxone®), impacted by the transfer of the Copaxone® business to Teva, generic competition for Plavix®, Aprovel® and Taxotere® and the impact of targeted acquisitions (mainly Zentiva in Eastern Europe and Medley in Brazil). In 2010, Brazil, Russia and China generated substantial growth of 51.4%, 19.9% and 23.6%, respectively. In Latin America, mostly in Brazil and Mexico, growth was driven by flu vaccine sales, which virtually trebled (+189%).austerity measures.

              

      Japan represents 7.3%Other countries represent 13.1% of our net sales; our market share in Japan is 3.1% (3.0%3.5% (3.4% in 2009)2011). In 2010,Full-year 2012 sales grew by 9.1%in Japan were up 6.6% at constant exchange rate and growth was mostly generated by the success of Plavix® (+37.1%) and byrates (or +4.7% with Genzyme on a good performance from the Vaccines activity.full-year basis in 2011).


              

      A breakdown of our sales by geographic market is presented in “Item"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 20102012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2009.”2011."

              

      Although specific distribution patterns vary by country, we sell prescription drugs primarily to wholesale drug distributors, independent and chain retail drug outlets, hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations and government institutions. Rare disease, renal, and biosurgery products are also sold directly to physicians. With the exception of Consumer Health Care products, these drugs are ordinarily dispensed to patients by pharmacies upon presentation of a doctor’sdoctor's prescription.

              

      We use a selection of channels to disseminate information about and promote our products among healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring that the channels not only cover our latest therapeutic advances but also our mature products, as they provide the foundation for satisfying major therapeutic needs. We regularly advertise in medical journals and exhibit at major medical congresses. In some countries, products are also marketed directly to patients by way of television, radio, newspapers and magazines, and we sometimes use new media channels (such as the internet) to market our products. National education and prevention campaigns can be used to improve patients’patients' knowledge of conditions.

              

      Our medical representatives, who work closely with healthcare professionals, use their expertise to promote and provide information on our drugs. They represent our values on a day-to-day basis and are required to adhere to a code of ethics. As of December 31, 2010,2012, we had a global sales force of 32,68632,874 representatives: 10,2879,866 in Europe, 5,5314,866 in the United States, and 16,86818,142 in the rest of the world.

              

      Although we market most of our products through our own sales forces, we have entered into and continue to form partnerships to co-promote/co-market certain products in specific geographic areas. Our major alliances are detailed at “— Pharmaceutical Products"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Main pharmaceutical products” above.Financial Presentation of Alliances." See also "Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — We rely on third parties for the marketing of some of our products."

              

      Our vaccines are sold and distributed through multiple channels, including physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, private companies and distributors in the private sector, and governmental entities and non-governmental organizations in the public and international donor markets, respectively.

              Our animal health products are sold and distributed through various channels, depending on each country's legislation for veterinary products. Merial takes into account each country's specific characteristics and sells either to veterinaries, chemists, or via wholesalers. In the case of epizootics, Merial delivers directly to governments.

      Competition

              

      The pharmaceutical industry is currently experiencingcontinues to experience significant changes in its competitive environment. Innovative drugs, a broad product range, and a presence in all geographical markets are key factors in maintaining a strong competitive position.

              

      There are four types of competition in the prescription pharmaceutical market:

        competition between pharmaceutical companies to research and develop new patented products or new therapeutic indications;



      competition between different patented pharmaceutical products marketed for the same therapeutic indication;



      competition between original and generic products or between original biological products and biosimilars, at the end of regulatory exclusivity or patent protection; and



      competition between generic or biosimilar products.

      We compete with other pharmaceutical companies in all major markets to develop innovative new products. We may develop new technologies and new patented products wholly in-house, but we also enter into collaborative


      R&D agreements in order to access new technologies. See Note D.21. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

              

      Our prescription drugs compete in all major markets against patented drugs from major pharmaceutical companies like Abbott in benign prostatic hyperplasia; AstraZeneca in cardiovascular disease, hypertension and oncology; Bayer-Schering in thrombosis prevention; Boehringer-Ingelheim in atherothrombosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia; Bristol-Myers Squibb in oncology; Lilly in osteoporosis, diabetes and oncology; GlaxoSmithKline in oncology, allergies, diabetes and thrombosis; Merck in hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes and benign prostatic hyperplasia; Novartis in hypertension and oncology;like: Novo Nordisk in diabetes; Eli Lilly in diabetes and oncology; Bristol-Myers Squibb in diabetes and oncology; Merck & Co in diabetes and hypertension; GlaxoSmithKline in diabetes, oncology and thrombosis; Novartis in diabetes, multiple sclerosis, oncology and hypertension; Shire in rare diseases and renal; Pfizer in oncology,rare diseases and oncology; Biogen Idec, Teva and Merck Serono in multiple sclerosis; Bayer in multiple sclerosis and thrombosis and allergies; andprevention; Roche in oncology; Johnson & Johnson in oncology and osteoporosis.thrombosis prevention; AstraZeneca in cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and oncology; Boehringer-Ingelheim in diabetes; Fresenius Medical Care in renal diseases.

              Our Consumer Health Care business competes with multinational corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, Novartis, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline and local players, especially in emerging markets.

              Our generics business competes with multinational corporations such as Teva, Sandoz (a division of Novartis), Mylan and Actavis and local players, especially in emerging markets.

      In our Vaccines business, we compete primarily with multinational players backed by large healthcare groups, including Merck (outside Europe), GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer (Wyeth), Novartis and Novartis.Johnson & Johnson (Crucell).

              

      In selected market segments, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur competes with mid-size international players (such as CSL of Australia in the influenza market for the Southern Hemisphere). Sanofi Pasteur also competes with an increasing number of manufacturers, entrenched in densely populated and economically emerging regions, which are leveraging their cost/volume advantage and raising their level of technical capability and quality standards to compete on more sophisticated antigens in their domestic markets and alsoincreasingly in international donor markets. Multinational players are increasingly seeking alliances with manufacturers from emerging economies to secure positions in their markets of origin. Finally, there are emerging vaccine manufacturers in middle income countries, where privately owned companies in various industry sectors are investing in me-too vaccine production. Overall, there is increasingly intense competition on existing vaccines across the middle to low income segments.

              In our Animal Health business, we compete primarily with international companies like Pfizer in both production and companion animals; with Merck and Boehringer Ingelheim in production animals; with Boehringer Ingelheim mainly in the vaccines segment; with Novartis and Bayer for pets and particularly for pets parasiticides; and with Virbac, Ceva and Vetoquinol, French companies with global presence, for pharmaceuticals and vaccines (except for Vetoquinol, which operates only in the pharmaceutical segment).

      We also face competition from generic drugs that enter the market when our patent protection or regulatory exclusivity expires, or when we lose a patent infringement lawsuit (see “—"— Patents, Intellectual Property and Other Rights”Rights" above). Similarly, when a competing patented drug from another pharmaceutical company faces generic competition, these generic products can also affect the competitive environment of our own patented product. See "Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk factors — Risks related to our business".

              

      Competition from producers of generics has increased sharply in response to healthcare cost containment measures and to the increased number of products for which patents or regulatory exclusivity have expired.

              

      Generics manufacturers who have received all necessary regulatory approvals for a product may decide to launch a generic version before the patent expiry date. Such launch may occur notwithstanding the fact that the owner of the original product may already have commenced patent infringement litigation against the generics manufacturer. Such launches are said to be “at risk”"at risk" for the promoter of the generic product because it may be required to pay damages to the owner of the original product in the context of patent infringement litigation; however, these launches may also significantly impair the profitability of the pharmaceutical company whose product is challenged.


              

      Another competitive issue drugDrug manufacturers are facing isalso face competition through parallel trade,trading, also known as reimportation. This takes place when drugs sold abroad under the same brand name as in a domestic market are imported into that domestic market by parallel traders, who may repackage or resize the original product or sell it through alternative channels such as mail order or the Internet. This situation is of particular relevance to the European Union, where these practices have been encouraged by the current regulatory framework. Parallel traders take advantage of the price differentials between markets arising from factors including sales costs, market conditions (such as intermediate trading stages), tax rates, or national regulation of prices.

              

      Finally, pharmaceutical companies face illegal competition from counterfeit drugs. The WHO estimates that counterfeit products account for 10% of the market worldwide, rising to as much asmore than 30% in some countries. However, in markets where powerful regulatory controls are in place, counterfeit drugs are estimated to represent less than 1% of market value.

              

      The WHO also estimates that 50% of sales over the Internet are ofdrugs sold on illegal websites have been found to be counterfeit.

              A counterfeit drugs: their development has intensified in 2010.

      A medical productmedicine is counterfeit when there is a false representation in relationdeliberately and fraudulently mislabeled with respect to its identity (e.g., name, composition, strength, etc.) or source (e.g., manufacturer, country of manufacturing/origin, marketing authorization holder, etc.) and/or its background (e.g., filingssource. Counterfeiting can apply to both branded and documentation relatedgeneric products, and counterfeit products may include products with the correct ingredients or with the wrong ingredients, without active ingredients, with insufficient active ingredients, or with fake packaging.

              Sanofi acts ethically and responsibly to its distribution channels). Sanofi-aventis is committed to being part ofprotect patient health worldwide. We become involved in any efforts made to overcome drug counterfeiting and hashave implemented the following actions:

      Intensification of close

        Ever closer collaboration with international organizations and with customs and police to reinforce regulatory frameworks and(Medicrime Convention, European Directive on Falsified Medicines, etc.), to investigate suspected counterfeiters;counterfeiters and

      to deliver information and educational programs to raise awareness about the risk related to falsified medicines;

      Centralization and analysis in a specialized laboratory of all suspect Sanofi drugs, to detect falsified medicines and inform health and enforcement authorities; and

      Development of technologies to make drugs more difficult to copy through packaging protection programs and to ensure no direct traceability.

      traceability programs.

      RegulationRegulatory Framework

              

      The pharmaceutical and health-related biotechnology sectors are highly regulated. National and supranational health authorities administer a vast array of legal and regulatory requirements that dictate pre-approval testing and quality standards to maximize the safety and efficacy of a new medical product. These authorities also regulate product labeling, manufacturing, importation/exportation and marketing, as well as mandatory sponsor post-approval commitments.commitments that may include pediatric development.

              

      The submission of an application to a regulatory authority does not guarantee that a license to market/ product approvalmarket will be granted. Furthermore, each regulatory authority may impose its own requirements during the course of the product development and application review. It may refuse to grant approval and require additional data before granting approval, even though the same product has already been approved in other countries. Regulatory authorities also have the authority to request product recalls, product withdrawals and penalties for violations of regulations based on data that are made available to them.

              

      The International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) consists of the regulatory agencies of the three founder members (European Union, Japan, United States), plus Health Canada and Swissmedic as observers. Product approval can vary from six months or less to several years from the date of application depending upon the country. Factors such as the quality of data submitted, the degree of control exercised by the regulatory authority, the review procedures, the nature of the product and the condition to be treated, play a major role in the length of time a product is under review.

              

      In recent years, efforts have been made by the ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) participants to harmonize product development and regulatory submission requirements. The ICH consists of the regulatory agencies of the three founding members (European Union, Japan, United States), plus Health Canada and


      Swissmedic as observers. An example of these efforts is the Common Technical Document (CTD), which can be used in different ICH regions for a product application review, with only local or regional adaptation. Electronic CTD is becoming the standard for worldwide product submission. Interestingly, emerging countries are starting to participate in ICH standardization discussions, and could be more involved in the near future.

              

      International collaboration between regulatory authorities continues to develop with implementation of confidentiality arrangements between ICH regulatory authorities, and with non-ICH regulatory authorities. Examples include work-sharing on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) inspections and regular interactions in the form of "clusters" (i.e. pediatrics, oncology, advanced therapy medicinal products, vaccines, pharmacogenomics, orphans, biosimilars, blood products) between the United States and the European Union. Other initiatives include the presence of permanent representatives from the FDA and the Japanese Pharmaceutical manufacturers have committed to publishing protocols and results of clinical studies performed with their productsMedical Devices Agency (PMDA) in publicly accessible registries (e.g., Clinical Trials Registry, Clinical Trial Results Registry). In addition,London, and a corresponding permanent representative from EMA at the various ICH and non-ICH countries often impose mandatory disclosure of clinical trials information.FDA.

              

      The requirement of many countries, including Japan and several member states of the European Union, to negotiate selling prices or reimbursement rates for pharmaceutical products with government regulators can substantially extendsignificantly extends the time for market entry beyond the initial marketing approval. While marketing authorizationsapprovals for new pharmaceutical products in the European Union have been substantiallylargely centralized with the European Medicines Agency (EMA),EMA, pricing and reimbursement remain a matter of national competence.

              

      In the European Union, there are three main procedures by which to apply for marketing authorization:

        The centralized procedure is mandatory for certain types of medicinal products. When an application is submitted to the EMA, the scientific evaluation of the application is carried out by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and a scientific opinion is prepared. This opinion is sent to the European Commission which adopts the final decision and grants a Communityan E.U. marketing authorization. Such a marketing authorization is valid throughout the CommunityE.U. and the drug may be marketed within all European UnionE.U. member states.



      If a company is seeking a national marketing authorization in more than one Member State,member state, the mutual recognition or decentralized procedure is available to facilitate the granting of harmonized national authorizations across Member States.member states. Both the decentralized and the mutual recognition procedures are based on the recognition by national competent authorities of a first assessment performed by the authoritiesregulatory authority of one member state.



      National authorizations are still possible, but are only for products intended for commercialization in a single EUE.U. member state or for line extensions to existing national product licenses.

              Generic products are subject to the same marketing authorization procedures. A generic product must contain the same active medicinal substance as a reference product approved in the E.U. Generic applications are abridged: generic manufacturers only need to submit quality data and demonstrate that the generic drug is "bioequivalent" to the originator product (i.e., works in the same way in the patient's body), but do not need to submit safety or efficacy data since regulatory authorities can refer to the reference product's dossier. Generic product applications can be filed and approved in the European Union only after the originator product eight year data exclusivity period has expired. Further, generic manufacturers can only market their generic products after a 10- or 11-year period has elapsed from the date of approval of the originator product has elapsed.

              Another relevant aspect in the E.U. regulatory framework is the "sunset clause": a provision leading to the cessation of the validity of any marketing authorization if it is not followed by marketing within three years or, if marketing is interrupted for a period of three consecutive years.

      Post-authorization safety monitoring of pharmaceutical products is carefully regulated in Europe (Council Regulation (EEC) No 2309/93 and Council Directive -2001/83/EC describeEurope. The E.U. pharmaceutical legislation for medicinal products describes the respective obligations of the marketing authorization holder and of the competentregulatory authorities to set up a system for pharmacovigilance in order to collect, collate and evaluate information about suspected adverse reactions), and pharmacovigilance activities also pertain to nationally approved products: pharmacovigilance obligations apply to all authorized medicinal products including those authorized before 1 January 1995.reactions.


              

      It is possible for healththe regulatory authorities to withdraw products from the market for safety reasons. The responsibilitiesResponsibilities for pharmacovigilance rest with the competentregulatory authorities of all the Member StatesE.U. member states in which the authorisationsmarketing authorizations are held. In accordance with the applicable legislation, each Member StateE.U. member state has established a pharmacovigilance system for the collection and evaluation of information relevant to the benefit to risk balance of medicinal products. The competentregulatory authority continuallyregularly monitors the safety profile of the products available on its territory and takes appropriate action where necessary and monitors the compliance of marketing authorisationauthorization holders with their obligations with respect to pharmacovigilance. All relevant information should beis shared between the competentregulatory authorities and the marketing authorization holder, in order to allow all parties involved in pharmacovigilance activities to assumefulfill their obligations and responsibilities. The principal mandate of the CHMP’s Pharmacovigilance Working Party is to provide a forum for dialogue between Member States on pharmacovigilance and to review safety issues at the request of the competent authorities, for centrally authorized products and products undergoing a referral.

              

      Following a routine inspection of the sanofi-aventis U.S. site in Bridgewater during April and May 2010, the FDA issued a warning letter citing inadequate procedures for the surveillance, receipt, evaluation and reporting of adverse events in a timely manner, and failure to include all required postmarketing studies in NDA Annual Reports to the agency. The warning letter is specific to reporting processes and timeframes, not to safety concerns with any specific medication. Sanofi-aventis has already been working to address the observation and is fully committed to ensure compliance with all reporting requirements.

      In 2010, new legislation aimed at improving patient protection by strengthening and rationalizing the CommunityE.U. system for the safety monitoring of medicines was approved. In July 2012, Pharmacovigilance System was approved, which will be enforced in July 2012.legislation came into force, with significant impacts on the regulatory environment. Changes include the creation of a strengthenednew scientific advisory committee, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) at EMA level, with a key role in recommendation/advice on product safety issues. This committee, which includes a patient representative, can hold public hearings. Since its introduction in the second quarter of 2012 the PRAC has initiated reviews of products with subsequent regulatory actions leading to harmonization of the labeling. For instance several Sanofi products including zolpidem, clopidogrel, and insulin glargine are currently under review.

              The Pharmacovigilance legislation also strengthens the legal basis for regulators to require post-authorization safety and efficacy studies throughout the life cycle of a medicinal product, with regulatory supervision of protocols and results. Such studies are aimed at collecting data to enable the safety or efficacy of medicinal product. An additional scientific committee called the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee, with a key role in pharmacovigilance assessments (scope: all marketed drugs in the EU), isproducts to be established at the levelassessed in everyday medical practice. The granting of the EMA. This committee, which includes a patient representative, can hold public hearings.

      Implementation of this pharmacovigilance legislationmarketing authorization will be a particular priority in light ofconditional on such studies being performed. Consequently, the Mediator affair that has caused uproar in France. Given AFSSAPS’ stature as a leading regulatory agency, as well as the way the European regulatory network is organized, (with national agencies that are closely entwined with the EMA through their experts’ membership of the EMA’s various scientific committees and groups), it is possible the affair will have EU repercussions.

      AFSSAPS’ failures were highlighted in the report by the French Health Ministry’s General Inspectorate of Social Affairs (IGAS). The French Health Minister has outlined a radical set of proposals for AFSSAPS. More input will come from the parliamentary inquiry with a report expected in June, and from a wide consultation on the reform of the regulatory and pharmacovigilance system to be held with results expected in May.

      Some of the measures identified by the French Health Minister are already being addressed in the EU legislation, while others will have broader implications:

      Strengthening policy on conflicts of interest. This was actioned by the EMA in 2010. It can be expected that national agenciespharmaceutical industry will have to examine their own proceduresbuild the need for post-authorization safety studies (PASS) and post-authorization efficacy studies (PAES) into development and life cycle management plans. As of today, no PASS or PAES has been requested to see if they could be improved.

      Sanofi.

      Funding system of regulatory authorities.        The Pharmacovigilance legislation also introduces a new periodic safety report prepared by the companies. This is no longer limited to safety data, but instead presents a key issue for national agencies but also forcritical analysis of the EMA.

      Ongoing safety monitoring and life-cycle management approach to monitoringrisk-benefit balance of the benefit:risk profile. In its Roadmap to 2015, the EMA calls for a continuous benefit:risk assessment throughout a product’s life-cycle. It can be expected that this objective will be implemented with a high priority at the EU level. Themedicinal product, taking into account new Pharmacovigilance legislation gives the legal basis for enforcing this life cycle approach, with the power to request Post Authorization Safety and Efficacy Studies at any time.

      New products submitted for approval to be at least equivalent to a product already on the market. This idea which appears to be more radical than the others, would in reality be more in line with the current tendency of companies to conduct more active control clinical studies.

      Other relevant aspectsor emerging information in the EU regulatory framework are the following:

      The “sunset clause” is a provision leading to the cessationcontext of the validity of any marketing authorization which is not followed by marketing within 3 years or not remaining on the market for a consecutive 3 year period.

      Generic products are subject to a harmonized procedure in all countries of the European Union. A generic product should contain the same active medicinal substance as an originator product. Generic applications are abridged: generic manufacturers only need to submit quality data and demonstrate that the generic drug is “bioequivalent” to the originator product (i.e., works in the same way in the patient’s body), but with no need to submit safety or efficacy data since regulatory authorities can refer to the originator product’s dossier. Generic product applications can be filed and approved in the European Union only after the eight year data exclusivity period of the originator product has expired. Further, generic manufacturers can only market their generic products after a 10- or 11-year period from the date of approval of the originator product has elapsed.

      The EMA has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at improving the transparency of its activities, such as the publication of the European Public Assessment Report, which contains product approvals, withdrawals and rejections. In addition, there is an increased focus on comparative effectiveness. New initiatives have been proposed with regard to the disclosure ofcumulative information on marketing authorization applications; meanwhile,risks and benefits.

              In the EMA has become more proactive on the disclosure of documents/information throughout the product lifecycle, with an emphasis on safety related data. In addition, patients and consumers are increasingly involved in the work of the EMA’s scientific committees.

      A regulation in pediatric development came into force in January 2007. It is aimed at promoting the development of drugs well adapted to children and ensuring safe use in the pediatric population. Incentives are proposed such as extension of SPC (Supplementary Protection Certificate) or data protection for PUMA (Pediatric Use Marketing Authorization).

      A new regulatory framework has been implemented covering Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). This new legislation provides specific requirements for the approval, supervision and pharmacovigilance of ATMPs. A new scientific committee — the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) — has been established within the EMA to play a central role in the scientific assessment of ATMPs.

      An additional regulatory change relates to variations in marketing authorizations with a view to rendering the whole system for post-authorization activities simpler, clearer and more flexible without compromising public health.

      International collaboration between regulatory authorities continues to develop with implementation of confidentiality arrangements between ICH regulatory authorities, and with non-ICH regulatory authorities. Examples include work-sharing on Good Clinical Practices (GCP) inspections between the United States and the European Union, as well as creating permanent representatives from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Japanese Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) now based in London, and a corresponding permanent representative from EMA at the FDA.

      In the United States,, applications for drug and biological approval are submitted for review to the FDA, which has broad regulatory powers over all pharmaceutical and biological products that are intended for U.S. sale and marketing.marketing in the U.S. To commercialize a product in the U.S., a New Drug Application (NDA) under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic

      (FD&C) Act or Biological License Application (BLA) under the Public Health Service (PHS) Act is submitted to the FDA with data for filing and pre-market review. Specifically, the FDA must decide whether the product is safe and effective for its proposed use, if the benefits of the drug’sdrug's use outweigh its risks, whether the drug’sdrug's labeling is adequate, and if the manufacturing of the drug and the controls used for maintaining quality are adequate to preserve the drug’sdrug's identity, strength, quality and purity. Based upon this review, the FDA can require post-approval commitments.commitments and requirements. Approval for a new indication of a previously approved product requires the submission of a supplemental NDA (sNDA) for a drug or supplemental BLA (sBLA) for a biological product.

              The FD&C Act provides another abbreviated option for NDA approved products, called the 505(b)(2) pathway. This pre-market application may rely on the FDA finding that the reference product has been found to be safe and effective by the FDA based upon the innovator's preclinical and clinical data.

      In the United States,        Sponsors wishing to market a generic drug manufacturers maycan file an Abbreviated NDA (ANDA) under 505(j) of the FD&C Act. These applications are “abbreviated”"abbreviated" because they are generally not required to include data to establish safety and effectiveness, but need only demonstrate that their product is bioequivalent (i.e., performs in humans in the same manner as the originator’soriginator's product). Consequently, the length of time and cost required for development of generics can be considerably less than for the originator’soriginator's drug. With effect from October 1, 2012 (FDASIA — GDUFA), an application for a generic drug product requires a user fee payment. User fees for generic drug applications are necessary to help alleviate the backlog of applications at the Office of Generics Drugs (OGD). The


      current review time for an ANDA exceeds 30 months. The ANDA pathway in the United States can only be used for NDAgenerics of drugs approved drugs under the FD&C Act.

              The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010, amends the Public Health Service Act to create an abbreviated licensure pathway (351k) for biological products that are demonstrated to be "biosimilar" to or "interchangeable" with an FDA-licensed biological product. As of January 1, 2013, no sponsor has submitted a 351k application to the FDA for review.

              On July 9, 2012, President Obama signed into law the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA), which primarily amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and notPublic Health Service Act. In addition to reauthorizing and amending several drug and medical device provisions that were scheduled to expire, the new law establishes new user fee statutes for BLA approved biological products undergeneric drugs and biosimilars. FDASIA also provides the FDA with tools intended to expedite the development and review of innovative new medicines that address certain unmet medical needs, and with new authority concerning drug shortages, among other things. The law significantly changes the FDC Act and the PHS Act.Act in several respects that will have considerable short- and long-term effects on the regulated industry.

              FDASIA includes 11 titles, the first five of which concern drug and medical device user fee and pediatric-related programs. FDASIA § 501 makes permanent both the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and Pediatric Research Equity Act by eliminating the "sunset" provision of the BPCA and a related PREA provision. Title VI includes changes to the law styled as medical device regulatory improvements. Title VII makes significant changes to enhance the FDA's inspection authority and the drug supply chain. Title VIII creates incentives to encourage the development of products for antibiotic-resistant infections. Title IX expands the scope of products that qualify for accelerated approval and creates a new "breakthrough therapy" program, among other things. Title X is intended to legislatively address the current drug shortage crisis. Finally, Title XI reauthorizes certain provisions created by the FDA Amendments Act of 2007, provides for the regulation of medical gases, and includes several miscellaneous provisions, such as provisions on prescription drug abuse, 180-day generic drug marketing exclusivity, citizen petitions, controlled substances, and nanotechnology to name a few.

      In Japan the, regulatory authorities can require local development studies, though they also accept multi-national studies. They can also request bridging studies to verify that foreign clinical data are applicable to Japanese patients and require data to determine the appropriateness of the dosages for Japanese patients. These additional procedures have created a significant delay in the registration of some innovative products in Japan compared to the European Union and the United States. In order to solve this drug-lag problem, the MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) introduced the new NHI (National Health Insurance) pricing system on a trial basis. Reductions in NHI prices of new drugs every two years are compensated by a "Premium" for a maximum of 15 years. A "Premium" is granted in exchange for the development of unproved drugs/off-label indications with high medical needs. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to conduct literatures-based submission within six months or start a clinical trial for registration within one year after the official request. Otherwise, NHI prices of all products of the manufacturer would be reduced dramatically. In addition, the regulatory authorities have begun to promote multinational studies.

              For new drugs and biosimilar products with approval applications submitted on or after April 2013, Japan will begin implementing a "Risk management plan", similar to the E.U. Pharmacogivilance system.

              For generic products, the data necessary for filing are similar to E.U. and U.S. requirements. Pharmaceutical companies only need to submit quality data, and data demonstrating bioequivalence to the originator product, unless the drug is administered intravenously.

      Focus on Biologics

              

      Products can be referred to as “biologics”"biologics" when they are derived from plant or animal tissues, including blood products or products manufactured within living cells (e.g., antibodies). Most biologics are complex molecules or mixtures of molecules which are difficult to characterize and require physico-chemical-biological testing, and an understanding of and control over the manufacturing process.


              

      The concept of “generics”"generics" is not scientifically appropriate for biologics due to their high level of complexity and therefore the concept of “biosimilar”"biosimilar" products is more appropriate. A full comparison of the purity, safety and efficacy of the biosimilar product against the reference biological product should be undertaken, including assessment of physical/chemical, biological, non-clinical and clinical similarity.

      In the European Union, a regulatory framework for developing and evaluating biosimilar products has been in place since November 2005. The CHMP has issued several product/disease specific guidelines for biosimilar products. In March 2009, the CHMP adopted a guidelineproducts including guidance on preclinical and clinical development of biosimilars of low molecular weight heparins. For example,heparins (LMWH). However, starting in Europe2011 and continuing in 2012, the EMA has initiated a potentialrevision of the majority of the existing biosimilar guidelines (general guidelines, as well as immunogenicity and product-related guidelines for recombinant insulin and LMWH). Two new guidelines on monoclonal antibodies and immunogenicity of monoclonal antibodies have also been issued; other product-related guidelines (follitropina andb interferon) are under preparation.

              In response to the European Commission's wish to stimulate the global development of biosimilars, biosimilar reference medicines sourced outside the European Economic Area will be allowed (the basis will always be a locally licensed product, candidate claimingbut 'Bridging studies' to another product licensed in another part of the world will be allowed). Currently in the E.U., the reference product for a biosimilar has to be biologically similarlicensed in the E.U. and therefore clinical trials have to Lovenox® must show therapeutic equivalencebe repeated in termsall three major markets (Japan, E.U. and U.S.). This important change will enter into force after the revision of efficacythe EU so-called "over-arching" biosimilar guideline, already under review and safetyexpected for early 2013.

              While the EMA has adopted so far a balanced approach for all biosimilars, which allows evaluation on a case-by-case basis in at least one adequately powered, randomized, double-blind, parallel group clinical trial.accordance with relevant biosimilar guidelines, it seems that there is some willingness to simplify the pathway in very specific circumstances. For a very simple biological fully characterized on the quality level, a biosimilar could be authorized based on a bioequivalence study combined only with an extensive quality package. With respect to vaccines, the CHMP has taken the position is that currently it is at present unlikely that these products may be characterized at the molecular level, and that each vaccine product must be evaluated on a case by casecase-by-case basis.

              

      In Japan, guidelines defining the regulatory approval pathway for follow-on biologics were finalized in March 2009. These guidelines set out the requirements on CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control), preclinical and clinical data to be considered for the development of the new application category of biosimilars. Unlike the CHMP guidelines, the main scope of the Japanese guidelines includes recombinant proteins and polypeptides, but not polysaccharides such as LMWH.

              In the United States, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, in particular Title VII, Subtitle A "Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act," was signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010, This law amends the Public Health Service Act to create an abbreviated licensure pathway (351k) for biological products that are demonstrated to be "biosimilar" to or "interchangeable" with an FDA-licensed biological product.

      For historical reasons        On February 15, 2012, the FDA published for consultation three draft guidance documents for biosimilar development: Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product, Quality Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Protein Product, and Biosimilars: Questions and Answers Regarding Implementation of the U.S., a few complex protein-based drugs have been approved as NDAs under theBiologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009. These guidance documents remain in draft format. A fourth document on clinical pharmacology has yet to be published.

              The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, (FD&C Act). It is currently possible to submit an abbreviated application (ANDA) with respect to those particular products (e.g., Lovenox®, Lantus®). Since an ANDA is not required to contain clinical trial data other than from bioequivalence studies, the appropriateness of an ANDA with respect to these NDA approved biological products raises significant scientific issues for the FDA.

      The FD&C Act provides another abbreviated option for NDA approved biological products, called the 505(b)(2) pathway. This pre-market application may refer to the FDA finding that the reference product has been found to be safe and effectiveas amended by the FDA based upon the innovator’s preclinical and clinical data.

      Lovenox® (enoxaparin) was approved as a drug by the FDA on March 29, 1993. Lovenox® was approved under Section 505(b)(1)Biosimilar User Fee Act of 2012 (Title IV of the FD&CFood and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, and not as a biologic under Section 351 of the Public Health

      Service Act, and therefore a biosimilar of the product was not possible. An abbreviated NDA (ANDA/generic) application was submitted to FDA August 2005 by Momenta/Sandoz under section 505(j) of the FFDCA. This application was approved July 2010; the generic product was approved as therapeutically equivalent to Lovenox®. Two other generic applications are believed to be pending with the FDA; one submitted by Teva and the other from Amphastar, both in 2003. Teva received a Minor Deficiency letter from the FDA on January 25, 2011 and has stated that it expects to answer those deficiencies in the near future.

      U.S. law now provides for a procedure for “biosimilar” versions of a reference product licensed as a biological under the PHS Act. Healthcare reform legislation entitled the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,”Law 112-144, which was signed into law by the President on March 30, 2010. Title VII, Subtitle A “Biologics Price CompetitionJuly 9, 2012), authorizes the FDA to assess and Innovation”, allowscollect user fees for the creation of a regulatory approval pathway for biosimilars and a litigation procedure for patent infringement lawsuits brought againstcertain activities in connection with biosimilar applicants. Previously, a biological product was defined underdevelopment, for certain applications and supplements for approval of biosimilar biological products, on establishments where approved biosimilar biological product products are made, and on biosimilar biological products after approval.

              At the PHS Act, Section 351, asDecember 2012 FDA-CMS meeting, the agency stated that they had received 50 requests for initial meetings with potential biosimilar sponsors to talk about development plans and conducted 34. The agency has now


      received 12 biosimilar INDs and has many other active programs with no IND submitted. Proposals have involved 12 reference products.

      Focus on Medical Devices

              In the E.U., the European Commission released its legislative proposal on medical devices on September 26, 2012. The new revised framework could enter into force by 2015, if approved at first reading.

              The main change of this proposal is the replacement of the current three directives by two regulations (one for medical devices and one forin-vitro medical devices).

              The objectives of the legislation are to simplify and strengthen the current E.U. legal framework by implementing a virus, therapeutic serum, toxin, antitoxin, vaccine, blood, blood componentrobust and transparent regulatory framework. The revision impacts the pre-market assessment of devices by strengthening the oversight of Notified Bodies (NBs), post-market safety and continuous assessment of NB compliance, and the management of the regulatory system (better coordination, transparency and communication). A "scrutiny procedure" (via a European decentralized approach) would be used for high-risk Class III devices (novel technologies or derivative, allergenic product or analogous product or arsphenamine or derivativespecific public health threats). The new revised framework also formally introduces the concept of arsphenamine (or any other trivalent organic arsenic compound)"companion diagnostic", applicablewhich is expected to deliver a more accurate definition of the prevention, treatment, or cure ofpatient population that will benefit from a disease or condition of human beings.given product.

              In addition, enhanced vigilance and post-market surveillance systems for medical devices, with greater harmonization of E.U. member states' market surveillance activities, are expected.

      In the U.S., Lovenox® is approved asin January 2011, the FDA announced a drug NDA (New Drug Application) underPlan of Action, which includes 36 specific actions, to modernize and improve the FD&C Act.FDA's premarket review of medical devices. In the two years since the FDA began implementing the plan, the speed and predictability of device review have improved for the first time in almost a decade, including significant reductions in the time it takes the FDA to review applications and the size of application backlogs. These results have been achieved even though the Plan of Action has not yet been fully implemented.

              The FDA has met almost all of its early implementation timelines. As implementation continues and the impact of the Plan grows over the next several years, the FDA expects performance on review times and reductions in backlogs to continue to improve. The new U.S. Biosimilars Law currently coversprocess improvements and resources made available by this year's reauthorization of the Medical Device User Fee Act (MDUFA III) will accelerate the FDA's ability to make premarket review of devices predictable, consistent, transparent, efficient, and timely.

              Recent biomedical breakthroughs are pushing medicine toward tailored therapeutics, or personalized medicine. This means an increase in the development of companion diagnostics. To address this issue, the FDA issued the draft guidance In Vitro Companion Diagnostic Devices on July 12, 2011, to communicate to industry how the FDA defines these devices and what the Agency's regulatory requirements are for them. The finalization of this guidance has been delayed.

      Focus on transparency and public access to documents

              Over the last two to three years the pharmaceutical industry has been subject to growing pressure for greater transparency about clinical trials (conduct and results). Regulatory authorities are also being pushed for more openness and transparency, for example by making more comprehensive disclosure about the rationale and basis of regulatory decisions on medicinal products, regulatedso as Biologics underto enhance the credibility of the regulatory process. This is a significant driver of the transparency initiatives undertaken in several countries.

              Pharmaceutical manufacturers have committed to publishing protocols and results of clinical studies performed with their products in publicly accessible registries. In addition, both ICH and non-ICH countries often impose mandatory disclosure of clinical trials information.

              From a regulatory perspective, ambitious initiatives have been undertaken by the major regulatory authorities.


              E.U. pharmaceutical legislation for medicinal products requires national regulatory authorities and the EMA to actively publish information concerning authorization and supervision of medicinal products. The EMA has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at improving the transparency of its activities, such as improving the format of the European Public Health Services (PHS) ActAssessment Report, web-published product approvals, withdrawals and thereforerejections. In addition, there is an increased focus on comparative efficacy and effectiveness. With the new E.U. pharmacovigilance legislation, there will be greater transparency, especially with regard to communication of safety issues (e.g. public hearings, specific European web-portals with information on medicinal products). Finally, patients and consumers are increasingly involved in the work of the EMA's scientific committees.

              The European regulators recently took a major step towards more openness and transparency by giving much wider access to documents originated by pharmaceutical companies and submitted to the regulatory authorities for scientific evaluation after a regulatory decision is taken. Whilst it is anticipated that these documents would be redacted before disclosure in order to protect information contained therein that cannot be disclosed (commercial confidential information or personal data), the draft document released in June 2011 for public consultation by the EMA and the Head of Medicines Agencies (HMA) gives a narrower definition of commercially confidential information and personal data within the context of the marketing authorization dossier. Consequently, the scope of the information accessible to the public has been considerably widened (e.g., clinical study reports in a marketing authorization dossier, but also a significant portion of non-clinical test data).

              During the second half of 2012 the EMA informed stakeholders about its intention to implement by January 2014 the previously announced proactive policy for public disclosure of raw data from clinical trials that are included in marketing authorization dossiers of approved medicinal products.

              Protection of patients' personal data, data format definition and document redaction, rules of engagement for third parties willing to conduct new analyses on data files, legal aspects about risk of infringement of commercially confidential information are among the main ethical and technical issues to be overcome before the new transparency policy is enforced, and are to be discussed between the EMA and its stakeholders over the first part of 2013.

              The EMA does not routinely require raw data files as part of the submitted dossier, implying that this new policy will apply in particular to Lovenox® or other products approved as drugs.prospective submissions.

              In the highly competitive field of medicinal products, it is still necessary to reinforce the principle that non-innovators cannot obtain marketing authorization based solely on the originator's data released in the E.U. for as long as the data protection period is in force.

      Under        As of the newend of 2012, the E.U. disclosure policy appears more advanced than that in other major markets.

              In the U.S. law,, FDA Commissioner, Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, launched FDA's Transparency Initiative in June 2009, in response to President Obama's January 2009 "Open Government Initiative". The objective of the definition of “biological product” in section 351(i) is revisedinitiative was to include proteins, except any chemically synthesized polypeptide. In addition, this law describes how a “Biosimilar” product may be “highly similar”render the FDA much more transparent and open to the reference product “notwithstanding minor differencesAmerican public by providing the public with useful, user-friendly information about agency activities and decision-making.

              The FDA Transparency Initiative has three phases: Phase I — Improving the understanding of FDA basics (completed with ongoing updates); Phase II — Improving FDA's disclosure of information to the public (ongoing); and Phase III — Improving FDA's transparency to regulated industry (ongoing). Proposals to improve transparency and access to information were released for consultation for both Phase II (May 19, 2010) and Phase III (January 6, 2011). Some of the less controversial proposals have been implemented; others, such as proactive release of information that the Agency has in clinically inactive components”,its possession, may require revisions to U.S. federal regulations.


      Other new legislation proposed or pending implementation

              Clinical trials applications:    a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use, repealing Directive 2001/20/EC, was released in July 2012 with the following objectives:

        1)
        To establish a modern regulatory framework for submission, assessment and regulatory follow-up of applications for clinical trials, taking into account the multinational research environment. The goal is to reduce administrative burdens and operational costs, and cut lead times to launch clinical trials, insofar as they are caused by regulation.

        2)
        Regulatory requirements which there are “no clinically meaningful differences betweenadapted to practical considerations, constraints and needs, without compromising the biological productsafety, wellbeing and rights of participants in clinical trials and without compromising data robustness, with a goal of reducing administrative burdens and operational costs as regards two key regulatory requirements: the annual safety report and obligatory insurance/indemnification.

        3)
        Addressing the global dimension of clinical trials when ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP). The operational objective is to ensure that clinical trials conducted in non-EU countries comply with GCP.

              Discussions have begun on this proposal (2012/2013) and the reference productfinal regulation is expected to come into force by 2016.

              Overall, the replacement of Directive 2001/20/EC by a Regulation is expected to introduce a harmonized review pathway and timelines without interfering with Member States' competences in terms of safety, purityethical aspects. A single E.U. submission portal is expected to significantly streamline the review process and potencywill also allow increased transparency over the conduct and results of clinical trials.

              Falsified medicines:    implementation of Directive 2011/62/EU: The European Union (E.U.) has reformed the rules for importing into the E.U. active substances for medicinal products for human use. As of January 2, 2013, all imported active substances must have been manufactured in compliance with standards of good manufacturing practices (GMP) at least equivalent to the GMP of the product”.

      This law also stated that approvalE.U. The manufacturing standards in the EU for active substances are those of an application under section 351(k) may notthe "International Conference for Harmonisation" — ICH Q7. As of July 2, 2013, this compliance must be made effective until 12 years after the date on which the reference product was first licensed under section 351(a). The date on which the reference product was first licensed does not include the date of approval of: (1) a supplement for the biological product that is the reference product; (2) a subsequent applicationconfirmed in writing by the reference product sponsor or manufacturer for a change (other than a structural modification) that results in a new indication, route of administration, dosing schedule, dosage form, delivery system, delivery device, or strength for the previously licensed reference product; or (3) a subsequent application by the reference product sponsor or manufacturer for a modification to the structurecompetent authority of the reference productexporting country. This document must also confirm that does not resultthe plant where the active substance was manufactured is subject to control and enforcement of good manufacturing practices at least equivalent to that in a changethe E.U.

              In practice, the full implementation of Directive 2011/62/EU by July 2013 could generate temporary drug shortages in safety, purity, or potency.

      Other provisions of this new U.S. law state that ten years after enactment, certain “biological products” approved under section 505 of the FD&C ActE.U. in those cases where manufacturers will be deemed licensed under section 351 ofunable to supply the PHS Act. Prior to that time, the current legal interpretation is that they cannot be “reference products” for applications submitted under section 351(k) of the PHS Act. The new law also describes how a biological product that is shown to meet the new interchangeability standards, “may be substituted for the reference product without the intervention of the healthcare provider who prescribed the reference product”.

      required documentation.

      Pricing & Reimbursement

              

      Rising overall healthcare costs are leading to efforts to curb drug expenditures in most markets in which sanofi-aventisSanofi operates. Increasingly these efforts result in pricing and market access controls for pharmaceuticals. The nature and impact of these controls vary from country to country, but some common themes are reference pricing, systematic price reductions, formularies, volume limitations, patient co-pay requirements, and generic substitution. In addition, governments and third-party payers are increasingly demanding comparative / relative effectiveness data to support their decision making process. They are also increasing their utilization of emerging healthcare information technologies such as electronic prescribing and health records to enforce transparency and tight compliance with these regulations and controls. As a result, the environment in which pharmaceutical companies must operate in order to make their products available to patients and providers who need them continues to grow more complex each year.

      Significant changes in the Pharmaceutical/Healthcare environment emerged duringsince 2010:

        In the United States, 2010 was marked by theimplementation of health insurance and market reforms thatcontinued during 2012. These reforms are expected to lead to a large number of uninsured being covered by 2014, either through

          state aidprograms or mandatory coverage, with a system of fines for non-compliance. Theseenrollment in private plans. Cost-containment pressures affecting pharmaceuticals are also persisting in the public and private health care sectors.

        In Europe, emergency cost containment measures and reforms will also see the establishment of a health insurance exchange and the eventual closure of the “doughnut hole”introduced since 2010 in Medicare Part D.

      In Europe, several countries (including, Germany, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland) have introduced emergency cost containment measures and reforms, following economic crises, that led to a reduction in the price of marketed drugs andare being implemented. These will significantly affect the size of the pharmaceutical market. A number of Central and Eastern European countries are also implementing cost containment measures (Hungary, Slovakia, Poland). In parallel, Germany introduced a law that would effectively put an endthe full effect of the new German laws (end to the free-price-setting system through systematicsystem) has only just begun to see negative dividends for the industry. In 2011, France implemented numerous changes to pharmaceutical access. In addition, health technology assessmentseconomic assessment is now officially part of the price determination in countries such as France and pricing negotiations. And inSpain. Details of the United Kingdom, the new coalition government is looking to end the current Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS 2014) with a shift towardsUK value-based pricing with lessof drugs scheme are still to be finalized and it is not clear how or if the emphasis onof the Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) price-setting methods currently used by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

      will be diminished.

      In Asia, several countries have soughtJapan, along with the usual biennial price cuts (April 2012), the extension of price premiums for drug development and measures to increase patientencourage the access to medicines: in the Philippines, this is being achieved through direct price cuts whereas in China and Thailand, it is being achieved through healthcare expansion towards universal coverage in association with price rationalization, starting with cuts in the prices of drugs on the Essential Drug List in China.

      new medications have been announced.

              

      In Russia, healthcare expansion and price rationalization have also been the subject of legislative reforms.

      Regardless of the exact method, we believe that third-party payers will continue to act to curb the cost of pharmaceutical products. While the impact of these measures cannot be predicted with certainty, we are taking the necessary steps to defend the accessibility and price of our products in order to reflect the value of our innovative product offerings:

        We actively engage with our key stakeholders on the value of our products to them. These stakeholders  including physicians, patient groups, pharmacists, government authorities and third-party payers  can have a significant impact on the market accessibility of our products.



      We continue to add flexibility and adaptability to our operations so as to better prepare, diagnose, and address issues in individual markets.

              

      Keeping in mind the importance of recognizing the value of our products and the high cost of research and development, we continue to analyze innovative pricing and access strategies that balance patient accessibility with appropriate rewards for innovation. Specifically, we are involved in risk sharing agreements with payers, whereby part of the financial risk related to a treatment's success is carried by the marketing company. Those agreements usually foresee that the clinical efficacy of a drug is followed after its commercialization, for a specified period of time and patient population. The price and reimbursement level of the drug is then either confirmed or revised based on these post-marketing results.

      Insurance and Risk Coverage

              

      We are protected by four key insurance programs, relying not only on the traditional corporate insurance and reinsurance market but also on a mutual insurance company established by various pharmaceutical groups and our captive insurance company, Carraig Insurance Ltd (Carraig).

              

      These four key programs cover Property & Business Interruption, General & Product Liability, Stock and Transit, and Directors & Officers Liability.

              

      Our captive insurance company, Carraig, participates in our coverage for various lines of insurance mainly including excess property, stock and transit and general & product liability. Carraig is run under the supervision of the Irish regulatory authorities, is wholly ownedwholly-owned by sanofi-aventis,Sanofi, and has sufficient resources to meet thethose portions of our risks that it covers.has agreed to cover. It sets premiums for Group entities at market rates. Claims are assessed using the traditional models applied by insurance and reinsurance companies, and the company’scompany's reserves are regularly checkedverified and confirmed by independent actuaries.

              

      Our Property & Business Interruption program covers all Group entities worldwide, wherever it is possible to use a centralized program operated by our captive insurance company. This approach shares risk between

      Group entities, enabling us to set deductibles and guarantees that are appropriate to the needs of local entities. A further benefit of this program is that traditional insurance cover is supplemented by specialist cover, thanks to the involvement of an international mutual insurance company established by a number of pharmaceutical groups. It also incorporates a prevention program, including a comprehensive site visit program covering our production, storage, research and distribution facilities and standardized repair and maintenance procedures across all sites. Specialist


      site visits are conducted every year to address specific needs, such as testing of sprinkler systems or emergency plans to deal with flooding risks.

              

      The Stock and Transit program protects goods of all kindkinds owned by the Group that are in transit nationally or internationally, whatever the means of transport, and all our inventories wherever they are located. Sharing risk between Group entities means that we can set deductibles at appropriate levels, for instance differentiating between goods that require temperature controlled distribution and those that do not. We have developed a prevention program with our insurers,assistance from experts, implementing best practices in this area at our distribution sites. This program, which is led by our captive insurance company, has substantial capacity, largely to deal with the growth in sea freight which can lead to a concentration of value in a single ship.

              

      Our General Liability & Product Liability program has been renewed for all our subsidiaries worldwide wherever it was possible to do so, despite the increasing reluctance in the insurance and reinsurance market to cover product liability risks for large pharmaceutical groups. For several years, insurers have been reducing product liability cover because of the difficulty of insuring some products that have been subject to numerous claims. These products are excluded from the cover provided by insurers, and hence from the cover obtained by us on the insurance market. This applies to a few of our products, principally those described in Note D.22.a) to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 in this annual report. Because of these market conditions we have increased, year by year, the extent to which we self-insure.

              

      The principal risk exposure for our pharmaceutical products is covered with low deductibles at the country level, the greatest level of risk being retained by our captive insurance company. The level of risk self-insured by the Group  including our captive reinsurance company  enables us to retain control over the management and prevention of risk. Our negotiations with third-party insurers and reinsurers are tailored to our specific risks. In particular, they allow for differential treatment of products in the development phase, for the discrepancies in risk exposure between European countries and the United States, and for specific issues arising in certain jurisdictions. Coverage is adjusted every year in order to take into account the relative weight of new product liability risks, such as those emerging fromrelating to rare diseases with very low exposure or to healthcare products which aredo not subject to marketrequire marketing approval.

              

      Our cover for risks that are not specific to the pharmaceutical industry (general liability) is designed to address the potential impacts of our operations.

              

      In respect ofFor all lines of business of Carraig, outstanding claims are covered by provisions for the estimated cost of settling all claims incurred up to, but not paid at the balance sheet date, whether reported or not, together with all related claims handling expenses. Where there is sufficient data history from the company or from the market offor claims made and settlements,settled, management — with assistance from independent actuaries — prepares an incurred but not reported (IBNR) actuarial technique is developed by management with the assistance of expert external actuaries to determine a reasonable estimate of the captive’scompany's exposure to unassertedunreported claims for those risks.the risks covered. The actuaries perform an actuarial valuation of the company's IBNR loss(incurred but not reported) and ALAE (allocated loss adjustment expense) liabilities of the Company as ofat year end. Two ultimate loss projections (based upon reported losses and paid losses respectively) are computed each year using the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method are computed each year. Provisions are recorded on that basis.method; these projections form the basis for the provisions set.

              

      The Directors & Officers Liability program protects allthe legal entities under our legal entitiescontrol, and their directors and officers. Our captive insurance company is not involved in this program.

              The Group also operates other insurance programs, but these are of much lesser importance than those described above.

      These        All the insurance programs are backed by best-in-class insurers and reinsurers and are designed in such a way that we can integrate most newly-acquired businesses on a continuous basis. Our cover has been designed to reflect our risk profile and the capacity available in the insurance market. By centralizing our major programs, not only do we reduce costs, but we also provide world-class coverage for the entire Group.



      C. Organizational Structure

        Significant subsidiaries

              

      Sanofi-aventisSanofi is the holding company of a consolidated group of subsidiaries. The table below sets forth our significant subsidiaries and affiliates as of December 31, 2010.2012. For a complete list of the principal companies in our main consolidated subsidiaries,group, see Note F. to our consolidated financial statements, included in this annual report at Item 18.

      Significant Subsidiary or Affiliate
      Date of Incorporation
      Country of
      OrganizationIncorporation

      Principal Activity
      OwnershipFinancial
      and Voting
      Interest

       
      Aventis Inc.07/01/1998 United States Pharmaceuticals 100%
      Aventis Pharma S.A.09/24/1974 France Pharmaceuticals 100%
      Genzyme Corporation 11/21/1991United StatesPharmaceuticals100%
      Hoechst GmbH 07/08/1974Germany Pharmaceuticals 100%
      Merial Ltd08/01/1997 United Kingdom Animal Health 100%
      Merial S.A.S.  
      Sanofi-aventis Amérique du Nord S.A.S.02/25/1941 France Animal Health 100%
      Sanofi-Aventis Amérique du Nord S.A.S.  09/20/1985FrancePharmaceuticals100%
      Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH 06/30/1997Germany Pharmaceuticals 100%
      Sanofi-Aventis Europe S.A.S.  
      Sanofi-aventis Europe S.A.S.07/15/1996 France 100%
      Sanofi-aventis FranceFrancePharmaceuticals 100%
      Sanofi-aventis K.K.Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC Japan100%
      Sanofi-aventis Participations S.A.S.France100%
      Sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC06/28/2000 United States Pharmaceuticals 100%
      Sanofi Pasteur 02/08/1989FranceVaccines100%
      Sanofi-aventis U.S.Sanofi Pasteur Inc.01/18/1977 United States 100%
      Sanofi Pasteur Inc.United StatesVaccines 100%
      Sanofi Pasteur S.A.France100%
      Sanofi Winthrop Industrie 12/11/1972France Pharmaceuticals 100%
       

              Since 2009, we have transformed our Group through numerous acquisitions (see Item 4A "History and Development of the Company"), in particular those of Genzyme in April 2011 and Merial in September 2009. The financial effects of the Genzyme acquisition are presented in Note D.1.2. to our consolidated financial statements, included in this annual report at Item 18. The financial effects of the Merial acquisition are presented in Note D.1.3. to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in our annual report on Form 20-F for that year.

      Sanofi-aventis        In certain countries, we carry on some of our business operations through joint ventures with local partners. We have also entered into worldwide marketing arrangements. Two of our major products (Plavix® and Aprovel®) are marketed through an alliance with BMS, Actonel® is marketed through an alliance with Warner Chilcott, and Zaltrap® is marketed through an alliance with Regeneron. See "Item 5 — Financial Presentation of Alliances".

        Internal organization of activities

              Sanofi and its subsidiaries form a group, organized around twothree activities: Pharmaceutical productsPharmaceuticals, Human Vaccines (Vaccines) and Human Vaccines. The Group is also active in Animal Health through Merial.Health.

              

      The patents and trademarks of the pharmaceutical activity are primarily owned by the sanofi-aventis parent company, Aventis Pharma S.A. (France), Hoechst GmbH (Germany) and Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH (Germany).

      Within the Group, the holding company overseesresponsibility for research and development activities by defining(R&D) in their respective fields rests with Sanofi and Genzyme Corporation (Pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur and Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. (Vaccines), and Merial Ltd and Merial S.A.S. (Animal Health); these entities define strategic priorities coordinating work, and taking out industrial property rights under its own name and at its own expense. In order tocoordinate R&D efforts. To fulfill this role, sanofi-aventis subcontracts research and developmentthese entities subcontract R&D work to its specialized French and foreign subsidiaries in many cases licensing itsthat have the necessary resources. They also license patents, manufacturing know-how and trademarks.trademarks to certain French and foreign subsidiaries. In these cases, the licensee subsidiaries manufacture and distribute the Group’sGroup's products, either directly or via local distribution entities.


              Our industrial property rights, patents and trademarks are mainly held by the following companies:

        Pharmaceuticals: Sanofi, Aventis Pharma S.A. (France), Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH (Germany), Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC and Genzyme Corporation (United States).

        Vaccines: Sanofi Pasteur (France) and Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. (United States).

        Animal Health: Merial Ltd (United Kingdom) and Merial S.A.S. (France).

              For a description of our principal items of property, plant and equipment, see Item 4.D. "Property, Plant and Equipment". These assets are mainly held by Sanofi Pasteur, Genzyme Corporation, Sanofi Chimie, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and Sanofi Winthrop Industrie.

      In certain countries, sanofi-aventis carries out part of its business operations through ventures with local partners. In addition, the Group has signed worldwide alliances by which two of its products (Plavix®
      and Aprovel®) are marketed through an alliance with BMS (see “— Pharmaceutical Products — Main Pharmaceutical Products” above).

      For most Group subsidiaries, sanofi-aventis provides financing and centrally manages their cash surpluses. Under the alliance arrangement with BMS, cash surpluses and cash needs arising within alliance entities give rise to symmetrical monthly transfers between the two groups. The holding company also operates a centralized foreign exchange risk management system, which enters into positions to manage the operational risks of its main subsidiaries.

      D. Property, Plant and Equipment

      D.1. Overview

      Our headquarters are located in Paris, France. See “—"— Office Space”Space" below.

              

      We operate our business through officesoffice premises and research, production and logistics facilities in approximately 100 countries. Allcountries around the world. Our office premises house of all our support functions, operate out ofplus operational representatives from our office premises.subsidiaries and the Group.

              A breakdown of these sites by use and by ownership/leaseholdownership status (owned versus leasehold) is provided below. Breakdowns are based on surface area. All surface area figures are unaudited.

        Breakdown of sites by use*

      Industrial 50%63%
      Research 15%13%
      Offices 14%12%
      Logistics 6%7%
      VaccinesOther 11%
      Others4%5%

      *Excludes Vaccines entities. During 2010, our Vaccines business was still treated a separate unit, with its own offices and research, production and logistics facilities. In 2011, all premises occupied by sanofi pasteur will be incorporated into the Group’s global real estate portfolio, and allocated between the four uses shown in the table above.


      *
      Our Vaccines and Animal Health activities occupy offices and research, production and warehouse facilities. These sites are allocated between the first four categories in the table above as appropriate.

        Breakdown of the Group’s sites between owned and leasedby ownership status

      LeasedLeasehold 35%32%
      Owned 65%68%

              

      We own most of our research and development and production facilities, either freehold or under finance leases with a purchase option exercisable at expiration.

      expiration of the lease.

      Research and Development Sites: Pharmaceuticals segmentD.2. Description of our sites

        Sanofi industrial sites

              

      Research and Development activities are housedWe carry out our industrial production at 22 sites:

      8 operational sites in France, the largest in terms of built-on surface area in use being Vitry/Alfortville (approximately 105,000 m²), Montpellier (106,000 m2), Chilly/Longjumeau (114,000 m2) and Toulouse (60,500 m2);

      5 sites in other European countries (Germany, United Kingdom, Hungary, Spain and Italy), the largest being in Frankfurt, Germany (84,000 m2);

      6 sites in the United States, the largest being in Bridgewater, New Jersey (111,000 m2);

      1 site in Tokyo, Japan;

      2112 sites in China:nearly 40 countries (including 40 sites in emerging markets):

        82 sites for our Pharmaceuticals activity, including Genzyme;

        13 sites for the principal facilityindustrial operations of Sanofi Pasteur in Shanghai,vaccines;

        17 sites for the Animal Health activities of Merial.

      In 2012, we produced the following quantities:

        Pharmaceuticals: 3,520 million boxes produced and a Clinical Research Unitpackaged (4,117 including outsourced production) and for Genzyme, 9.1 million vials (42.7 million including outsourced production);

        Vaccines: 417 million containers prepared (451 million including outsourced production);

        Animal Health: 500 million doses of vaccines for all species other than avian, 90 billion doses of avian vaccines, and 1.7 billion units of pharmaceutical products (pipettes, pills, vials, syringes).

              We believe that our production facilities are in Beijing.compliance with all regulatory requirements, are properly maintained and are generally suitable for future needs. Nonetheless, we regularly inspect and evaluate these facilities with regard to environmental, health, safety and security matters, quality compliance and capacity utilization. For more information about our property, plant and equipment, see Note D.3 to the consolidated financial statements.

        Industrial Sites: Pharmaceuticals Segment

              

      Production of chemical and pharmaceutical products is the responsibility of our Industrial Affairs function, which is also in charge of most of our logistics facilities (distribution and storage centers).

              

      We have 75 industrial sites worldwide. The sites where theour major sanofi-aventis drugs, active ingredients, specialties and medical devices are manufactured are:

        France: Ambarès (Aprovel®, Depakine®, Multaq®), Aramon (irbesartan), Le Trait (Lovenox®), Lyon Gerland (Thymoglobulin®, Celsior®), Maisons-Alfort (Lovenox®), Neuville (dronedarone), Quetigny (Stilnox®, Plavix®), Sisteron (clopidogrel bisulfate, dronedarone, zolpidem tartrate), Tours (Stilnox®, Aprovel®, Xatral®), Vitry-sur Seine (docetaxel/aflibercept);

        Germany: Frankfurt (insulins, Ramipril®, Lantus®, Tritace®, medical devices, Apidra®);

        Ireland: Waterford (Myozyme®, Lumizyme®, Cholestagel®, Thymoglobulin®, Renagel®, Renvela®, and Cerezyme®);

        Italy: Scoppito (Tritace®, Amaryl®) and Anagni (Depakine®, Fasturtec®, Rifa antibiotic family);

        United Kingdom: Dagenham (Taxotere®, Eloxatine®, currently being transferred to Frankfurt in Germany), Fawdon (Plavix®, Aprovel®), Haverhill (sevelamer hydrochloride API (Renagel®), sevelamer carbonate API (Renvela®), Cerezyme®, Fabrazyme®, Thyrogen®, Myozyme®, etc), and Holmes Chapel (Nasacort®, Flutiform®);

        Hungary: Ujpest (irbesartan), Csanyikvölgy (Lovenox®);

        Japan: Kawagoe (Plavix®);

        United States: Kansas City (Allegra®, currently being transferred to Tours and Compiègne in France), and Chattanooga (Consumer Health Care products);

        Brazil: Suzano (Amaryl® and Novalgine®) and Campinas (generics);

        Mexico: Ocoyoacac (Flagyl®).

              

      France: Ambarès (Aprovel®, Depakine®, Multaq®), Le Trait (Lovenox®), Maisons-Alfort (Lovenox®), Neuville (dronedarone), Quetigny (Stilnox®, Plavix®), Sisteron (clopidogrel bisulfate, dronedarone, zolpidem tartrate), Tours (Stilnox®, Aprovel®, Xatral®), Vitry-sur Seine / Alfortville (docetaxel) ;

      Germany: Frankfurt (insulins, ramipril, Lantus®, Tritace®, pens, Apidra®);

      Italy: Scoppito (Tritace®, Amaryl®);

      United Kingdom: Dagenham (Taxotere®), Fawdon (Plavix®, Aprovel®); Holmes Chapel (Nasacort®);

      Hungary: Ujpest (irbesartan), Csanyikvölgy (Lovenox®);

      Japan: Kawagoe (Plavix®);

      United States: Kansas City (Allegra®), Chattem (consumer health products).

      The rare diseases specialist Genzyme became a Sanofi Pasteur Sitessubsidiary in April 2011. This acquisition expanded our presence in biotechnologies, especially rare diseases. Genzyme manages 11 production sites and works with more than 20 subcontractors to manufacture 22 commercial products over a broad range of technological platforms.

              Genzyme's sites are as follows:

        Belgium: Geel (alglucosidase alpha: Myozyme®/Lumizyme®);

        United States: Allston (Cerezyme®, Fabrazyme®); Framingham (Fabrazyme®, Myozyme®, Thyrogen®, Seprafilm, Hyaluronic Acid); Cambridge (Carticel®, Epicel®, MACI® (Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation); Ridgefield (Synvisc®, Hectorol®, Mozobil®, Jonexa®, Prevelle®); and Lynnwood, Washington (Leukine®), a former Bayer Healthcare site;

        Australia: Perth (MACI®);

        Denmark: Copenhagen (MACI®).

        Industrial Sites: Vaccines (Sanofi Pasteur)

      The headquarters of our Vaccines division, sanofi pasteur,Sanofi Pasteur, are located in Lyon, France. Sanofi Pasteur’sPasteur has production and/or Research and DevelopmentR&D sites are located inat Swiftwater, Cambridge, Rockville, Canton and Orlando (United States),; Toronto, (Canada),; Marcy l’Etoilel'Étoile, Neuville and Val de Reuil (France),; Shenzhen (China),; Pilar (Argentina),; Chachoengsao (Thailand),; Hyderabad (India); and Hyderabad (India).Ocoyoacac (Mexico.)

              

      In May 2009, sanofi aventis launched thewe began construction of a new sanofi pasteur vaccine manufacturing center inat our Neuville-sur-Saône site in France. TheThis €300 million investment, of 350 million euros, the largest ever made by sanofi-aventis, takes place on an exisiting sanofi-aventis site. The objectiveSanofi, is intended to progressivelygradually transition the existing chemical activity to vaccine production.production from 2013 onwards.

              

      In 2010, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur acquired VaxDesign, a U.S. company located in Orlando, Florida. VaxDesign’sVaxDesign's Modular IMmune In-vitro Construct (MIMIC®(MIMIC®) System is designed to capture genetic and environmental diversity and predict human immune responses. The MIMIC®MIMIC® platform is expected to accelerate vaccine development, reducedreduce time to market and increased probability ofincrease success rates in the pre-clinical and clinical stages.

              

      We own most of sanofi pasteur’sSanofi Pasteur owns its Research and Development and production sites, either freehold or under finance leases with a purchase option exercisable at expiration.expiration of the lease.

        Industrial Sites: Animal Health (Merial)

              Since Merck and Sanofi announced in March 2011 that they were maintaining separate activities in the field of animal health, Merial has become a dedicated Sanofi division. Merial has 17 industrial sites in nine different countries, 9 R&D sites, and numerous administrative offices including its headquarters at Lyon, France.

              Merial industrial sites are as follows:

        Brazil: Paulinia (avermectin-based pharmaceutical products, and vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease and rabies);

        China: Nanchang (live avian vaccines) and Nanjing (inactivated avian vaccines);

        France: Toulouse (Frontline® and clostridial vaccines), St-Priest LPA (vaccines), Lyon Gerland, Saint-Herblon (Coophavet), Lentilly (packaging);

        Italy: Noventa (inactivated avian vaccines);

        Netherlands: Lelystad (antigen and vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease);

        Uruguay: Montevideo (primarily anti-clostridium antigens);

        United Kingdom: Pirbright (antigens and vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease);

        United States: dedicated facilities for Merial's avian vaccines at Berlin (Maryland), Gainesville (Georgia) and Raleigh (North Carolina); dedicated facility for mammal viral and bacterial vaccines at Athens (Georgia); and dedicated facility for autogenous bovine and swine vaccines at Worthington (Minnesota);

        New Zealand: Ancare facility, Auckland (pharmaceutical products, mainly for the bovine market).

        Merial SitesResearch & Development sites: Pharmaceuticals

              Research and Development activities are conducted at 15 sites:

        6 operational sites in France: Chilly/Longjumeau, Montpellier, Paris, Strasbourg, Toulouse and Vitry/Alfortville;

        2 sites in the rest of Europe (Germany and the Netherlands), the largest of which is in Frankfurt (Germany);

        5 sites in the United States, the largest being the Bridgewater, Cambridge and Framingham sites;

        2 sites in Asia with 1 clinical research unit in Beijing, China and 1 unit in Japan.

      D.3. Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

              

      BecauseThe carrying amount of our property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2012 was €10,578 million. During 2012, we intend to contribute Merial to a joint venture in 2011 and consequently lose our exclusive controlinvested €1,351 million (see Note D.8.1D.3. to our consolidated financial statements, included at Item 18 of this annual report) we have not included Merial sites in the discussion included at this “Item 4. Information on the Company — D. Property, Plant and Equipment” notwithstanding the fact that on December 31, 2010, Merial was a wholly owned subsidiary of sanofi-aventis. Merial has 16 industrial sites, 9 research and development sites and numerous administrative offices with its principal headquarters located at Lyon (France) and Duluth (United States).

      Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

      The carrying amount of our property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2010 was €8,155 million. During 2010, we invested €1,199 million (see Note D.3. to the consolidated financial statements) in increasing capacity and improving productivity at our various production and R&D sites.

              

      The Group’sOur principal capital expenditures and divestments for 2008, 2009divestitures in 2010, 2011 and 20102012 are set outdescribed in this annual report at “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Divestments”, “— Acquisitions” and “— Liquidity and Capital Resources” andNotes D.1. ("Impact of changes in the notes to the consolidated financial statements (Note D.1.scope of consolidation"), Note D.2. ("Merial"), Note D.3. ("Property, plant and Noteequipment") and D.4. ("Goodwill and other intangible assets") to our consolidated financial statements, included at Item 18 of this annual report).report.

              

      Our principal investments in progress are described below:

      In Europe, we continued to optimize our industrial facilities, in particular by investing in two new Lantus® production lines at the Frankfurt site and acquiring the Diabel manufacturing site from Pfizer to strengthen our insulin production capacity. We invested in the Brindisi (Italy) site to expand its production of spiramycin, the active ingredient of the antibiotic Rovamycin® . In the United States, we are investing ahead of the launch of epiCard®, a gas powered single dose, single use auto-injector with audible user instructions for the injection of Epinephrine®, indicated for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions.

      We have also begun the Biolaunch project, designed to convert our chemical facilities to biotechnologies, with a project to create a monoclonal antibody production facility at our Vitry-sur-Seine site in France from 2012, plus investments in the creation of a new innovative biosynthetic process at the Elbeuf and Vertolaye industrial sites, in order to improve our corticosteroid production competitiveness at a global level.

      In Emerging Markets, we currently rely on industrial sites dedicated to serving regional markets, a situation reinforced by our 2009 acquisitions (Zentiva in Eastern Europe and Medley in Brazil). In

      China, the project to extend our current manufacturing facility located at the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area will enable us to install assembly and packaging lines for SoloSTAR®, the pre-filled injection pen used to administer Lantus® (insulin glargine). In Hangzhou (China), we are building a new manufacturing site to replace the current manufacturing facility in downtown Hangzhou. The new site is scheduled to be completed in 2012. In Russia, the Orel insulin factory, recently acquired following the deal with Bioton Vostok, is a key element of our strategy to improve and improve and accelerate our access to the fast-growing Russian market. In Latin America, we are expanding our manufacturing operations in Argentina, where we already have a factory producing vaccines with the acquisition of the Merck Schering Plough site in Mirador (Buenos Aires).

      Our Vaccines segment has invested significantly in recent years, with the construction of a state-of-the-art research facility in Toronto (Canada); the creation of a new vaccines campus in Neuville (France); the construction of bulk and filling facilities in Val de Reuil (France) and a bacteriological bulk facility in Marcy l’Étoile (France); the creation of two new influenza vaccine facilities in Shenzhen (China) and Ocoyoacac (Mexico); and the completion of bulk and filling facilities in Swiftwater (United States), mainly dedicated to influenza and meningitis vaccines.

      Other investments related mainly to Research & Development sites.

      As of December 31, 2010,2012, our firm orders related tocommitments in respect of future capital expenditureexpenditures amounted to €321€323 million. TheyThe principal sites involved were mainly related to(for the followingPharmaceuticals activity) the industrial sites:facilities at Frankfurt (Germany), Framingham and Allston (United States), Vertolaye (France), and in Hungary; and for the Vaccines activity, the facility at Swiftwater (United States) and Marcy L’Etoile for the vaccines activity, and Vitry (France) and Frankfurt (Germany) for the pharmaceuticals activity..

              

      In the medium term and on a constant structure basis,assuming no changes in the scope of consolidation, we expect our yearlyto invest on average capital expenditure to be€1.4 billion a year in the range of €1.4 billion.property, plant and equipment. We believe that our existingown cash resources and unusedthe undrawn portion of our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to financefund these investments.expenditures.

              Our principal ongoing investments are described below. During 2012, our industrial network actively contributed to the development of our seven growth platforms: Emerging Markets, Diabetes Solutions, Consumer Health Care, New Genzyme and Other Innovative Products (all of which are part of our Pharmaceuticals activity), Vaccines, and Animal Health.

        Pharmaceuticals

        In ourDiabetes Solutions growth platform, the Frankfurt site — the principal manufacturing center for Sanofi Diabetes products — is being equipped with a new aseptic processing area that uses isolator technology to significantly improve the aseptic filling process. This investment will be operational in 2016. The Sanofi Diabetes industrial network is expanding its footprint in emerging markets, both in Russia and in China (Beijing), where a new facility inaugurated in 2012 has begun assembly and packaging ofSoloSTAR®, the pre-filled injection system forLantus®.

        Our industrial pharmaceutical operations for theConsumer Health Care platform are based on four growth hubs: in Europe, Asia (where a new consumer products facility at Hangzhou in China with a production capacity of 3 billion pills will be operational early in 2013), South America, and the United States (focused on the Chattem site in Tennessee, which in 2012 led preparations for the U.S. launch of the pediatric oral suspension formulation of Allegra®). The industrial development teams also contributed to over 30 new launches of consumer products during 2012, expanding our presence in this highly competitive market.

        In theOther Innovative Products platform, our industrial teams are pooling their expertise to develop ever more sophisticated processes. Three dedicated biotech hubs are being developed in Europe at Frankfurt (Germany); Vitry-sur-Seine (France), our biggest integrated cell culture facility, which in 2012 produced the first technical batches ofaflibercept (the active ingredient ofZaltrap®); and Lyon Gerland (France), a new world center dedicated to the production ofthymoglobulin® for the prevention and treatment of transplant rejection. During 2012, our teams at Lyon prepared a dossier for the healthcare authorities as part of the process of transferring production to this site.

        The development of ourEmerging Markets platform is built on a network of over 30 regional and local industrial sites in 20 countries, supporting growth in these markets. In addition to our recent investments in China in Diabetes and Consumer Health Care, a number of other projects are under way. In the Middle

          East, 2012 saw Sanofi lay the foundation stone for a facility in Saudi Arabia that will produce solid pharmaceutical formulations, which will be marketed from 2015. In Latin America, where we already have a large industrial footprint, we are building a dedicated hormonal products facility in Brasilia. Also during 2012, the Ankleshwar Pharma site in Gujarat State (India) handled packaging and quality control through to release of the first commercial batches ofAllSTAR™, the first high-quality affordable insulin pen specifically intended for the local market. The Goa site (India) invested to extend its solid formulation production capacity to around 2.5 billion pills a year. And in Algeria, Sanofi signed an agreement with the local authorities for a major industrial investment that will lead to the construction of our biggest industrial complex in the Africa-Middle East region.

        The industrial network of our Pharmaceuticals activity continued throughout 2012 with the roll-out of the economic performance improvement plan launched in 2011. This plan is intended to deliver performance standards commensurate with the diversity of our pharmaceuticals businesses and markets, and to meet the industrial challenges ahead to 2020. Our Industrial Affairs department is constantly adapting to market needs, as a result of which a number of sites are in the process of sale or closure, such as Kansas City (United States), Dagenham and Fawdon (United Kingdom), Romainville (France), and Hlohovec (Slovakia).

        The industrial network of theNew Genzyme growth platform is predominantly located in the United States where major investments are under way, especially at the Framingham Biologics site, which was approved by the FDA and the EMA in 2012 for the manufacture of Fabrazyme® (Fabry disease). The site at Allston (Massachusetts) has initiated a major investment program in connection with the implementation of its compliance remediation workplan, approved by the FDA in January 2012. Finally, the Bayer Healthcare facility at Lynnwood (Washington), specializing in the manufacture of Leukine®, joined the Genzyme industrial network in 2012.

        Vaccines (Sanofi Pasteur)

      Sanofi Pasteur is undergoing a major investment phase, particularly the new dedicated dengue fever vaccine facility at Neuville (France), which will produce its first batches in 2014. Two new dedicated influenza vaccine facilities are in the start-up phase: Shenzhen (China) is currently testing its production processes, while Ocoyoacac (Mexico) was approved by the Mexican authorities at the start of 2012 and began production in time for the Mexican influenza vaccination program in September 2012. In response to observations made by the FDA during routine inspections conducted in 2012 in Toronto (Canada) and Marcy l'Etoile (France), Sanofi Pasteur initiated a compliance program to address the quality issues identified.

        Animal Health (Merial)

      Merial is adapting its industrial capacity to keep pace with the growing animal health market. In 2012, Merial acquired Newport Laboratories, which has an autogenous vaccine production facility at Worthington, Minnesota (United States). In China, Merial is investing in a new site in the Nanchang high-tech development zone, in order to service future growth in vaccines for avian and other species in the local market. In Europe, a substantial portion of the investment in recent years has been directed at the transfer of vaccine production from Lyon Gerland (France) to a new site nearby at Saint Priest (Lyon Porte des Alpes). At the Toulouse site (France), Merial is adapting its production capacity to new products by investing in a packaging line for use in the manufacturing ofCertifect® (compliant with European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) and in a building for the production of the injectable form of Zactran®.

              Industrial innovation was a key theme in 2012. The fourth "Innovation Trophy" awards again illustrated the striking progress being made in this area, which we regard as a top priority in our industrial strategy. The2012 Pierre Potier Prize was awarded to the Chemicals and Biotechnology teams, who developed an innovative industrial process for the production of artemisinin, the basis for antimalarial drugs. Investment is ongoing in the installation of an innovative biosynthesis process at two French sites, Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf (Seine Maritime) and Vertolaye (Puy de Dôme), with the aim of improving the international competitiveness of our corticosteroid production.


      D.4. Office Space

              

      As part of the rationalization of our office sites in the Paris region of France, we have since mid-2009 been reviewingcarrying out a medium-term review of our medium-term office space master plan for the Greater Paris area.

              This review is expected towill result in all our CorporateGroup support functions and Operating Division support functionsoperating divisions being housed on a smaller number of sites (five(5 in 2011, when2012 on completion of phase 1, is implemented)and 3 by 2015). All of these sites will meet environmental certification standards, and offer cost-effective space solutions. The first step in the master plan was the closure of our offices on the Quai de la Rapée in the 12tharrondissement of Paris.

      We have also chosen our new corporate headquarters in the Rue La Boétie, in the 8tharrondissement of Paris, at the heart of the city’s business district. This headquarters building will bring all our Corporate and Operating Division support functions together on a single site, symbolizing the transformation of sanofi-aventis.

      All of our research and development support functions will be housed on our Chilly Mazarin site (once the existing laboratory premises have been converted for office use) and on our Vitry site.

      Finally, our current corporate headquarters at 174 avenue de France in the 13tharrondissement of Paris will be closed at end 2011, along with the adjacent site at 182 avenue de France and our Val de Bièvre site at Gentilly.

      The second phase of the Greater Paris office space master plan is currently under consideration, the aim being to reduce the overall area in use and the overall cost of operation.

      Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

              

      N/A



      Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

              

      You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this annual report at Item 18.

              

      Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and with IFRS adopted by the European Union as of December 31, 2010.2012.

              

      The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. See “ Cautionary"Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”Statements" at the beginning of this document.

              Unless otherwise stated, all change figures in this item are given on a reported basis.

      20102012 Overview

              

      Throughout 2010, sanofi-aventisDuring 2012, we continued to implement its transformationfollow the strategic direction established in 2008 and sustainableto pursue the objectives for 2012-2015 announced in September 2011 and reiterated in February 2013. The thrust of these objectives is fourfold: grow a global healthcare leader with synergistic platforms, bring innovative products to market, seize value-enhancing growth strategy. Despite sales erosionopportunities, and adapt our structure for somefuture challenges and opportunities.

              Our 2012 full-year results were affected by the loss of our flagship products under pressure from generics, healthcare reformsexclusivity for Plavix® and Avapro® in the United States in the first half, and lower drug pricesby ongoing generic competition for our former flagship products. However, the erosion in Europe, we once again delivered a solid performanceour net sales and profitability was cushioned by reinforcing our growth platforms, pushing ahead with our transformation programthe contribution from Genzyme, and maintaining tight cost control.

              

      ConsolidatedOur 2012 net sales for the year reached €30,384€34,947 million, up 3.7% compared to 2009, down 0.8%4.7% higher than in 2011 (0.5% at constant exchange rates, (seesee definition at “—"— Presentation of Net Sales”Sales" below). Sales were, driven mainly by good performances from ourthe performance of the Emerging Markets, Diabetes, andVaccines, Consumer Health Care, Animal Health and Other Innovative Products growth platforms, which offsetby advances for the Generics business, and by the contribution from Genzyme (whose net sales have only been consolidated since April 2011). This performance was achieved in spite of the significant impact of competition from generics. Emerging Markets is nowgenerics, which cost us €1.2 billion in lost sales (€1.3 billion at constant exchange rates, see "— Impacts from generic competition" below), and the regionending of the co-promotion agreement with Teva on Copaxone®. Milestones for our research efforts during 2012 included the largest contributionlaunch of Zaltrap® (metastatic colorectal cancer) and Aubagio® (multiple sclerosis) in the United States.

              The ongoing realignment of our resources cut research and development expenses by 0.4% and limited the rise in selling and general expenses to consolidated1.8%, after including Genzyme's costs over the full year. Business net sales, edging outincome was €8,179 million, 7.0% lower than in 2011 on a reported basis, mainly due to the loss of exclusivity for Plavix® and Avapro® in the United States and Western Europe. Other highlights of 2010 included the launch of the anti-cancer drug Jevtana® in the United States, the ongoing worldwide rollout of the anti-arrhythmic Multaq®, and the introduction of the Intanza® and Fluzone® High Dose influenza vaccines.

      Ongoing measures to adapt our resources enabled us to reduce our research and development expenses and selling and general expenses by 6.2% and 1.2% respectively (at constant exchange rates). On a reported basis, they respectively decreased by 4.0% and increased by 3.3%. Together, these operating expenses represented 39.4% of our net sales, compared with 40.6% in 2009. Business net income was €9,215 million, 6.8% higher than in 2009 on a reported basis. This reflects sales growth and tight control over operating costs, plus an increased contributioncompetition from the Merial business and favorable trends in various currencies against the euro during the year.generics. Business earnings per share was €7.06, up€6.20, 6.8% compared to 2009 on a reported basis; on a diluted basis, business earnings per share was €7.04 (up 6.7%).lower than in 2011. Business net income and business earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures which our management uses to monitor our operational performance, and which are defined at “—"— Business Net Income”Income" below.

              

      Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis totaled €5,467Sanofi came to €4,967 million, 3.8% higher than in 2009.down 12.8% on 2011. Basic earnings per share for 2010 was €4.19, 4.0% higheramounted to €3.76, also 12.8% lower than in 2009;2011; diluted earnings per share for 2010 was €4.18 (up 3.7%)2012 were €3.74 (12.8% lower).

              

      Sanofi-aventisDuring 2012, we continued to set a lively pace in itswith our policy of targeted acquisitions and R&D alliance strategy. We successfully completed the acquisition of Chattem, Inc., one of the leading manufacturersalliances in research and distributors of branded consumer health products, toiletries and dietary supplements in the United States. Further additions to our Consumer Health Care platform came with the acquisition of Nepentes S.A. in Poland, the formation of a joint venture with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, and the acquisition of BMP Sunstone Corporation in China.development. In Generics, we set upannounced in October 2012 that we had signed an agreement to acquire Genfar S.A., a joint ventureColombian pharmaceutical company which is a key generics player not only in JapanColombia, but also in other Latin American countries. Closing of this acquisition is subject to certain conditions, and is expected to take place during the first half of 2013. In biosurgery, we acquired the U.S. medical devices company Pluromed, Inc. in April 2012. We strengthened our Animal Health division with Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co.the April 2012 acquisition of Newport Laboratories (a U.S. American producer of autogenous vaccines for the bovine and swine markets), Ltd.and by entering into an agreement to acquire the animal health division of Dosch Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd that will give Merial an entry point into the


      Indian market. We also entered into various alliances and licensing deals to extend or strengthen our existing research fields.

              In October 2012, Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that they were restructuring their alliance following the loss of exclusivity for Plavix® and Avapro®/Avalide® in many major markets. The new agreement, which took effect on January 1, 2013, returns the rights for Plavix® and Avapro®/Avalide® to Sanofi worldwide (except for the United States and Puerto Rico for Plavix®), thereby giving Sanofi exclusive control over these products and their commercialization.

              In August 2012, we acquired two R&D companies, TargeGensold our interest in Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher, in line with our desire to focus on strategic activities.

              As of December 31, 2012, we had reduced our debt, net of cash and VaxDesign Corporation. In Animal Health, we exercised our contractual rightcash equivalents to €7.7 billion, compared with €10.9 billion as of December 31, 2011. The Annual General Meeting of shareholders, to be held on May 3, 2013, will be asked to approve a dividend of €2.77 per share in March 2010 to combine Merial with the Intervet/Schering-Plough business to form a new joint venture equally owned by Merck and sanofi-aventis; closingrespect of the transaction is expected in 2011. In addition, we entered into2012 fiscal year, representing a significant numberpayout equivalent to 45% of collaboration and licensing agreements that give us access to new technologies and expand or bolster our existing research fields — especially in diabetes, oncology, vaccines, pain relief and fibrosis.business net income.

              

      While we continue our transformation process focusingremain focused on our growth platforms and cost containment,objectives for 2012-2015 announced in September 2011, we expect erosion from generic competition to accelerate,continue, with a negative impact on net income in 2011.

      In October 2010, sanofi-aventis initiated a tender offer2013 (see "— Impacts from generic competition" below). While we continue to acquire all outstanding sharessave costs, we expect that part of common stock of Genzyme Corporation (“Genzyme”). Genzyme is a leading U.S. biotechnology company specialized in rare diseases. On February 16, 2011, sanofi-aventis and Genzyme announced they had entered into a merger agreement providing for the acquisition of Genzyme by sanofi-aventis. The agreement is described at “Item 10.C. Material Contracts”. On the basis of 272.5 million Genzyme shares on a diluted basis, the improved offer price values Genzyme at approximately $20.1 billion, the majority of whichsavings will be financed through new debt. We will also issue contingent value rights, the terms of which are described at “Item 10.C. Material Contracts.” The acquisition remains subject to fulfillment of a number of conditions including acceptance of the offer by holders of a majority of shares of Genzyme common stock on a diluted basis.reinvested in product launches and late-stage clinical trials.

              

      Our operations generate significant cash flow. We recorded €9,759€8,171 million of net cash provided by operating activities in 20102012 compared to €8,515€9,319 million in 2009.2011. During the course of 2010,2012, we paid out €3.1€3.5 billion in dividends and repaid part of our debt. With respect to our financial position, we ended 20102012 with our debt, net of cash and cash equivalents (meaning the sum of short-term(see definition at "— Liquidity and long-term debt plus related interest rate and currency derivatives, minus cash and cash equivalents)Capital Resources" below) at €1,577€7,719 million (2009: €4,128(2011: €10,859 million). Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, is a non-GAAP financial measureindicator that is used by management and investors to measure the Company’sCompany's overall net indebtedness and to manage the Group's equity capital. In order to assess the Company’sCompany's financing risk, we also use a "gearing ratio", a non-GAAP financial measure, that we define as measured by its gearingthe ratio (debt,of debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, to total equity).equity. Our gearing ratio stood at 3.0%was 13.4% at the end of 20102012 versus 8.5%19.3% at the end of 2009.2011. See “—"— Liquidity and Capital ResourcesResources" below.


        Impacts from generic competition

              Some of our flagship products continued to experience sales erosion in 2012 due to generic competition. While we do not believe it is possible to state with certainty what level of net sales would have been achieved in the absence of generic competition, we are able to estimate the impact of generic competition for each product.

              A comparison of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (see "— Results of Operations — Consolidated Balance SheetYear Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011") shows that competition from generics was associated with a decline of €1.2 billion in net sales in 2012 (or €1.3 billion at constant exchange rates). The table below shows the impact by product.

      (€ million)
      Product

       2012
      Reported

       2011
      Reported

       Change on a
      reported basis

       Change on a
      reported basis
      (%)

       
        
      Plavix® Western Europe  285 (1) 406 (1) (121) -29.8% 
      Aprovel® Western Europe  542 (1) 718 (1) (176) -24.5% 
      Taxotere® Western Europe  53  189  (136) -72.0% 
        
      Eloxatine® U.S.   718  806  (88) -10.9% 
      Lovenox® U.S.   319  633  (314) -49.6% 
      Plavix® U.S.   76 (2) 196  (120) -61.2% 
      Aprovel® U.S.   45 (2) 49  (4) -8.2% 
      Taxotere® U.S.   53  243  (190) -78.2% 
      Ambien® U.S.   85  82  +3  +3.7% 
      Xatral® U.S.   20  75  (55) -73.3% 
      Nasacort® U.S.   21  54  (33) -61.1% 
      Xyzal® U.S.   6  13  (7) -53.8% 
      Allegra® U.S.   (1) 3  (4) -133.3% 
        
      Total  2,222  3,467  (1,245) -35.9% 
        
      (1)
      Excluding industrial sales (Plavix®: €22 million in 2012, €8 million in 2011; Aprovel®: €15 million in 2012, €35 million in 2011).
      (2)
      Sales of active ingredient to the BMS majority-owned entity in the United States.

              Despite the introduction of generics in the second half of 2012, Myslee® in Japan posted a 2.8% rise in net sales in 2012 (or a fall of 4.9% at constant exchange rates), to €292 million.

              We expect erosion from generic competition to continue in 2013, with a negative impact on net income. The following products are expected to be impacted by generics in 2013:

        products for which new generic competition can reasonably be expected in 2013 based on expiration dates, patents or other regulatory or commercial exclusivity: Allegra® in Japan;

        products for which generics competition began in 2012 and Debt” below.is expected to continue in 2013: Plavix®, Avapro® and Eloxatine® in the United States (net sales of Plavix® and Avapro® in the U.S. are not included in our consolidated net sales), Co-Aprovel® in Europe, and Myslee® and Taxotere® in Japan;

        products which already faced generic competition as of January 1, 2012, but for which 2013 sales can reasonably be expected to be subject to further erosion: Plavix®, Eloxatine®, Aprovel® and Taxotere® in Europe; and Lovenox®, Ambien®, Xyzal®, Taxotere®, Xatral® and Nasacort®in the U.S.

              Eloxatine® in the U.S. is a special case. This product was subject to generic competition for part of 2010 until a court ruling prevented further sales of unauthorized generics from June 2010 until August 9, 2012.

              In 2012, aggregate consolidated net sales generated by all the products in countries where generic competition currently exists or is expected in 2013 (excluding Plavix® and Avapro® in the U.S., and industrial sales of these two products worldwide) were €2,996 million, including €1,221 million in the U.S., €880 million in Europe and €


      895 million in Japan (Allegra®, Myslee® and Taxotere®). The negative impact on our 2013 net sales is liable to represent a substantial portion of this amount, but the actual impact will depend on a number of factors such as the actual launch dates of generic products in 2013, the prices at which they are sold, and potential litigation outcomes.

              In addition, the loss of Plavix® and Avapro® exclusivity in the U.S. in the first half of 2012 is expected to negatively impact our net income by €0.8 billion in 2013 relative to 2012. Although sales of Plavix® and Avapro® in the U.S. are not included in our consolidated net sales, these products nonetheless have an impact on our net income (see "— Financial Presentation of Alliances — Alliance Arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb" below for further explanations).

      Purchase Accounting Effects (primarily the acquisition of Aventis in 2004)

              

      Our results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2010,2012, December 31, 20092011 and December 31, 20082010 have been significantly affected by our August 2004 acquisition of Aventis and certain subsequent transactions.transactions, mainly our acquisition of Genzyme on April 4, 2011.

              

      The Aventis acquisition has given rise to significant amortization (€3,0701,489 million in 2010, €3,1752012, €1,788 million in 20092011, and €3,298€3,070 million in 2008)2010) and impairment of intangible assets (€127(reversals of €12 million in 2010, €3442012 and of €34 million in 20092011, and €1,486charges of €127 million in 2008)2010). The Genzyme acquisition has also given rise to amortization of intangible assets (€981 million in 2012 and €709 million in 2011) and impairment of intangible assets (€25 million in 2012 and €119 million in 2011).

              

      In order to isolate the impactpurchase accounting effects of theseall acquisitions and certain other items, we use as an evaluation tool a non-GAAP financial measure that we refer to as “business"business net income”income". For a further discussion and definition of “business"business net income”income", see “—"— Business Net Income”Income" below. For consistency of application of this principle, business net income also takes into account the impact of our subsequent acquisitions.

              

      Business net income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 20082010 is presented in “—"— Business Net Income”Income" below.

      Sources of Revenues and Expenses

      Revenue        Revenue..    Revenue arising from the sale of goods is presented in the income statement under “Net sales.”"Net sales". Net sales comprise revenue from sales of pharmaceutical products, human vaccines, animal health products and active ingredients, net of sales returns, of customer incentives and discounts, and of certain sales-based payments paid or payable to the healthcare authorities. Returns, discounts, incentives and rebates described above are recognized in the period in which the underlying sales are recognized, as a reduction of sales revenue. See Note B.14. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. We sell pharmaceutical products and human vaccines directly, through alliances, and through licensees throughout the world. When we sell products directly, we record sales revenues as part of our consolidated net sales. When we sell products through alliances, the revenues reflected in our consolidated financial statements are based on the overall level of sales of the products and on the arrangements governing those alliances. For more information about our alliances, see “—"— Financial Presentation of Alliances”Alliances" below. When we sell products through licensees, we receive royalty income that we record in “Other revenues.”"Other revenues". See Note C. to the consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

      Cost of SalesSales..    Our cost of sales consists primarily of the cost of purchasing active ingredients and raw materials, labor and other costs relating to our manufacturing activities, packaging materials, payments made

      under licensing agreements and distribution costs. We have license agreements under which we distribute products that are patented by other companies and license agreements under which other companies distribute products that we have patented. When we pay royalties, we record them in cost of sales, and when we receive royalties, we record them in “Other revenues”"Other revenues" as discussed above.

      Operating IncomeIncome..    Our operating income reflects our revenues, our cost of sales and the remainder of our operating expenses, the most significant of which are research and development expenses and selling and general expenses. For our business segments, we also measure our results of operations through an indicator referred to as “Business"Business Operating Income," which we describe below under “—"— Segment Information — Business Operating Income of Segments."


      Segment Information

        Operating Segments

              

      In accordance with IFRS 8 “Operating"Operating Segments," we have defined our segments as “Pharmaceuticals”"Pharmaceuticals", "Human Vaccines" (Vaccines) and “Human Vaccines” (Vaccines)"Animal Health". Our other identified segments are categorized as “Other”"Other".

              

      The Pharmaceuticals segment includes ourcovers research, development, production and salesmarketing of medicines, including activities relating to pharmaceuticalacquired with Genzyme. Sanofi's pharmaceuticals portfolio consists of flagship products, includingplus a broad range of prescription medicines, generic medicines, and consumer health care and generic products. This segment also includes equity affiliatesall associates and joint ventures with pharmaceutical businesswhose activities includingare related to pharmaceuticals, in particular the entities that are majority-heldmajority owned by BMS. See “—"— Financial Presentation of Alliances”Alliances" below.

              

      The Vaccines segment includes ouris wholly dedicated to vaccines, including research, development, production and sales activities relating to human vaccines.marketing. This segment also includes our Sanofi Pasteur MSD joint venture with Merck & Co., Inc. in Western Europe.

              The Animal Health segment comprises the research, development, production and marketing activities of Merial, which offers a complete range of medicines and vaccines for a wide variety of animal species.

      The Other segment includes all segmentsactivities that aredo not qualify as reportable segments under IFRS 8 including in"Operating Segments". In particular, this segment included our interest in the Yves Rocher group until the date of loss of significant influence (November 2011) (see note D.6. to our animal health business (Merial) andconsolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report); it also includes the impacteffects of our retained liabilitiescommitments in connection withrespect of divested businesses.

              

      Inter-segment transactions are not material.

        Business Operating Income of Segments

              

      We measure thereport segment results of operations of our operating segments on the basis of “Business"Business Operating Income,” a performance measure that weIncome". This indicator, adopted in accordancecompliance with IFRS 8. Our chief operating decision-maker uses Business Operating Income8, is used internally to evaluate themeasure operational performance of our operating managers and to allocate resources.

              

      “Business"Business Operating Income”Income" is derived from “Operating income”"Operating income", adjusted as follows:

        the amounts reported in the line items "Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities", "Restructuring costs" and "Other gains and losses, and litigation" are eliminated;

        amortization and impairment losses charged against intangible assets (other than software) are eliminated;

      restructuring costs are eliminated;

      gains and losses on disposals, and litigation, are eliminated;



      the share of profits/losses of associates and joint ventures is added, and net incomeadded;

      the share attributable to non-controlling interests is deducted;



      other acquisition-related effects (primarily, the workdown of acquired inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date, and the impact of acquisitions on investments in associates and joint ventures) are eliminated; and

        Provisions are estimated on the basis of events and circumstances related to present obligations at the balance sheet date, of past experience, and to the best of management’smanagement's knowledge at the date of preparation of the financial statements. The assessment of provisions can involve a series of complex judgments about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. Given the inherent uncertainties related to these estimates and assumptions, the actual outflows resulting from the realization of those risks could differ from our estimates.


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        Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

        A. Directors and Senior Management

                

        On December 16, 2009,The offices of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer have been separated since January 1, 2007. The annual evaluations conducted since have indicated that this governance structure is appropriate to the BoardGroup's current configuration. This arrangement was therefore continued with the appointment of Directors declared its intent to appoint Serge Weinberg as non- executiveto the office of Chairman of the Board of Directors to replace Jean-François Dehecq, who was approaching the age limit set in the Company’s articles of association. This appointment took place on May 17, 2010 and was consistentagain with his reappointment on May 6, 2011. The Board of Directors considers that this governance structure is appropriate in the decision ofGroup's current context.

                TheChairman represents the Board of Directors, to separate the office of Chairman from the office of Chief Executive Officer, effective from January 1, 2007.

        TheChairman represents the Board of Directors. He organizes and directs the work of the Board, and is accountable for this to the Shareholders’ General Meeting. He is also responsible for ensuring thatthe proper functioning of the corporate decision-making bodies chaired by him (Boardin compliance with good governance practices. The Chairman coordinates the work of the Board of Directors and Shareholders’with its Committees. The Chairman is accountable to the Shareholders' General Meeting) operate properly.Meeting, which he chairs.

                

        BecauseWhen the offices of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are separated, the Chairman may remain in office until the Ordinary Shareholders' General Meeting called to approve the financial statements and held during the calendar year in which he reaches the age of 70.

                The Board of Directors has not deemed it necessary to appoint a lead independent director, since this role has been broadly assumed by Serge Weinberg. No factor other than his role as Chairman is liable to undermine his independence, especially given that prior to joining the Board he had no links to Sanofi.

        TheChief Executive Officeris responsible for the management of the Company, and represents itthe Company in dealings with third parties. Heparties within the limit of the corporate purpose. The Chief Executive Officer has the broadest powers to act in all circumstances in the name of the Company.Company, subject to the powers that are attributed by law to the Board of Directors and the Shareholders' General Meeting and within the limits set by the Board of Directors.

                

        The Chief Executive Officer must be no more than 65 years old.


        Limits placed by the Board    Limitations on the powers of the Chief Executive Officer set by the Board

                

        The Board of Directors Meeting of July 28, 2009 set limits on the powers of the Chief Executive Officer. The prior authorization of the Board of Directors is required to commit sanofi-aventisSanofi to investments, acquisitions and divestments in the following cases:

          a €500 million cap for each undertaking pertaining to a previously approved strategy; and



        a €150 million cap for each undertaking not pertaining to a previously approved strategy.

                

        When the consideration payable to the contracting parties for such undertakings includes potential installment payments subject tocontingent upon the achievement of future results or objectives, such as the registration of one or more products, the caps are calculated by addingaggregating the various payments due from signature of the contract until (and including) filing of the first application for marketing authorization in the United States or in Europe.


        Board of Directors

                

        Sanofi-aventisThe Company is administered by a Board of Directors, with fourteencurrently comprising fifteen members.

                

        Since May 14, 2008, the terms of office of thesethe directors have been staggered, in order to ensure that the directors are progressively re-elected.

                Each year, the Board of Directors conducts a review to ensure that there is an appropriate balance in its composition and the composition of its Committees. In particular, the Board seeks to ensure a balanced representation of men and women and diversity of background and country of origin, since the business of the Group is both diversified and global. The Board investigates and evaluates potential candidates whenever individual directors are up for election. Above all, the Board seeks talented directors, who show independence of mind and who are competent, dedicated and committed.


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                Under the terms of the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code (hereafter referred to as the "AFEP-MEDEF Code"), a director is deemed to be independent when the director has no relationship of any nature whatsoever with the Company, the group it belongs to or its senior management which could compromise the exercise of the director's freedom of decision. More specifically, independent directors are required:

          not to be an employee or corporate officer of the Company, or a corporate officer of a related company;

          not to be a customer, supplier, or investment banker or corporate banker of the Company;

          not to have close family ties with any corporate officer of the Company;

          not to have acted as auditor for the Company over the course of the last five years;

          not to be representative of a significant shareholder or of a controlling interest of the Company.

                The influence of other factors such that in each year from 2010as length of service on the Board, the ability to 2012 approximately one-thirdunderstand challenges and risks, and the courage to express ideas and form a judgment, is also evaluated before a director qualifies as independent.

                In compliance with our Board Charter and pursuant to the AFEP-MEDEF Code, a discussion as to the independence of the current directors took place during the meeting of the Board willof Directors of March 5, 2013. Of the fifteen directors, nine were deemed to be requiredindependent directors with reference to seek re-election each year.

        During its meeting on February 24, 2011,the independence criteria used by the Board discussedof Directors pursuant to the issue of director independence. Out of the fourteen directors, half were regarded as independent:AFEP-MEDEF Code: Uwe Bicker, Robert Castaigne, Lord Douro, Jean-René Fourtou, Claudie Haigneré, Suet-Fern Lee, Carole Piwnica, Klaus Pohle, and Gérard Van Kemmel.

                

        AIn particular, it was determined that the situation of Robert Castaigne had changed. Until 2012, Robert Castaigne was not considered as an independent director is regarded as independent if he or she has no relationship of any kinddue to his past links with the Company,Total Group. Since April 2008, when the Group or its management that is liable to impair his or her judgment. It is the responsibilityindependence criteria of the AFEP-MEDEF Code were adopted, his situation has changed in two ways:

          Robert Castaigne retired from the Total Group four years ago.

          Total passed below the threshold of 5% of our voting rights (notification of February 16, 2012).

        Consequently, the Board acting uponof Directors considered that the recommendationlinks with Total no longer created a presumption of non-independence.

                Moreover, contrary to the independence criteria set by the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the Board of Directors has decided that belonging to the Board for more than 12 years would not of itself disqualify a director from being independent.

                The length of service criterion is intended to address the concern that the passage of time may deprive a director of his ability to challenge senior management. This is a legitimate concern, which Sanofi takes very seriously.

                However, it is not always appropriate to apply this criterion rigidly, since it does not take full account of the Appointments and Governance Committee,variety of situations that may exist. Robert Castaigne has always demonstrated a questioning approach, which is fundamentally what the APEF-MEDEF criteria are seeking to assesscheck.

                Finally, there was no other reason to determine that Robert Castaigne is not independent.

                Consequently, the Board determined on this basis, at its meeting of May 4, 2012, that Robert Castaigne qualified as an independent director.

                In addition, the Total group has since that date effectively ceased to have any equity interest in the Company.

                In its examination of the independence of each Director, the Board of Directors took into account the various relationships that could exist between Directors and the Group and concluded that no such relationships were of a nature that might undermine their independence. The Board of Directors noted that the Company and its members.subsidiaries had, in the normal course of business, over the last three years, sold products and provided services to, and/or purchased products and received services from, companies in which certain of the Company's directors who


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        are classified as independent or members of their close family were senior managers or employees during 2012. On each occasion, the amounts paid to or received from such companies over the past three years were determined on an arm's length basis and did not represent amounts that the Board regarded as undermining the independence of the Directors in question. Similarly, the Board of Directors did not find the office of trustee held by Uwe Bicker and Klaus Pohle with the Aventis Foundation (Germany) was of such a nature as to undermine their independence as members of the Sanofi Board of Directors.

                

        No more than one-third of the serving members of our Board of Directors may be over 70 years of age.

        Subject to the authoritypowers expressly reserved by lawattributed to Shareholders’the Shareholders' General MeetingsMeeting and within the scope of the Company's corporate objects,purpose, the Board of Directors deals with and takes decisions uponDirectors' powers cover all issues relating to the proper management of the Company, and otherthrough its decisions the Board determines all matters concerning the Board.

        falling within its authority.

        Composition of the Board of Directors as of December 31, 20102012

                Positions held in listed companies are flagged by an asterisk.

        Serge Weinberg

        Chairman of the Board

         

        Date of birth

        Nationality

        First elected

        Term expires

        birth:
         

        February 10, 1951

        1,636 sharesNationality:French

        First elected:December 2009

        Last reappointment:May 2011

        Term expires:2015

        Directorships and appointments of Serge Weinberg

        Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

        1,500 shares             


        Other currentCurrent directorships and appointments


        In French companies

        Chairman of the Board of Sanofi*

        Chairman of the Appointments and Governance Committee andof Sanofi

        Chairman of the Strategy Committee of sanofi-aventisSanofi

        Member of the Supervisory Board of Schneider Electric*

        Chairman of Weinberg Capital Partners

        Chairman of Financière Piasa and Piasa Holding and Corum (Switzerland)

        •  

        Director of Piasa, Team Partners Group and VL Holding

        •  

        Manager of Alret and Maremma

        •  

        Member of the Supervisory CommitteeBoard of Amplitude Group and Financière BFSA

        •  

        Vice Chairman and Director of Financière Poinsétia and Financière Sasa

        •  Member of the Supervisory Board of Schneider Electric

        •  Weinberg Capital Partners’Partners' representative on the Board of Alliance Industrie and Sasa Industrie


        Education and business experienceIn foreign companies

        •  Graduate in law

        •  Degree from theInstitut d’Etudes PolitiquesNone

        •  Studies at theENA (Ecole Nationale d’Administration)Chairman of Corum (Switzerland)


        Table of Contents

        Past directorships since 2008

        In French companies

        None

        Chairman of the Board of Accor* (until 2009)

        Director of Rasec (until 2010), of Fnac (until 2010), of Rothschild Concordia (until 2010) and of Team Partners Group (until 2011)

        Member of the Supervisory Board of Rothschild & Cie (until 2010)

        Member of the Board of Pharma Omnium International (until 2010)

        Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schneider Electric* (until 2010)

        Member of the Supervisory Board of Amplitude Group and of Alfina (until 2011)


        In foreign companies

        None

        Member of the Supervisory Board of Gucci Group (Netherlands, until 2010)

        Education and business experience

        Graduate in law, degree from theInstitut d'Etudes Politiques
        Graduate of ENA (Ecole Nationale d'Administration)

        1976-1982 Sous-PréSous-préfet and then Chief of Staff of the French Budget Minister (1981)
        1982-1987 Deputy General Manager of FR3 (the French(French Television Channel) and then Chief Executive Officer of Havas Tourisme
        1987-1990 Chief Executive Officer of Pallas Finance
        1990-2005 Various positions at PPRPPR* group including Chairman of the Management Board for 10 years

        Since 2005

        Past directorships held since 2006

        •  Chairman of the Board of Accor (2006-2009)

        •  Director of Alliance Industrie (2006-2008), of Road Holding (2007-2008) and of Rasec (2006-2010)

        •  Member of the Board of Pharma Omnium International (2006-2010)

        •  Member of the Supervisory Board of Rothschild & Cie (until 2010)

        •  Member of the Supervisory Board of Gucci Group (Netherlands, until 2010)

        •  Director of Fnac (until 2010) and of Rothschild Concordia (until 2010)

        Weinberg Capital Partners

         

        Christopher Viehbacher

        Chief Executive Officer

        Director

         

        Date of birth

        Nationalities

        First elected

        Term as director expires

        birth:
         

        March 26, 1960

        95,442 sharesNationality:German and Canadian

        First elected:December 2008

        Last reappointment:May 2010
        Term expires:2014

        Directorships and appointments of Christopher Viehbacher

        Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

        10,000 shares


        Other currentCurrent directorships and appointments


        In French companies

        Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi*

        Chairman of the Executive Committee and the Management CommitteeHead of sanofi-aventisGlobal Leadership Team of Sanofi

        •  

        Member of the Strategy Committee of sanofi-aventisSanofi

        None


        Table of Contents

        In foreign companies

        Chairman of the Board of Directors of PhRMAGenzyme (United States)

        Vice Chairman of EFPIA (Belgium)European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA, Belgium)

        Member of the Board of Directors of Research America (United States) and Burroughs Wellcome Fund (United States)

        •  Member of the Board of Visitors of Fuqua School of Business, Duke University (United States)

        Member of the Board of Business Roundtable (United States)

        Member of the International Business Council, World Economic Forum (Switzerland)

        Chairman of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer (United States)

        Member of PhRMA


        Past directorships since 2008

        In French companies

        None


        None

        In foreign companies

        EducationChairman and business experienceChief Executive Officer of Genzyme (United States, until 2011)

        Member of Advisory Council of Center for Healthcare Transformation (United States, until 2010)

        Chairman and member of the Board of Directors of Research America and Burroughs Wellcome Fund (United States, until 2011)

          Graduate in Commerce

        Chairman of Queens University (Ontario-Canada); certified public accountantthe Board of Directors of PhRMA (United States, until 2012)

        •  Began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit

        Education and business experience

        B.A. in Commerce of Queens University (Ontario-Canada); certified public account
        Began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit



        restructuring costs relating to associates and joint ventures are eliminated.

                  The following table presents our Business Operating Income for the year ended December 31, 2012.

          (€ million)
           Pharmaceuticals
           Vaccines
           Animal
          Health

           Other
           Total
           
            
          Net sales  28,871  3,897  2,179    34,947 
          Other revenues  933  44  33    1,010 
          Cost of sales  (8,759) (1,635) (701)   (11,095)
          Research and development expenses  (4,219) (539) (164)   (4,922)
          Selling and general expenses  (7,666) (611) (669) (1) (8,947)
          Other operating income and expenses  98  (7) 3  14  108 
          Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  432  (1) (7)   424 
          Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  (171)   (1)   (172)
            
          Business operating income  9,519  1,148  673  13  11,353 
            

                  The following table presents our Business Operating Income for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          (€ million)
           Pharmaceuticals
           Vaccines
           Animal
          Health

           Other
           Total
           
            
          Net sales  27,890  3,469  2,030    33,389 
          Other revenues  1,622  25  22    1,669 
          Cost of sales  (8,368) (1,404) (654)   (10,426)
          Research and development expenses  (4,101) (564) (146)   (4,811)
          Selling and general expenses  (7,376) (542) (617) (1) (8,536)
          Other operating income and expenses  (13)   (7) 24  4 
          Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  1,088  1    13  1,102 
          Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  (246)   (1)   (247)
            
          Business operating income  10,496  985  627  36  12,144 
            

          The following table presents our Business Operating Income for the year ended December 31, 2010.

          (€ million)
           Pharmaceuticals
           Vaccines
           Animal
          Health

           Other
           Total
           
            
          Net sales  26,576  3,808  1,983    32,367 
          Other revenues  1,623  28  18    1,669 
          Cost of sales  (7,316) (1,371) (615)   (9,302)
          Research and development expenses  (3,884) (517) (155)   (4,556)
          Selling and general expenses  (6,962) (603) (604) (2) (8,171)
          Other operating income and expenses  177  14  (6) (108) 77 
          Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  1,009  19    8  1,036 
          Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  (258) 1      (257)
            
          Business operating income  10,965  1,379  621  (102) 12,863 
            

                  

          (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals  Vaccines  Other  Total 

          Net sales

             26,576   3,808       30,384  
          Other revenues   1,623   28       1,651 
          Cost of sales   (7,316  (1,371      (8,687
          Research and development expenses   (3,884  (517      (4,401
          Selling and general expenses   (6,962  (603  (2  (7,567
          Other operating income and expenses   177   14   (108  83 
          Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures (1)   1,009   19   8   1,036 
          Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business           418   418 
          Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   (258  1       (257

          Business operating income

             10,965   1,379   316   12,660 

          (1)

          Net of tax

          The following table presents(in accordance with paragraph 28 of IFRS 8) reconciles our Business Operating Income to our Income before tax and associates and joint ventures for the yearyears ended December 31, 2009.2012, 2011 and 2010:

          (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals  Vaccines  Other  Total 

          Net sales

             25,823   3,483       29,306 
          Other revenues   1,412   31       1,443 
          Cost of sales   (6,527  (1,326      (7,853
          Research and development expenses   (4,091  (491  (1  (4,583
          Selling and general expenses   (6,762  (561  (2  (7,325
          Other operating income and expenses   387   (3  1   385 
          Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures (1)   792   41   8   841 
          Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business           241   241 
          Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   (426  (1      (427

          Business operating income

             10,608   1,173   247   12,028 

          (1)

          Net of tax

          (€ million)
           Year Ended
          December 31, 2012

           Year Ended
          December 31, 2011

           Year Ended
          December 31, 2010

           
            
          Business Operating Income  11,353  12,144  12,863 
            
          Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures (1)  (424) (1,102) (1,036)
          Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (2)  172  247  257 
          Amortization of intangible assets  (3,291) (3,314) (3,529)
          Impairment of intangible assets  (117) (142) (433)
          Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities  (192) 15   
          Expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories (3)  (23) (476) (142)
          Restructuring costs  (1,141) (1,314) (1,384)
          Other gains and losses and litigation (4)    (327) (138)
          Impact of the non-depreciation of property, plant and equipment of Merial (in accordance with IFRS 5)      77 
            
          Operating Income  6,337  5,731  6,535 
            
          Financial expense  (553) (552) (468)
          Financial income  93  140  106 
            
          Income before tax and associates and joint ventures  5,877  5,319  6,173 
            
          (1)
          Excluding restructuring costs of associates and joint ventures and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures.
          (2)
          Excluding the share of restructuring and other adjusting items attributable to non-controlling interests.
          (3)
          This line comprises the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.
          (4)
          See Note D.28. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

          Business Net Income

                  

          In addition to net income, we use a non-GAAP financial measure that we refer to as “business"business net income”income" to evaluate our Group’sGroup's performance. Business net income, which is defined below, represents the aggregate business operating income of all of our operating segments, less net financial expenses and the relevant income tax charges.effects. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure allows investors to understand the performance of our Group because it segregates the results of operations of our current business activities, as opposed to reflecting the impact of past transactions such as acquisitions.

                  

          Our management uses business net income to manage and to evaluate our performance, and we believe it is appropriate to disclose this non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplement to our IFRS reporting, in order to assist investors in analyzing the factors and trends affecting our business performance. Our management also intends to use business net income as the basis for proposing the dividend policy for the Group. Accordingly, management believes that an investor’sinvestor's understanding of trends in our dividend policy is enhanced by disclosing business net income.

                  

          We have also decided to report “business"business earnings per share”share". Business earnings per share is a specific non-GAAP financial measure, which we define as business net income divided by the weighted average number

          of shares outstanding. Our management intends to give earnings guidance based on business earnings per share. We also present business earnings per share on a diluted basis.

                  

          Business net income is defined as “Net"Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis”Sanofi", determined under IFRS, excluding (i) amortization of intangible assets; (ii) impairment of intangible assets; (iii) fair value


          remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities; (iv) other impacts associated with acquisitions (including impacts of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures); (iv)(v) restructuring costs (including restructuring costs relating to associates and joint ventures),; (vi) other gains and losses, on disposalsand litigation; (vii) the impact of non-current assets,the non-depreciation of the property, plant and costs or provisions associatedequipment of Merial starting September 18, 2009 and continuing through 2010 (in accordance with litigation; (v)IFRS 5); (viii) the tax effect related to the items listed in (i) through (iv),(vii); as well as (vi)(ix) effects of major tax disputes and, (vii)as an exception for 2011, the retroactive effect (2006-2010) on the tax liability resulting from the agreement signed on December 22, 2011 by France and the United States on transfer prices (APA-Advance Pricing Agreement), for which the amount is deemed to be significant, and (x) the share of non-controlling interests in items (i) through (vi)(ix). The items listed in (iv) — except for restructuring costs related to associatesItems (i), (ii), (iii), (v) and joint ventures —(vi) correspond to those reported in the income statement line items “Restructuring costs”"Amortization of intangible assets", "Impairment of intangible assets", "Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities", "Restructuring costs" and “Gains"Other gains and losses, on disposals, and litigation”litigation", as defined in NoteNotes B.19. and B.20. to our consolidated financial statements.

                  

          The following table reconciles our business net income to our Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventisSanofi for the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008:2010:

          (€ million)
            
           2012
           2011
           2010
           
            
          Business net income  8,179  8,795  9,215 
            
          (i) Amortization of intangible assets  (3,291) (3,314) (3,529)
          (ii) Impairment of intangible assets  (117) (142) (433)
          (iii) Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities  (192) 15   
          (iv) Expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories (1)  (23) (476) (142)
          (v) Restructuring costs  (1,141) (1,314) (1,384)
          (vi) Other gains and losses, and litigation (2)    (327) (138)
          (vii) Impact of the non-depreciation of the property, plant and equipment of Merial (IFRS 5)      77 
          (viii) Tax effects on the items listed above, comprising:  1,580  1,905  1,856 
            — amortization of intangible assets  1,159  1,178  1,183 
            — impairment of intangible assets  42  37  143 
            — fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities  2  34   
            — expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories  7  143  44 
            — restructuring costs  370  399  466 
            — other gains and losses, and litigation    114  46 
            — non-depreciation of property, plant and equipment of Merial (IFRS 5)      (26)
          (iv)/(ix) Other tax items (3)    577   
          (x) Share of items listed above attributable to non-controlling interests  3  6  3 
          (iv)/(v) Restructuring costs and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (4)  (31) (32) (58)
            
          Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi  4,967  5,693  5,467 
            
          (1)
          This line comprises the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.
          (2)
          See Note D.28. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.
          (3)
          In 2011, this line item includes €349 million relating to the effect of the Franco-American Advance Pricing Agreement (APA), and a €228 million reduction in deferred tax liabilities on remeasurements of intangible assets of Merial as a result of changes in tax legislation in the United Kingdom.
          (4)
          This line shows the portion of major restructuring costs incurred by associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (workdown of acquired inventories, amortization and impairment of intangible assets, and impairment of goodwill).

                  The following table sets forth the calculation of our business net income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

          (€ million)  2010  2009  2008 

          Business net income

             9,215   8,629   7,314 
          (i) Amortization of intangible assets   (3,529  (3,528  (3,483
          (ii) Impairment of intangible assets   (433  (372  (1,554
          (iii) Expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories (1)   (30  (27  (2
          (iv) Restructuring costs   (1,372  (1,080  (585
          (iii)/(iv) Other items (2)   (138      114 
          (v) Tax effects of:   1,841    1,629   1,904 
           – amortization of intangible assets   1,181    1,126   1,189 
           – impairment of intangible assets   143    136   537 
           – expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories   9    7   1 
           – restructuring costs   462    360   196 
           – other items   46        (19
          (iii)/(vi) Other tax items (3)       106   221 
          (vii) Share of items listed above attributable to non-controlling interests   3    1     
          (iii) Expenses arising from the impact of the Merial acquisition (4)   (32  (66  (50
          (iii)/(iv) Restructuring costs of associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (5)   (58  (27  (28

          Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

             5,467   5,265   3,851 

          (€ million)
           2012
           2011
           2010
           
            
          Business operating income  11,353  12,144  12,863 
            
          Financial income and expenses  (460) (412) (362)
          Income tax expense  (2,714) (2,937) (3,286)
            
          Business net income  8,179  8,795  9,215 
            

                  

          (1)   This line comprises the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.

          (2)   Other items comprise :

                – gain on sale of investment in Millennium

          38

                – reversals of/charges to provisions for risks

          (138)76

          (3)   Other tax items comprise :

                – provisions for/settlements of tax disputes

          221

                – reversal of deferred taxes following ratification of the Franco-American Treaty

          106

          (4)   This line comprises: until September 17, 2009, amortization and impairment charged against the intangible assets of Merial; and from September 18, 2009, (i) the impact of the discontinuation of depreciation of the property, plant and equipment of Merial in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note B.7. to our consolidated financial statements) and (ii) the expense arising from the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at acquisition date.

          (5)   This line shows the portion of major restructuring costs incurred by associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (workdown of acquired inventories, amortization and impairment of intangible assets, and impairment of goodwill).

          The most significant reconciliation items in the table above relate to the purchase accounting effect of our acquisitions, particularly the amortization and impairment of intangible assets. We believe that excluding these non-cash charges enhances an investor’sinvestor's understanding of our underlying economic performance because we do not consider that the excluded charges reflect the combined entity’sentity's ongoing operating performance. Rather, we believe that each of the excluded charges reflects the decision to acquire the businesses concerned.

                  

          The purchase-accounting effects on net income primarily relate to:

            charges to cost of sales resulting from the workdown of acquired inventory that was written up toinventories remeasured at fair value, net of tax;



          charges related to the impairment of goodwill; and



          charges related to the amortization and impairment of intangible assets, net of tax and non-controlling interests.

                  

          We believe (subject to the limitations described below) that disclosing business net income enhances the comparability of our operating performance, for the following reasons:

            the elimination of charges related to the purchase accounting effect of our acquisitions (particularly amortization and impairment of finite-lived intangible assets) enhances the comparability of our ongoing operating performance relative to our peers in the pharmaceutical industry that carry these intangible assets (principally patents and trademarks) at low book values either because they are the result of in-house research and development that has already been expensed in prior periods or because they were acquired through business combinations that were accounted for as poolings-of-interest;



          the elimination of selected items, such as the increase in cost of sales arising from the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value, gains and losses on disposals of non-current assets and costs and provisions associated with major litigation, improves comparability from one period to the next; and



          the elimination of restructuring costs relating to the implementation of our transformation strategy enhances comparability because these costs are directly, and only, incurred in connection with transformation processes such as the rationalization of our research and development structures.

                  

          We remind investors, however, that business net income should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventisSanofi reported in accordance with IFRS. In addition, we strongly encourage investors and potential investors not to rely on any single financial measure but to review our financial statements, including the notes thereto, and our other publicly filed reports, carefully and in their entirety.

                  

          There are material limitations associated with the use of business net income as compared to the use of IFRS net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventisSanofi in evaluating our performance, as described below:

            The results presented by business net income cannot be achieved without incurring the following costs that the measure excludes:

            Amortization of intangible assets. Business net income excludes the amortization charges related to intangible assets. Most of these amortization charges relate to intangible assets that we have acquired. Although amortization is a non-cash charge, it is important for investors to consider it because it represents an allocation in each reporting period of a portion of the purchase price that we

                paid for certain intangible assets that we have acquired through acquisitions. For example, in connection with our acquisition of Aventis in 2004, we paid an aggregate of €31,279 million for these amortizable intangible assets (which, in general, were to be amortized over their useful lives, representing an average amortization period of eight years) and €5,007 million for in-progress research & development. More recently, in connection with our acquisition of Genzyme in April 2011, we paid an aggregate of €7,877 million for amortizable intangible assets (average amortization period of eight and a half years) and €2,148 million for in-progress research & development. A large part of our revenues could not be generated without owning acquired intangible assets.

          Amortization of intangible assets. Business net income excludes the amortization charges related to intangible assets. Most of these amortization charges relate to intangible assets that we have acquired. Although amortization is a non-cash charge, it is important for investors to consider it because it represents an allocation in each reporting period of a portion of the purchase price that we paid for certain intangible assets that we have acquired through acquisitions. For example, in connection with our acquisition of Aventis in 2004, we paid an aggregate of €31,279 million for these amortizable intangible assets (which, in general, were to be amortized over their useful lives, which represented an average amortization period of eight years) and €5,007 million for in-progress research & development. A large part of our revenues could not be generated without owning acquired intangible assets.

          Restructuring costs. Business net income does not reflect restructuring costs even though it does reflect the benefits of the optimization of our activities, such as our research and development activities, much of which we could not achieve in the absence of restructuring costs.

          Restructuring costs. Business net income does not reflect restructuring costs even though it does reflect the benefits of the optimization of our activities, such as our research and development activities, much of which we could not achieve in the absence of restructuring costs.

          In addition, the results presented by business net income are intended to represent the Group’sGroup's underlying performance, but items such as gains and losses on disposals and provisions associated with major litigation may recur in future years.

                  

          We compensate for the above-described material limitations by using business net income only to supplement our IFRS financial reporting and by ensuring that our disclosures provide sufficient information for a full understanding of all adjustments included in business net income. In addition, subject to applicable law, we may in the future decide to report additional non-GAAP financial measures which, in combination with business net income, may compensate further for some of the material limitations described above.

                  

          In determining the level of future dividend payments, and in analyzing dividend policy on the basis of business net income, our management intends to take into account the fact that many of the adjustments reflected in business net income have no effect on the underlying amount of cash available to pay dividends. However, although the adjustments relating to the elimination of the effect of the purchase accounting treatment of the Aventis acquisition and other acquisitions represent non-cash charges, the adjustments relating to restructuring costs represent significant cash charges in the periods following the closing of the acquisition.

                  

          This Item 5 contains a discussion and analysis of business net income on the basis of consolidated financial data. Because our business net income is not a standardized measure, it may not be comparable with the non-GAAP financial measures of other companies using the same or a similar non-GAAP financial measure.

          Presentation of Net Sales

                  

          In the discussion below, we present our consolidated net sales for 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008.2010. We break down our net sales among various categories, including by business segment, product and geographic region. We refer to our consolidated net sales as “reported”"reported" sales.

                  

          In addition to reported sales, we analyze non-GAAP financial measures designed to isolate the impact on our net sales of currency exchange rates and changes in group structure.

                  

          When we refer to changes in our net sales “at"at constant exchange rates”rates", we exclude the effect of exchange rates by recalculating net sales for the current yearrelevant period using the exchange rates that were used for the previous year.period. See Note B.2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information relating to the manner in which we translate into euros transactions recorded in other currencies.

                  

          When we refer to our net sales on a “constant"constant structure basis”basis", we eliminate the effect of changes in structure by restating the net sales for the previous period as follows:

            by including sales from an entity or with respect to product rights acquired in the current period for a portion of the previous period equal to the portion of the current period during which we owned them, based on sales information we receive from the party from whom we makemade the acquisition;



          similarly, by excluding sales for a portion of the previous period when we have sold an entity or rights to a product in the current period; and


            for a change in consolidation method, by recalculating the previous period on the basis of the method used for the current period.

                  

          A reconciliation of our reported net sales to our net sales at constant exchange rates and on a constant structure basis is provided at “—"— Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 20102012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 20092011 — Net Sales”Sales" and at “—"— Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 20092011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 20082010 — Net Sales”Sales" below.

          Financial Presentation of Alliances

                  

          We have entered into a number of alliances for the development, co-promotion and/or co-marketing of our products. We believe that a presentation of our two principal alliances is useful to an understanding of our financial statements.

          The financial impact of the alliances on the Company’sCompany's income statement is described in “—"— Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 20102012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2009”2011" and “—"— Year Ended December 31, 20092011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008”2010", in particular in “—"— Net sales”sales", “—"— Other Revenues”Revenues", “—"— Share of Profit/Loss of Associates and Joint Ventures”Ventures" and “—"— Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests”Interests".


          Alliance Arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb

                  

          Our revenues, expenses and operating income are affected significantly by the presentation of our alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) in our consolidated financial statements.

                  On September 27, 2012 Sanofi and BMS restructured their alliance following the loss of exclusivity of Plavix® and Avapro®/Avalide® in many major markets. Under the terms of the revised agreement, which came into effect on January 1, 2013, BMS has returned to Sanofi its rights to Plavix® and Avapro®/Avalide® in all markets worldwide with the exception of Plavix® in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, giving Sanofi sole control and freedom to operate commercially. In exchange, starting January 1, 2013 BMS will receive royalty payments on Sanofi's sales of branded and unbranded Plavix® worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and on sales of branded and unbranded Avapro®/Avalide® worldwide, in each case through 2018; BMS will also receive a terminal payment of $200 million from Sanofi in December 2018. Plavix® rights in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will continue unchanged under the terms of the existing agreement through December 2019.

          There        In addition, under the terms of this new agreement ongoing disputes between the companies related to the alliance have been resolved. The resolution of these disputes includes various commitments by both companies, including a one-time payment of $80 million by BMS to Sanofi in relation to the Avalide® supply disruption in the U.S. in 2011.

                  As of December 31, 2012, there are three principal marketing arrangements that are used:

            Co-marketing. Under the co-marketing system, each company markets the products independently under its own brand names. We record our own sales and related costs in our consolidated financial statements.

            Exclusive Marketing. Under the exclusive marketing system, one company has the exclusive right to market the products. We record our own sales and related costs in our consolidated financial statements.

            Co-promotion. Under the co-promotion system, the products are marketed through the alliance arrangements (either by contractual arrangements or by separate entities) under a single brand name. The accounting treatment of the co-promotion agreement depends upon who has majority ownership and operational management in that territory, as discussed below.

                    

            Co-marketing. Under the co-marketing system, each company markets the products independently under its own brand names. We record our own sales and related costs in our consolidated financial statements.

            Exclusive Marketing. Under the exclusive marketing system, one company has the exclusive right to market the products. We record our own sales and related costs in our consolidated financial statements.

            Co-promotion. Under the co-promotion system, the products are marketed through the alliance arrangements (either by contractual arrangements or by separate entities) under a single brand name. The accounting treatment of the co-promotion agreement depends upon who has majority ownership and operational management in that territory, as discussed below.

            The alliance arrangements as of December 31, 2012 include two royalty streams that are applied on a worldwide basis (excluding Japan and other opt out countries), regardless of the marketing system and regardless of which company has majority ownership and operational management:

            Discovery Royalty. As inventor of the two molecules, we earn an adjustable discovery royalty on all Aprovel® / Avapro® / Karvea® / Avalide® and Plavix® / Iscover® sold in alliance countries regardless of the marketing system. The discovery royalty earned in territories under operational management of BMS is reflected in our consolidated income statement in “Other revenues.”

            Development Royalty. In addition to the discovery royalty, we and BMS are each entitled to a development royalty related to certain know-how and other intellectual property in connection with sales of Aprovel® / Avapro® / Karvea® / Avalide® and Plavix® / Iscover®.

              Discovery Royalty. As inventor of the two molecules, we earn an adjustable discovery royalty on part of Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide® and Plavix®/Iscover® sold in alliance countries regardless of the marketing system. The discovery royalty earned in territories under operational management of BMS is reflected in our consolidated income statement in "Other revenues."

              Development Royalty. In addition to the discovery royalty, we and BMS are each entitled to a development royalty related to certain know-how and other intellectual property in connection with sales of Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide® and Plavix®/Iscover®.

              We record development royalties paid to BMS in our consolidated income statement as an increase to our cost of sales in countries where we consolidate sales of the products. We record development royalties that we receive as “other revenues”"other revenues" in countries where BMS consolidates sales of the products.

                    

            Under the alliance arrangements as of December 31, 2012, there are two territories, one under our operational management and the other under the operational management of BMS. The territory under our operational management consists of Europe and most of Africa and Asia, while the territory under the operational management of BMS consists of the rest of the world (excluding Japan). In Japan, Aprovel®Aprovel® has been marketed jointly by Shionogi Pharmaceuticals and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd since June 2008. Our alliance with BMS does not cover distribution rights to Plavix®Plavix® in Japan, which is marketed by sanofi-aventis.

            Sanofi.

            Territory under our operational managementmanagement..    In the territory under our operational management, the marketing arrangements and recognition of operations by the Group are as follows:

            we use the co-promotion system for most of the countries in Western Europe for Aprovel® / Avapro® / Karvea® / Avalide® and Plavix® / Iscover® and for certain Asian countries for Plavix® / Iscover®. We record 100% of all alliance revenues and expenses in our consolidated financial statements. We also record, as selling and general expenses, payments to BMS for the cost of BMS’s personnel involved in the promotion of the products. BMS’s share of the operating income of the alliances is recorded as “non-controlling interests”;

            we use the co-marketing system in Germany, Spain and Greece for both Aprovel® / Avapro® / Karvea® / Avalide® and Plavix® / Iscover® and in Italy for Aprovel® / Avapro® / Karvea® / Avalide®; and

            we have the exclusive right to market Aprovel® / Avapro® / Karvea® / Avalide® and Plavix® / Iscover® in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and certain Asian countries (excluding Japan); we have the exclusive right to market Aprovel® in Scandinavia and Ireland, and Plavix® in Malaysia.

              we use the co-promotion system for most of the countries in Western Europe for Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide® and Plavix®/Iscover® and for certain Asian countries for Plavix®/Iscover®. We record 100% of all alliance revenues and expenses in our consolidated financial statements. We also record, as selling and general expenses, payments to BMS for the cost of BMS's personnel involved in the promotion of the products. BMS's share of the operating income of the alliances is recorded as "non-controlling interests";

              we use the co-marketing system in Germany, Spain and Greece for both Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide® and Plavix®/Iscover® and in Italy for Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide®; and

              we have the exclusive right to market Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide® and Plavix®/Iscover® in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and certain Asian countries (excluding Japan); we have the exclusive right to market Aprovel® in Scandinavia and Ireland, and Plavix® in Malaysia.

            Territory under BMS operational managementmanagement..    In the territory under BMS operational management, the marketing arrangements and recognition of operations by the Group are as follows:

            we use the co-promotion system in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, where the products are sold through the alliances under the operational management of BMS. With respect to Avapro® (the brand name used in the United States for Aprovel®) and Plavix®, we record our share of the alliance’s operating income under “share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures”. We also record payments from BMS for the cost of our personnel in connection with the promotion of the product as a deduction from our selling and general expenses;

            we use the co-marketing system in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Australia for Plavix® / Iscover® and Aprovel® / Avapro® / Karvea® / Avalide® and in Colombia for Plavix® / Iscover®; and

              we use the co-promotion system in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, where the products are sold through the alliances under the operational management of BMS. With respect to Avapro® (the brand name used in the United States for Aprovel®) and Plavix®, we record our share of the alliance's operating income under "share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures". We also record payments from BMS for the cost of our personnel in connection with the promotion of the product as a deduction from our selling and general expenses;

              we use the co-marketing system in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Australia for Plavix®/Iscover® and Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide® and in Colombia for Plavix®/Iscover®; and

              we have the exclusive right to market the products in certain other countries of Latin America.

                    

            In countries where the products are marketed by BMS on a co-marketing basis, or through alliances under the operational management of BMS, we also earn revenues from the sale of the active ingredients for the products to BMS or such entities, which we record as “Net sales”"Net sales" in our consolidated income statement.



            Alliance Arrangements with Regeneron

                    Our relationship with Regeneron began in 2003 with an agreement for the co-development of the anti-angiogenic agent Zaltrap®. We expanded our relationship in 2007 and created a strategic R&D collaboration on fully human monoclonal antibodies.

              Collaboration agreement on Zaltrap® (aflibercept)

                    Zaltrap® (aflibercept) is a solution administered by intravenous perfusion, used in association with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) as a treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen.

                    In September 2003, Sanofi and Regeneron signed an agreement to collaborate on the development and commercialization of Zaltrap®. Under the terms of this agreement (as amended in 2005), Sanofi is responsible for funding 100% of the development costs, co-promotion rights are shared between Sanofi and Regeneron, and the profits generated from sales of Zaltrap® worldwide (except Japan) are shared equally. Sales of Zaltrap® made by subsidiaries under the control of Sanofi are recognized in consolidated net sales, and the associated costs incurred by those subsidiaries are recognized as operating expenses in the consolidated income statement. Regeneron's share of the profits is recognized in the line item "Other operating expenses", a component of operating income.

                    Under the terms of the same agreement, Regeneron agreed to repay 50% of the development costs initially funded by Sanofi. Contractually, this amount represents 5% of the residual repayment obligation per quarter, but may not exceed Regeneron's profit share for the quarter unless Regeneron voluntarily decides to make a larger payment in a given quarter.

                    The agreement also stipulates milestone payments to be made by Sanofi on receipt of specified marketing approvals for Zaltrap® in the United States, within the European Union and in Japan.

                    In the United States, Zaltrap® is a registered trademark of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The product was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") in August 2012, and has been marketed in the United States since that date. On February 5, 2013, the European Commission granted marketing authorization in the European Union for Zaltrap®. Regeneron has not elected to co-promote Zaltrap® at launch in the major market countries defined as United States, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.

                    In Japan, Sanofi will develop and commercialize Zaltrap®, with Regeneron entitled to receive a royalty.

              Collaboration agreement on the discovery, development and commercialization of human therapeutic antibodies

                    In November 2007, Sanofi and Regeneron signed additional agreements under which Sanofi committed to funding the development costs of Regeneron's human monoclonal antibody research program until 2017, up to a maximum of $160 million a year (see Note D.21. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report). Sanofi has an option to license for further development any antibodies discovered by Regeneron that attain Investigational New Drug (IND) status.

                    If such an option is exercised, Sanofi is primarily responsible for funding, and co-develops the antibody with Regeneron. Sanofi and Regeneron would share co-promotion rights and profits on sales of the co-developed antibodies. Development costs for the drug candidate are shared between the companies, with Sanofi generally funding these costs up front, except that following receipt of the first positive Phase III trial results for a co-developed drug candidate, subsequent Phase III trial-related costs for that drug candidate are shared 80% by Sanofi and 20% by Regeneron. Once a product begins to be marketed, Regeneron will progressively repay out of its profits 50% of the development costs borne by Sanofi for all antibodies licensed by Sanofi. However, Regeneron are not required to apply more than 10% of its share of the profits from collaboration products in any calendar quarter towards reimbursing Sanofi for these development costs. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Sanofi may also be required to make milestone payments based on aggregate sales of antibodies. In 2012, six antibodies were in clinical development; two of which were in Phase III.


                    If Sanofi does not exercise its licensing option for an antibody under development, Sanofi will be entitled to receive a royalty once the antibody begins to be marketed.


            Alliance arrangements with Warner Chilcott (previously with Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals)

                    

            Our agreement with Warner Chilcott (“("the Alliance Partner”Partner") covers the worldwide development and marketing arrangements of Actonel®Actonel®, except Japan for which we hold no rights. Until October 30, 2009, this agreement was between sanofi-aventisSanofi and Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals (P&G). Since the sale by P&G of its pharmaceutical business to Warner Chilcott on October 30, 2009, Actonel®Actonel® has been marketed in collaboration with Warner Chilcott. The local marketing arrangements may take various forms.

              Co-promotion,whereby sales resources are pooled but only one of the two parties to the alliance agreement (sanofi-aventis or the Alliance Partner) invoices product sales. Co-promotion is carried out under contractual agreements and is not based on any specific legal entity. The Alliance Partner sells the product and incurs all of the related costs in France and Canada. This co-promotion scheme formerly included Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg until December 31, 2007, the Netherlands until March 31, 2008, and the United States and Puerto Rico until March 31, 2010. We recognize our share of revenues under the agreement in our income statement as a component of operating income in the line item “Other operating income”. Since April 1, 2010, we have received royalties from the Alliance Partner on sales made by the Alliance Partner in the United States and Puerto Rico. In the secondary co-promotion territories (the United Kingdom until December 31, 2008, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal and Australia), we sell the product and recognize all the revenues from sales of the product along with the corresponding expenses. The share due to the Alliance Partner is recognized in “Cost of sales”;

            Co-marketing, which applies in Italy whereby each party to the alliance agreement sells the product in the country under its own brand name, and recognizes all revenues and expenses from its own operations in its respective income statement. Each company also markets the product independently under its own brand name in Spain, although Spain is not included in the co-marketing territory.

            Warner Chilcott only territories: the product has been marketed by the Alliance Partner independently in Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg since January 1, 2008, in the Netherlands since April 1, 2008 and in the United Kingdom since January 1, 2009. We recognize our share of revenues under the alliance agreement in “Other operating income”; and

            sanofi-aventis only territories: we have exclusive rights to sell the product in all other territories. We recognize all revenues and expenses from our own operations in our income statement, but in return for these exclusive rights pay the Alliance Partner a royalty based on actual sales. This royalty is recognized in “Cost of sales”.

            Further to the terminationalliance agreement (Sanofi or the Alliance Partner) invoices product sales. Co-promotion is carried out under contractual agreements and is not based on any specific legal entity. The Alliance Partner sells the product and incurs all of an ancillary supplythe related costs in France and Canada. This co-promotion scheme formerly included Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg until December 31, 2007, the Netherlands until March 31, 2008, and the United States and Puerto Rico until March 31, 2010. We recognize our share of revenues under the agreement in our income statement as a component of operating income in the line item "Other operating income". Since April 1, 2010, we have received royalties from the Alliance Partner on sales made by the Alliance Partner in the United States and Puerto Rico. In the secondary co-promotion territories (the United Kingdom until December 31, 2008, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal and Australia), we sell the product and recognize all the revenues from sales of the product along with the corresponding expenses. The share due to the Alliance Partner is recognized in "Cost of sales";

            Co-marketing, which applies in Italy, whereby each party to the alliance agreement sells the product in the country under its own brand name, and recognizes all revenues and expenses from its own operations in its respective income statement. Each company also markets the product independently under its own brand name in Spain, although Spain is not included in the co-marketing territory;

            Warner Chilcott sanofi-aventisonly territories: the product has been marketed by the Alliance Partner independently in Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg since January 1, 2008, in the Netherlands since April 1, 2008 and in the United Kingdom since January 1, 2009. We recognize our share of revenues under the alliance agreement in "Other operating income"; and

            Sanofi only territories: we have exclusive rights to sell the product in all other territories. We recognize all revenues and expenses from our own operations in our income statement, but in return for these exclusive rights we pay the Alliance Partner a royalty based on actual sales. This royalty is recognized in "Cost of sales".

                    In 2010, Sanofi and Warner Chilcott have begunbegan negotiations on the future of their alliance arrangements. In an arbitration proceeding, an arbitration panel decided on July 14, 2011 that the termination by Warner Chilcott of an ancillary agreement did not lead to the termination of the Actonel® Alliance. Pursuant to this decision, the alliance will remain in effect until January 1, 2015.

            Impact of Exchange Rates

                    

            We report our consolidated financial statements in euros. Because we earn a significant portion of our revenues in countries where the euro is not the local currency, our results of operations can be significantly affected by exchange rate movements between the euro and other currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar and, to a lesser extent, the Japanese yen, and currencies in emerging countries. We experience these effects even though certain of these countries do not account for a large portion of our net sales. In 2010,2012, we earned 29.5%31.1% of our net sales in the United States. A decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar against the euro has a negative impact on our revenues, which is not offset by an equal reduction in our costs and therefore negatively affects our operating income. A decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar has a particularly significant impact on our operating income, which is higher in the United States than elsewhere, and on the contribution to net income of our alliance with BMS in the United States, which is


            under the operational management of BMS, as described at “—"— Financial Presentation of Alliances — Alliance arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb”Squibb" above.

                    

            For a description of positions entered into to manage operational foreign exchange risks as well as our hedging policy, see “Item"Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”Risk", and “Item"Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Financial Markets — Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition”condition".

            Divestments

                    In August 2012, Sanofi sold its 39.1% interest in Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher, in line with the Group's desire to focus on strategic activities.

                    In December 2011 Sanofi sold the Dermik dermatology business to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., for €321 million (see Note D.1.3. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

            There were no material divestments in 2010, 2009 or 2008.

            2010.

            Acquisitions

              The principal acquisitions during 2012 are described below:

                    In April 2012, Sanofi strengthened its presence in biosurgery by acquiring a 100% equity interest in Pluromed, Inc. (Pluromed), an American medical devices company. Pluromed has developed a proprietary polymer technology — Rapid Transition Polymers (RTP™) — pioneering the use of plugs that can be injected into blood vessels to improve the safety, efficacy and economics of medical interventions.

                    In March 2012, Merial (Sanofi's Animal Health division) completed the acquisition of Newport Laboratories, a privately held company based in Worthington, Minnesota (United States), which is a leader in autogenous vaccines for the bovine and swine markets.

                    The impact of these two acquisitions on our consolidated financial statements is not material.

                    In October 2012, Sanofi signed an agreement to acquire Genfar S.A. (Genfar), a Colombian pharmaceutical company that is a major player in Colombia and other countries in Latin America. Genfar is the second-largest generics manufacturer in Colombia by sales, and the leader by volumes sold. Closing of the deal is subject to certain conditions, and is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2013.

                    In December 2012, Sanofi announced that an agreement had been reached to acquire the animal health division of Dosch Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, an Indian company, allowing Merial to enter this strategic animal health market. Closing of the deal is subject to regulatory approval, and is expected to take place during the first half of 2013.

              The principal acquisitions during 2011 are described below:

                    In February 2011, Sanofi completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of BMP Sunstone Corporation (BMP Sunstone), a pharmaceutical company that develops a portfolio of branded pharmaceutical and healthcare products in China. See Note D.1.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    In April 2011, Sanofi acquired Genzyme Corporation (Genzyme), a major biotechnology company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachussets (United States), with primary areas of focus in rare diseases, renal endocrinology, oncology and biosurgery. The transaction was completed in accordance with the terms of the public exchange offer at a price of $74 in cash plus the issuance to Genzyme shareholders of one contingent value right (CVR) per share. The total purchase price amounted to €14.8 billion. The purchase price allocation is disclosed in Note D.1.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.


                    In October 2011, Sanofi acquired Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Topaz), a U.S. pharmaceutical research company that developed an innovative anti-parasitic product for treating head lice. An upfront payment of $35 million was made on completion of the transaction. According to the agreement, future milestone payments may be made upon market approval and depending on the achievement of sales targets. See Note D.1.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. The total amount of payments (including the upfront payment) could reach $207.5 million.

                    In November 2011, Sanofi acquired the business of Universal Medicare Private Limited (Universal), a major producer of nutraceuticals in India. An upfront payment of €83 million was made on completion of the transaction. See Note D.1.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    In December 2011, Sanofi co-invested in Warp Drive Bio, an innovative start-up biotechnology company, along with two venture capital firms, Third Rock Ventures (TRV) and Greylock Partners. Warp Drive Bio is an innovative biotechnology company, focusing on proprietary genomic technology to discover drugs of natural origin. Sanofi and TRV / Greylock have invested in Warp Drive Bio at parity. Total program funding over the first five years could amount to up to $125 million, including an equity investment of up to $75 million.

              The principal acquisitions during 2010 are described below:

                    

            In February 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired the U.S.-based company Chattem, Inc. (Chattem) by successfully completing a cash tender offer.offer leading to the acquisition of 100% of the share capital. Chattem is a major consumer health player in the United States, producing and distributing branded consumer health products, toiletries and dietary supplementes accrosssupplements across various market segments. Chattem will managemanages the Allegra®Allegra® brand, and actacts as the platform for sanofi-aventisSanofi over-the-counter and consumer healthhealthcare products in the United States. As of December 31, 2010, sanofi-aventis held 100% of Chattem’s share capital. See Note D.1.D.1.4. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    

            In April 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired a controlling interest in the capital of Bioton Vostok, a Russian insulin manufacturer. Under the terms of the agreement, put options were granted to non-controlling interests. See Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    

            In May 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi formed a new joint venture with Nichi-Iko Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.Ltd (Nichi-Iko), a leading generics company in Japan, to expand generics activities in the country. In addition to forming this joint venture, sanofi-aventisSanofi took a 4.66% equity interest in the capital of Nichi-Iko.

                    

            In June 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired 100% of the share capital of Canderm Pharma Inc. (Canderm), a privately-held leading Canadian skincare company distributing cosmeceuticals and dermatological products. Canderm generated net sales of 24 million Canadian dollars in 2009.

                    

            In July 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired 100% of the share capital of TargeGen, Inc. (TargeGen), a U.S. biopharmaceutical company developing small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of certain forms of leukemia, lymphoma and other hematological malignancies and blood disorders. An upfront payment of $75 million was made on completion of the transaction. Future milestone payments may be made at various stages in the development of TG 101348, TargeGen’sTargeGen's principal product candidate. The total amount of payments (including the upfront payment) could reach $560 million. See Note D.1.D.1.4. and Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    

            In August 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired 100% of the share capital of Nepentes S.A. (Nepentes), a Polish manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and dermocosmetics, for a consideration of PLN 425 million (€106 million).

            In October 2010, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur acquired 100% of the share capital of VaxDesign Corporation (VaxDesign), a privately-held U.S. biotechnology company which has developed a technology reproducing in vitro models of the human immune system, that can be used to select the best candidate vaccines at the pre-clinical stage. Under the terms of the agreement, an upfront payment of $55 million was made upon closing of the transaction, and a further $5 million will be payable upon completion of a specified development milestone.


                    

            In October 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired a 60% equity interest in the Chinese consumer healthcare company Hangzhou Sanofi Minsheng Consumer Healthcare Co. Ltd, in partnership with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (“Minsheng”("Minsheng"). Minsheng was also granted a put option over the remaining shares not held by sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. See Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            In October 2010, sanofi-aventis and BMP Sunstone Corporation (BMP Sunstone) signed an agreement pursuant to which sanofi-aventis acquired 100% of the share capital of BMP Sunstone on February 24, 2011 for $521 million.

            The principal acquisitions during 2009 are described below:

            On September 17, 2009, and further to the agreement signed on July 29, 2009, sanofi-aventis completed the acquisition of the interest held by Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck) in Merial Limited (Merial) for consideration of $4 billion in cash. Founded in 1997, Merial was previously held jointly (50/50) by Merck and sanofi-aventis, and is now 100% held by sanofi-aventis. Merial is one of the world’s leading animal health companies, with annual sales of $2.6 billion in 2009 and 2010. With effect from September 17, 2009, sanofi-aventis has held 100% of the shares of Merial and has exercised exclusive control over the company. In accordance with IAS 27, Merial is accounted for by the full consolidation method in the consolidated financial statements of sanofi-aventis.

            In connection with the agreement signed on July 29, 2009, sanofi-aventis also signed an option contract giving it the possibility, once the Merck/Schering-Plough merger is complete, to combine the Merck-owned Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health business with Merial in a joint venture to be held 50/50 by Merck and sanofi-aventis. The terms of the option contract set a value of $8 billion for Merial. The minimum total value received by Merck and its subsidiaries in consideration for the transfer of Intervet/Schering-Plough to the combined entity would be $9.25 billion, comprising a minimum value of $8.5 billion for Intervet/Schering-Plough (subject to potential upward revision after valuations performed by the two parties) and additional consideration of $750 million. An additional balancing payment of $250 million will be made to establish 50/50 parity between Merck and sanofi-aventis in the combined entity.

            Because of the high probability of the option being exercised as of year end 2009, Merial was treated as an asset held for sale or exchange pursuant to IFRS 5 as of December 31, 2009. On March 8, 2010, sanofi-aventis did in fact exercise its contractual right to combine the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health business with Merial. In addition to execution of final agreements, formation of the new animal health joint venture remains subject to antitrust review in the United States, Europe and other countries, and other customary closing conditions. Due to the probable formation of the joint venture with Merck in 2011, Merial was still treated as an asset held for sale or exchange pursuant to IFRS 5 as of December 31, 2010. Detailed information about the impact of Merial on the consolidated financial statements of sanofi-aventis is provided in Note D.1. and Note D.8.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            On March 11, 2009, sanofi-aventis successfully closed its offer for Zentiva N.V. (Zentiva). As of December 31, 2009, sanofi-aventis held about 99.1% of Zentiva’s share capital. Following the buyout of the remaining non-controlling interests, sanofi-aventis held 100% of Zentiva’s share capital as of December 31, 2010. The purchase price was €1,200 million, including acquisition-related costs. See Note D.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            On March 31, 2009, sanofi-aventis acquired Laboratorios Kendrick, one of Mexico’s leading manufacturers of generics, with sales of approximately €26 million in 2008.

            On April 27, 2009, sanofi-aventis acquired a 100% equity interest in Medley, the third largest pharmaceutical company in Brazil and a leading generics company in that country. The purchase price, based on an enterprise value of €500 million, was €348 million inclusive of acquisition-related costs. See Note D.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            On April 27, 2009 sanofi-aventis acquired 100% of BiPar Sciences, Inc. (BiPar), a U.S. biopharmaceutical company developing novel tumor-selective approaches for the treatment of different types of cancers. BiPar is the leading company in the emerging field of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) repair using Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. The purchase price was contingent on the achievement (regarded as probable) of milestones related to the development of BSI-201, and could reach $500 million. See Note D.1. and Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            In July 2009, sanofi-aventis completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Helvepharm, a Swiss generics company.

            In August 2009, sanofi-aventis took control of Shantha Biotechnics (Shantha), a vaccines company based in Hyderabad (India). As of December 31, 2010, sanofi-aventis held approximately 96.4% of Shantha. The purchase price allocation led to the recognition of intangible assets (excluding goodwill) worth €374 million. See Note D.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            On October 30, 2009, sanofi-aventis acquired 100% of the share capital of Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA., a privately-held French biopharmaceutical research and development company specializing in ophthalmology. The purchase consideration was contingent on milestone payments of up to €280 million linked to the development of three clinical compounds. See Notes D.1. and D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            On November 30, 2009, sanofi-aventis completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Laboratoire Oenobiol, one of France’s leading players in health and beauty dietary supplements.

            The principal acquisitions during 2008 are described below:

            On September 1, 2008, sanofi-aventis completed the acquisition of the Australian company Symbion CP Holdings Pty Ltd (Symbion Consumer) for AUD560 million. Symbion Consumer manufactures, markets and distributes nutraceuticals (vitamins and mineral supplements) and over-the-counter brands throughout Australia and New Zealand. Symbion Consumer has a portfolio of brands including Natures Own®, Cenovis®, Bio-organics®, Golden Glow® and Microgenics®.

            On September 25, 2008, sanofi-aventis completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Acambis plc (Acambis) for £285 million. Acambis became Sanofi Pasteur Holding Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanofi Pasteur Holding SA. This company develops novel vaccines that address unmet medical needs or substantially improve current standards of care. Sanofi Pasteur and Acambis had been developing vaccines in a successful partnership of more than a decade: Acambis was conducting major projects under exclusive collaboration agreements with sanofi pasteur, for vaccines against dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.

            Results of Operations

            Year Ended December 31, 20102012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 20092011

                    

            The consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 20102012 and December 31, 20092011 break down as follows:

            (under IFRS)
            (€ million)
             2012
             as % of
            net sales

             2011
             as % of
            net sales

             
              
            Net sales  34,947  100.0%  33,389  100.0% 
            Other revenues  1,010  2.9%  1,669  5.0% 
            Cost of sales  (11,118) (31.8%) (10,902) (32.7%)
            Gross profit  24,839  71.1%  24,156  72.3% 
            Research & development expenses  (4,922) (14.1%) (4,811) (14.4%)
            Selling & general expenses  (8,947) (25.6%) (8,536) (25.6%)
            Other operating income  562     319    
            Other operating expenses  (454)    (315)   
            Amortization of intangible assets  (3,291)    (3,314)   
            Impairment of intangible assets  (117)    (142)   
            Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities  (192)    15    
            Restructuring costs  (1,141)    (1,314)   
            Other gains and losses, and litigation (1)       (327)   
            Operating income  6,337  18.1%  5,731  17.2% 
            Financial expenses  (553)    (552)   
            Financial income  93     140    
            Income before tax and associates and joint ventures  5,877  16.8%  5,319  15.9% 
            Income tax expense  (1,134)    (455)   
            Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  393     1,070    
              
            Net income  5,136  14.7%  5,934  17.8% 
              
            Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  169     241    
              
            Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi  4,967  14.2%  5,693  17.1% 
              
            Average number of shares outstanding (million)  1,319.5     1,321.7    
            Average number of shares outstanding after dilution (million)  1,329.6     1,326.7    
              
            Basic earnings per share (in euros)  3.76     4.31    
            Diluted earnings per share (in euros)  3.74     4.29    
              
            (1)
            See Note B.20.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    Our consolidated income statements include the results of the operations of Genzyme from April 2011. In order to help investors gain a better understanding of our performances, in the narrative discussion of certain income statement line items ("net sales", "research & development expenses", and "selling & general expenses"), we include non-consolidated 2011 first-quarter data for Genzyme in additional analyses.

            (under IFRS)

            (€ million)

              2010  

            as % of

            net sales

               2009  

            as % of

            net sales

             

            Net sales

               30,384   100.0%    29,306   100.0% 
            Other revenues   1,651   5.4%    1,443   4.9% 
            Cost of sales   (8,717  (28.7%)     (7,880  (26.9%)  

            Gross profit

               23,318   76.7%    22,869   78.0% 
            Research & development expenses   (4,401  (14.5%)     (4,583  (15.6%)  
            Selling & general expenses   (7,567  (24.9%)     (7,325  (25.0%)  
            Other operating income   359     866  
            Other operating expenses   (276    (481 
            Amortization of intangible assets   (3,529    (3,528 
            Impairment of intangible assets   (433    (372 
            Restructuring costs   (1,372    (1,080 
            Gains and losses on disposals, and litigation   (138       

            Operating income

               5,961   19.6%    6,366   21.7% 
            Financial expenses   (467    (324 
            Financial income   105     24  

            Income before tax and associates and joint ventures

               5,599   18.4%    6,066   20.7% 
            Income tax expense   (1,242    (1,364 
            Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures   978     814  

            Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business (1)

               5,335   17.6%    5,516   18.8% 
            Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business (1)   386        175     

            Net income

               5,721   18.8%    5,691   19.4% 
            Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   254        426     

            Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

               5,467   18.0%    5,265   18.0% 
            Average number of shares outstanding (million)   1,305.3     1,305.9  
            Average number of shares outstanding after dilution (million)   1,308.2        1,307.4     
            Basic earnings per share (in euros)   4,19     4.03  
            Diluted earnings per share (in euros)   4.18        4.03     

            (1)

            Reported separately in accordance with IFRS 5 (Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations). For the other disclosures required under IFRS 5, refer to Note D.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.


            Net Sales

                    

            Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2010 were €30,3842012 amounted to €34,947 million, up 3.7%4.7% on 2009.2011. Exchange rate movements — principallyhad a favorable effect of 4.2 points, mainly reflecting the appreciation of the U.S. dollar and the yen against the euro, — hadand to a favorable effectlesser extent the appreciation of 4.5 points.the yen and the yuan. At constant exchange rates and after taking account of changes in structure (mainly the consolidation of ZentivaGenzyme from the second quarter of 2009, and of Chattem from the first quarter of 2010)April 2011), net sales fellrose by 0.8%0.5% year-on-year. On a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, organic net sales were down 2.7%.

                    

            The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our reported net sales for the years ended December 31, 20102012 and December 31, 20092011 to our net sales at constant exchange rates and net sales on a constant structure basis.rates:

            (€ million)
             2012
             2011
             Change
            (%)

             
              
            Net sales  34,947  33,389  +4.7% 
              
            Effect of exchange rates  (1,400)      
              
            Net sales at constant exchange rates  33,547  33,389  +0.5% 
              

                    

            (€ million)  2010  2009   

            Change

            (%)

             

            Net sales

               30,384   29,306    +3.7%  
            Effect of exchange rates   (1,319         

            Net sales at constant exchange rates

               29,065   29,306    -0.8%  
            Effect of changes in structure       561      

            Net sales on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates

               29,065   29,867    -2.7%  

            Our net sales arecomprise the net sales generated by our two principal operating segments: Pharmaceuticals, and Human Vaccines (Vaccines). We do not consolidate net sales from our and Animal Health business; instead, Merial’s contribution to net income is reported separately on the line “Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business”, in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note D.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).segments.

                    

            The following table breaks down our 20102012 and 20092011 net sales by business segment:

            (€ million)  

            2010

            Reported

               

            2009

            Reported

               

            Change on a

            reported basis

            (%)

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange rates

            (%)

               

            Change on a

            constant structure

            basis and at constant

            exchange rates
            (%)

             
            Pharmaceuticals   26,576     25,823     +2.9%     -1.6%     -3.6%  
            Vaccines   3,808     3,483     +9.3%     +4.8%     +3.8%  

            Total

               30,384     29,306     +3.7%     -0.8%     -2.7%  

            (€ million)
             2012
            Reported

             2011
            Reported

             Change on a
            reported basis
            (%)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange rates
            (%)

             
              
            Pharmaceuticals  28,871  27,890  +3.5%  -0.4% 
            Vaccines  3,897  3,469  +12.3%  +5.7% 
            Animal Health  2,179  2,030  +7.3%  +3.1% 
              
            Total  34,947  33,389  +4.7%  +0.5% 
              

            Net Sales by Product — Pharmaceuticals segment

                    

            Net sales generated by our Pharmaceuticals segment were €26,576€28,871 million in 2010,2012, up 2.9%3.5% on a reported basis but down 1.6% at constant exchange rates.

            Flagship Products

            Our flagship products (Lantus® and other Diabetes division products, Lovenox®, Plavix®, Taxotere®, Aprovel®/CoAprovel®, Eloxatine®, Multaq® and Jevtana®) are discussed below. Sales of Plavix® and Aprovel® are discussed further below under “— Worldwide Presence of Plavix® and Aprovel®”.

            Net sales for the Diabetes division came to €4,298 million, up 9.2% at constant exchange rates, driven by growth for Lantus®, Apidra® and Amaryl®.

            Lantus®, the world’s leading insulin brand (source: IMS 2010 sales), posted a 9.1% rise in net sales at constant exchange rates in 2010 to €3,510 million. Growth was strong in Emerging Markets (18.2% at constant exchange rates), but slowed in the United States (7.4% at constant exchange rates) due to healthcare reforms, despite higher sales of the SoloSTAR® injection pen. Lantus® achieved particularly strong growth at constant exchange rates in Japan (32.3%), Russia (25.9%), and Brazil (30.6%).

            Net sales of the rapid-acting insulin analogApidra® advanced by 24.1% at constant exchange rates in 2010 to €177 million, buoyed by solid performances in Western Europe (21.8% growth) and Emerging Markets (37.5% growth).

            Lovenox®, the leading anti-thrombotic in the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (source: IMS 2010 sales), saw net sales fall by 10.5% at constant exchange rates in 2010 to €2,806 million. In the United States, sales fell by 22.7% to €1,439 million following the introduction of a generic version of enoxaparin at the end of July 2010. As of the date of this document, we are aware of only one U.S. generic approved by the FDA although other ANDAs have been submitted. Excluding the United States, net sales were up 7.8% at constant exchange rates at €1,367 million (representing 48.7% of wordlwide 2010 sales of Lovenox®), with good performances in Western Europe (up 7.3%) and Eastern Europe (up 14.0%).

            Taxotere® reported net sales of €2,122 million, down 6.4%0.4% at constant exchange rates. The drop inyear-on-year change reflects the positive impact of consolidating Genzyme from April 2011 and the performance of growth platforms, but also the negative effects of generic competition (mainly on sales cameof Lovenox®, Taxotere® and Eloxatine® in the United States, and of Taxotere®, Plavix® and Aprovel® in Western Europe, whereEurope), the patents expired in November 2010. Generic docetaxel became available throughout Western Europe by November 2010. In the United States, distributors commenced a work down of Taxotere® inventories in late 2010 in anticipationending of the expected arrivalco-promotion agreement with Teva on Copaxone®, the divestiture of generic docetaxelthe Dermik business in 2011. However, the product saw modest growth in Emerging MarketsJuly 2011, and austerity measures in the Other Countries region (1.4% and 2.5% respectively).European Union.

            Net sales ofEloxatine® fell by 58.8% at constant exchange rates in 2010 to €427 million, hit by competition from generics. Following a court ruling, generics manufacturers have been under order to stop selling their unauthorized Eloxatin® generics in the U.S. market since June 30, 2010. Sun Pharmaceuticals has appealed this decision (see Note D.22.b) to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report). The workdown of existing inventories of generics impaired our Eloxatine® sales performance in the second half of 2010.

            Multaq®, which began to be marketed at the end of 2009, reported net sales of €172 million, mainly in the United States. The product is now available in over 20 countries, and further launches are ongoing.

            Jevtana®, which has been available in the U.S. market since July 2010, registered net sales of €82 million in 2010.

            Our other major products are described below.

            Net sales of the hypnoticStilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee® fell by 10.9% at constant exchange rates to €819 million. In the United States, net sales were €443 million (including €375 million for Ambien® CR), down 21.6% at constant exchange rates, following FDA approval of a generic version of Ambien® CR in October 2010; we responded by launching our own generic version in the United States. In Japan, Myslee®, the leading hypnotic on the market (source: IMS 2010 sales), again performed well, with net sales up 14.5% at constant exchange rates at €247 million.

            Allegra® reported a 22.4% drop in net sales (at constant exchange rates) to €607 million, due to the effect of generics of Allegra® D-12, which have been available on the U.S. market since the end of 2009. Sales in Japan were down 2.0% at constant exchange rates, at €356 million.

            Net sales ofCopaxone®, generated mainly in Western Europe, grew by 8.4% at constant exchange rates to €513 million.

            TheConsumer Health Carebusiness posted year-on-year growth of 45.7% at constant exchange rates to €2,217 million, driven by Emerging Markets where net sales rose by 44.4% at constant exchange rates to €1,050 million. These figures consolidate the consumer health products of Zentiva from April 2009, Oenobiol from December 2009, Chattem from February 2010, and Nepentes from August 2010.        On a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates (which primarily means including the division achievednon-consolidated sales growth of 6.9%Genzyme for the first quarter of 2011 and excluding sales of Copaxone® for the whole of 2011), net sales for the Pharmaceuticals segment fell by 0.6% in 2012.

                    Our flagship products (Lantus® and Apidra®, Lovenox®, Plavix®, Aprovel®/CoAprovel®, Taxotere®, Eloxatine®, Cerezyme®, Myozyme®/Lumizyme®, Fabrazyme®, Renagel®/Renvela®, Synvisc®/Synvisc-One®, Multaq®, Jevtana®, Aubagio® and Zaltrap®) are discussed below. Sales of Plavix® and Aprovel® are discussed further below under "— Worldwide Presence of Plavix® and Aprovel®".


                    The following table breaks down our 2012 and 2011 net sales for the Pharmaceuticals segment by product:

            (€ million)
            Product

             Indication
             2012
            Reported

             2011
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis (%)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates (%)

             
              
            Lantus® Diabetes  4,960  3,916  +26.7%  +19.3% 
            Apidra® Diabetes  230  190  +21.1%  +16.8% 
            Amaryl® Diabetes  421  436  -3.4%  -8.0% 
            Insuman® Diabetes  135  132  +2.3%  +3.0% 
            Other diabetes products Diabetes  36  10  +260.0%  +250.0% 
              
            Total: Diabetes Diabetes  5,782  4,684  +23.4%  +16.7% 
              
            Eloxatin® Colorectal cancer  956  1,071  -10.7%  -17.3% 
            Taxotere® Breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and head & neck cancer  563  922  -38.9%  -41.9% 
            Jevtana® Prostate cancer  235  188  +25.0%  +20.2% 
            Zaltrap® Colorectal cancer  25       
            Mozobil® (1) Hematologic malignancies  96  59     
            Other oncology products (1)    519  389     
              
            Total: Oncology    2,394  2,629  -8.9%  -14.3% 
              
            Lovenox® Thrombosis  1,893  2,111  -10.3%  -12.0% 
            Plavix® Atherothrombosis  2,066  2,040  +1.3%  -4.6% 
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel® Hypertension  1,151  1,291  -10.8%  -13.3% 
            Allegra® Allergic rhinitis, urticaria  553  580  -4.7%  -9.5% 
            Stilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee® Sleep disorders  497  490  +1.4%  -4.5% 
            Copaxone® Multiple sclerosis  24  436  -94.5%  -94.7% 
            Depakine® Epilepsy  410  388  +5.7%  +3.1% 
            Tritace® Hypertension  345  375  -8.0%  -8.3% 
            Multaq® Atrial fibrillation  255  261  -2.3%  -8.0% 
            Xatral® Benign prostatic hypertrophy  130  200  -35.0%  -37.0% 
            Actonel® Osteoporosis, Paget's disease  134  167  -19.8%  -21.6% 
            Nasacort® Allergic rhinitis  71  106  -33.0%  -35.8% 
            Renagel®/Renvela® (1) Hyperphosphatemia  653  415     
            Synvisc®/Synvisc-One® (1) Arthritis  363  256     
              
            Aubagio® Multiple sclerosis  7       
            Sub-total Multiple sclerosis    7       
            Cerezyme® (1) Gaucher disease  633  441     
            Myozyme®/Lumizyme® (1) Pompe disease  462  308     
            Fabrazyme® (1) Fabry disease  292  109     
            Other rare disease products (1)    391  264     
            Sub-total Rare diseases (1)    1,778  1,122     
              
            Total: New Genzyme (1)    1,785  1,122     
              
            Other prescription products    5,513  5,927  -7.0%  -9.1% 
            Consumer Health Care    3,008  2,666  +12.8%  +9.9% 
            Generics    1,844  1,746  +5.6%  +5.0% 
              
            Total Pharmaceuticals    28,871  27,890  +3.5%  -0.4% 
              
            (1)
            In 2011, net sales of Genzyme products were recognized from the acquisition date (April 2011).

                Diabetes

                    Net sales for theDiabetes business amounted to €5,782 million, up 16.7% at constant exchange rates, driven by strong growth for Lantus®.

            Lantus® posted a 19.3% increase in net sales at constant exchange rates in 2012 to €4,960 million, driven by very strong growth in the United States (up 22.0% at €3,087 million); in Emerging Markets (up 25.4% at €793 million), especially in China (up 35.9%) and Latin America (up 32.3%); and in Japan (up 22.0%). In Western Europe, growth was a more modest 5.3% at constant exchange rates.

                    Net sales of the rapid-acting insulin analogApidra® advanced by 16.8% (at constant exchange rates) to €230 million in 2012, buoyed by the product's performance in Emerging Markets (up 37.8%).

            Amaryl® saw net sales fall by 8.0% at constant exchange rates to €421 million, mainly as a result of competition from generics in Japan (down 31.7%, at €125 million), and in spite of 11.4% growth in Emerging Markets to €263 million.

                Oncology

                    Net sales for theOncology business were €2,394 million, down 14.3% at constant exchange rates.

                    Net sales ofEloxatine® fell by 17.3% at constant exchange rates to 956 million in 2012, reflecting the loss of exclusivity in the United States on August 9, 2012, which had been expected.

            Taxotere® reported a fall in net sales of 41.9% at constant exchange rates, to €563 million. The product is facing competition from generics in Western Europe (down 72.5%) and the United States (down 80.2%). Emerging Markets sales amounted to €270 million, down 11.2% at constant exchange rates.

            Jevtana® posted net sales of €235 million in 2012, up 20.2% at constant exchange rates, boosted by product launches in various countries in Western Europe (€91 million, up 104.5% at constant exchange rates) and in Emerging Markets.

                    

            TheGenericsbusiness reported 2010Zaltrap® , launched in the United States and Puerto Rico at the end of August 2012, generated net sales of €1,534€25 million for the year.

            Mozobil® reported net sales of €96 million, up 41.5%19.7% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates. Growth wasrates (i.e., including non-consolidated sales generated by Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011).

                    Jevtana®, Zaltrap® and Mozobil®, along with Multaq® (see "— Other pharmaceutical products" below), form the "Other Innovative Products" growth platform. This platform generated net sales of €611 million in 2012.

                Other pharmaceutical products

            Lovenox® recorded a fall in net sales of 12.0% at constant exchange rates to €1,893 million in 2012, as a result of competition from generics in the United States, where sales slipped by 53.1% (at constant exchange rates) to €319 million. Sales generated outside the United States accounted for 83.1% of worldwide net sales and rose by 5.5% at constant exchange rates to €1,574 million, driven by Emerging Markets (up 11.6% at constant exchange rates at €615 million). Sanofi also launched its own generic version of Lovenox® in the United States, sales of which are recognized in the Generics business.

                    Net sales ofRenagel®/Renvela® rose by 13.0% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates (i.e. including non-consolidated sales generated by Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011) to €653 million, on a fine performance in the United States (up 19.2% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates).

            Synvisc®/Synvisc-One® reported sales growth of 4.0% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates (including non-consolidated sales generated by Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011) to €363 million, driven mainly by the Synvisc-One® franchise in the United Sates (€302 million, up 5.7% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates).


                    Net sales of theAmbien® range fell by 4.5% at constant exchange rates to €497 million, reflecting competition from generics of Ambien® CR in the United States and Western Europe and the introduction of generic versions of Myslee® in Japan during the second half of 2012.

            Allegra® reported a decline in net sales as a prescription medicine (down 9.5% at constant exchange rates) to €553 million, reflecting lower prices in Japan (down 15.2% at constant exchange rates, at €423 million). This product is sold over the counter in the United States, and has also been available over the counter in Japan since November 2012. Sales over the counter are recognized in the Consumer Health Care business. In August 2012 three generic versions of Allegra® were approved by the regulatory authorities in Japan; since February 2013, Allegra® as a prescription medicine has been subject to generic competition in this country.

                    Net sales ofMultaq® fell by 8.0% at constant exchange rates to €255 million, due to the acquisition and consolidationeffect of Zentiva and Kendrick (from April 2009) and Medley (from May 2009)restrictions placed on the product's indication during the second half of 2011.

                    Net sales ofCopaxone® amounted to €24 million, versus €436 million in 2011, down 94.7% (at constant exchange rates), and byreflecting the United States,ending of the co-promotion agreement with Teva in all territories in the first quarter of 2012. Since the transfer of Copaxone® to Teva, we no longer recognize net sales of the product. Instead, for the two years following the launchtransfer we are entitled to receive a payment representing 6% of our generic versionnet sales, which we recognize under the income statement line item "Other revenues".

                New Genzyme business

                    Thenew Genzyme business consists of Ambien®products used to treat rare diseases, and products for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (Aubagio® and the experimental agent Lemtrada™).CR.

                    Because Genzyme's net sales have been consolidated from the acquisition date (i.e. the start of April 2011), the 2011 consolidated net sales of the new Genzyme business do not include sales for the first quarter of 2011. On a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, i.e. after including non-consolidated net sales for the Generics division advanced by 18.5%, driven by Emerging Markets.

            Netfirst quarter of 2011, the net sales of the othernew Genzyme business rose by 16.9% in 2012 to €1,785 million.

                    The following table breaks down our 2012 and 2011 net sales for the new Genzyme business by product:

            (€ million)
            Product
             Indication
             2012
            Reported

             2011
            Reported

             Change on a
            constant structure
            basis and at constant
            exchange rates (%)

             
              
            Aubagio® Multiple sclerosis  7     
            Sub-total Multiple sclerosis    7     
            Cerezyme® (1) Gaucher disease  633  441  +6.0% 
            Myozyme®/Lumizyme® (1) Pompe disease  462  308  +11.4% 
            Fabrazyme® (1) Fabry disease  292  109  +96.4% 
            Other rare disease products (1)    391  264  +7.5% 
            Sub-total Rare diseases (1)    1,778  1,122  +16.4% 
              
            Total: New Genzyme (1)    1,785  1,122  +16.9% 
              
            (1)
            In 2011, net sales of Genzyme products inwere recognized from the portfolio were flat year-on-year at €6,064 million (up 0.3%acquisition date (April 2011).

            Cerezyme® recorded net sales growth of 6.0% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, to €633 million (+0.9% in Western Europe, at €215 million; +6.3% in the United States, at €166 million). Production continued to improve during the year, enabling normal doses to be delivered to patients in the product's principal markets

                    Net sales ofMyozyme®/Lumizyme® were up 11.4% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates at €462 million (+10,4% in Western Europe, at €257 million; +6.9% in the United States, at €117 million).


            Fabrazyme® reported a 96.4% surge in net sales on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, to €292 million. This increase was due mainly to the resumption of production at the new facility at Framingham (United States) in March 2012, enabling full doses to be supplied in all markets where the product is approved for sale.

                    For more information regarding the manufacturing issues related to Cerezyme® and Fabrazyme® see "Item 4 — Information on the Company — Production and Raw Materials."

                    In multiple sclerosis,Aubagio® was launched in the United States in October 2012, and recorded fourth-quarter net sales of €7 million.

                Consumer Health Care business

                    Net sales for theConsumer Health Care business rose by 9.9% at constant exchange rates in 2012, to €3,008 million. This figure includes revenues generated from the acquisitions made in 2011 (primarily BMP Sunstone in China, and the nutraceuticals business of Universal Medicare in India).

                    In Emerging Markets, net sales advanced by 19.9% at constant exchange rates to €1,478 million. In the United States, sales growth was modest (up 2.2% at constant exchange rates, at €606 million) compared with 2011; this reflects the fact that in the early part of 2011, distributors were building up inventories of the over-the-counter (OTC) version of Allegra®, launched in March 2011. Excluding Allegra® OTC, growth in the United States reached 6.2% at constant exchange rates. Allegra® OTC was also launched in Japan in November 2012.

                Generics business

                    TheGenerics business reported net sales of €1,844 million in 2012, a rise of 5.0% at constant exchange rates. The business was boosted by sales growth in the United States (up 42.4% at constant exchange rates, at €272 million), where we launched our own authorized generic versions of Lovenox® and Aprovel®. In Emerging Markets, net sales fell slightly (down 2.7% at constant exchange rates). to €1,045 million, due to the impact of tougher competition and disruptions in the Brazilian market.

                    Net sales of theother prescription products in the portfolio were down 9.1% at constant exchange rates, to €5,513 million. For a description of our other pharmaceutical products, see “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Pharmaceutical Products."


                    

            The following table breaks down our 2010 and 2009 net sales for the Pharmaceuticals business by product:

            (€ million)

            Product

             Indication   

            2010

            Reported

               

            2009

            Reported

               

            Change on

            a reported

            basis (%)

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates (%)

               

            Change on a
            constant structure
            basis and at

            constant exchange
            rates (%)

             
            Lantus®  Diabetes     3,510     3,080     +14.0%     +9.1%     +9.1%  
            Apidra®  Diabetes     177     137     +29.2%     +24.1%     +24.1%  
            Amaryl®  Diabetes     478     416     +14.9%     +7.7%     +7.7%  
            Insuman®  Diabetes     133     131     +1.5%     +1.5%     +1.5%  

            Sub-total: Diabetes

                   4,298     3,764  ��  +14.2%     +9.2%     +9.2%  
            Lovenox®  Thrombosis     2,806     3,043     -7.8%     -10.5%     -10.5%  
            Plavix®  Atherothrombosis     2,083     2,623     -20.6%     -24.6%     -24.6%  
            Taxotere®  
             
             
            Breast, lung, prostate,
            stomach, and head &
            neck cancer
              
              
              
               2,122     2,177     -2.5%     -6.4%     -6.4%  
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel®  Hypertension     1,327     1,236     +7.4%     +4.2%     +4.2%  
            Eloxatine®  Colorectal cancer     427     957     -55.4%     -58.8%     -58.8%  
            Multaq®  Atrial fibrillation     172     25     +588.0%     +560.0%     +560.0%  
            Jevtana®  Prostate cancer     82                      
            Stilnox®/Ambien® /Myslee®  Sleep disorders     819     873     -6.2%     -10.9%     -10.8%  
            Allegra®  
             
            Allergic rhinitis,
            urticaria
              
              
               607     731     -17.0%     -22.4%     -18.5%  
            Copaxone®  Multiple sclerosis     513     467     +9.9%     +8.4%     +11.0%  
            Tritace®  Hypertension     410     429     -4.4%     -7.2%     -5.2%  
            Dépakine®  Epilepsy     372     329     +13.1%     +7.6%     +7.6%  
            Xatral®  
             
            Benign prostatic
            hypertrophy
              
              
               296     296     0.0%     -3.4%     -3.1%  
            Actonel®  
             
            Osteoporosis, Paget’s
            disease
              
              
               238     264     -9.8%     -16.3%     -16.3%  
            Nasacort®  Allergic rhinitis     189     220     -14.1%     -16.8%     -16.8%  

            Other products

                6,064     5,947     +2.0%     -1.9%     +0.3%  

            Consumer Health Care

                2,217     1,430     +55.0%     +45.7%     +6.9%  
            Generics       1,534     1,012     +51.6%     +41.5%     +18.5%  

            Total pharmaceuticals

                   26,576     25,823     +2.9%     -1.6%     -3.6%  

            The following table breaks down net sales of our Pharmaceutical businesssegment products by geographical region in 2010:2012:

            (€ million)

            Product

              

            Western

            Europe*

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            United

            States

              

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            Emerging

            Markets**

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            Other

            countries***

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

             
            Lantus®   684     +5.3%     2,134   +7.4%     508    +18.2%     184    +25.2%  
            Apidra®   68     +21.8%     62   +11.1%     35    +37.5%     12    +150.0%  
            Amaryl®   42     -17.6%     6   -33.3%     222    +21.7%     208    +3.3%  
            Insuman®   108     -0.9%              25    +19.0%          -100.0%  

            Sub-total: Diabetes

               902     +4.2%     2,202   +7.4%     790    +20.0%     404    +13.7%  
            Lovenox®   782     +7.3%     1,439   -22.7%     499    +6.9%     86    +19.4%  
            Plavix®   641     -53.9%     213ª   -4.1%     648    +0.7%     581    +25.4%  
            Taxotere®   709     -10.6%     786   -8.0%     394    +1.4%     233    +2.5%  
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel®   825     -5.0%     39ª   +457.1%     358    +8.3%     105    +67.3%  
            Eloxatine®   46     -42.9%     172   -76.4%     150    -9.8%     59    +4.0%  
            Multaq®   39          128        2         3      
            Jevtana®             82                         
            Stilnox®/Ambien® /Myslee®   55     -8.3%     443   -21.6%     68    +5.0%     253    +13.6%  
            Allegra®   16     -5.9%     147   -53.6%     88    +17.4%     356    -3.2%  
            Copaxone®   482     +9.1%              13    -13.3%     18    +7.7%  
            Tritace®   189     -4.1%              191    -2.6%     30    -41.9%  
            Depakine®   148     +2.1%              209    +12.0%     15    +9.1%  
            Xatral®   66     -14.3%     155   +2.7%     70    +0.0%     5    -50.0%  
            Actonel®   104     -23.5%              93    -12.4%     41    +3.2%  
            Nasacort®   28     -3.4%     130   -20.3%     26    -10.7%     5    -20.0%  

            Other products

               2,649     -2.3%     652   +3,3%     2,052    +0.4%     711    -10.9%  

            Consumer Health Care

               630     +1.1%     320        1,050    +44.4%     217    +31.3%  
            Generics   404     +11.1%     102        988    +42.8%     40    +61.9%  

            Total pharmaceuticals

               8,715     -8.5%     7,010   -7,5%     7,689    +11.9%     3,162    +6.9%  

            *France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            **World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            ***Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
            ªSales of active ingredient to the entity majority-owned by BMS in the United States.

            (€ million)
            Product
             Western
            Europe (1)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             United
            States

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Emerging
            Markets (2)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Other
            countries (3)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Lantus®  778  +5.3%  3,087  +22.0%  793  +25.4%  302  +20.6% 
            Apidra®  78  +14.7%  73  +3.1%  51  +37.8%  28  +30.0% 
            Amaryl®  28  -12.5%  3  -25.0%  263  +11.4%  127  -32.6% 
            Insuman®  98  -4.9%  1    37  +27.6%  (1)  
            Other diabetes products  30  +190.0%  3        3   
              
            Total: Diabetes  1,012  +4.3%  3,167  +21.5%  1,144  +22.5%  459  +0.2% 
              
            Eloxatine®  13  -65.8%  718  -18.0%  153  -10.5%  72  +3.1% 
            Taxotere®  53  -72.5%  53  -80.2%  270  -11.2%  187  -10.7% 
            Jevtana®  91  +104.5%  109  -23.7%  33  +153.8%  2   
            Zaltrap®      24        1   
            Mozobil® (4)  30    56    7    3   
            Other oncology products (4)  104    281    95    39   
              
            Total: Oncology  291  -23.7%  1,241  -19.8%  558  0.0%  304  -1.7% 
              
            Lovenox®  854  +1.9%  319  -53.1%  615  +11.6%  105  +2.1% 
            Plavix®  307  -25.8%  76* -62.2%  799  +5.5%  884  +13.4% 
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel®  557  -26.4%  45* -8.2%  395  +2.5%  154  +17.5% 
            Allegra®  11  -15.4%  (1) -133.3%  120  +21.2%  423  -15.1% 
            Stilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee®  46  -13.2%  85  -4.9%  70  +7.7%  296  -5.5% 
            Copaxone®  19  -95.4%          5  -81.0% 
            Depakine®  143  -3.4%      251  +7.9%  16  -6.3% 
            Tritace®  150  -11.8%      180  -1.1%  15  -37.5% 
            Multaq®  46  -31.8%  200  +0.5%  8  0.0%  1  -25.0% 
            Xatral®  45  -24.1%  20  -74.7%  62  -6.3%  3  0.0% 
            Actonel®  33  -38.9%      66  -16.7%  35  -5.7% 
            Nasacort®  20  -20.0%  21  -63.0%  26  +8.7%  4  -25.0% 
            Renagel®/Renvela® (4)  128    451    53    21   
            Synvisc®/Synvisc-One® (4)  20    302    24    17   
              
            Aubagio®      7           
            Sub-total Multiple sclerosis      7           
            Cerezyme® (4)  215    166    190    62   
            Myozyme®/Lumizyme® (4)  257    117    55    33   
            Fabrazyme® (4)  52    152    41    47   
            Other rare disease products (4)  92    122    83    94   
            Sub-total Rare diseases (4)  616    557    369    236   
              
            Total: New Genzyme (4)  616    564    369    236   
              
            Other prescription products  2,105  -12.9%  567  -16.7%  2,062  -2.8%  779  -8.4% 
            Consumer Health Care  666  +2.2%  606  +2.2%  1,478  +19.9%  258  -2.1% 
            Generics  500  +11.5%  272  +42.4%  1,045  -2.7%  27  -29.4% 
              
            Total pharmaceuticals  7,569  -9.9%  7,935  +0.9%  9,325  +7.8%  4,042  -0.3% 
              
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            (2)
            World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (3)
            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
            (4)
            In 2011, net sales of Genzyme products were recognized from the acquisition date (April 2011).
            *
            Sales of active ingredient to the entity majority-owned by BMS in the United States.

            Net Sales — Human Vaccines (Vaccines) segment

                    

            In 2010, the Vaccines segment reported netNet sales of €3,808 million, up 4.8% at constant exchange rates and 9.3% on a reported basis. Growth was driven by sales of seasonal influenza vaccines (€845 million, versus €597 million in 2009). Sales of pandemic influenza vaccines (mainly against the A/H1N1 virus) were flat; excluding their impact, growth for the Vaccines segment reached 5.5%amounted to €3,897 million in 2012, up 12.3% on a reported basis and 5.7% at constant exchange rates.

                    

            AlthoughThe following table presents the 2012 and 2011 sales of our Vaccines segment by range of products:

            (€ million)
             2012
            Reported

             2011
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis (%)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates (%)

             
              
            Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines (including Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)  1,184  1,075  +10.1%  +5.0% 
            Influenza Vaccines (including Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)  884  826  +7.0%  -0.2% 

            – of which seasonal influenza vaccines

              882  826  +6.8%  -0.6% 

            – of which pandemic influenza vaccines

              2       
            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines (including Menactra®)  650  510  +27.5%  +18.0% 
            Adult Booster Vaccines (including Adacel®)  496  465  +6.7%  0.0% 
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines  364  370  -1.6%  -4.9% 
            Other Vaccines  319  223  +43.0%  +31.8% 
              
            Total Vaccines  3,897  3,469  +12.3%  +5.7% 
              

            Polio/Pertussis/Hib vaccines saw net sales fall in Western Europe and the United States (by 15.6% and 11.5% at constant exchange rates, respectively), the effect was amply offsetincrease by strong growth in Emerging Markets and in the Other Countries region (of 46.2% and 23.0% at constant exchange rates, respectively).

            Net sales ofinfluenza vaccines rose by 18.7%5.0% at constant exchange rates to €1,297€1,184 million. This rise reflects a strong performance in Japan (€239 million, in 2010, boosted by the performance of the Fluzone® seasonal influenza vaccine in the U.S. market. Excluding pandemic influenza vaccines (net sales of €452 million, flat year-on-year), growth reached 33.3% at constant exchange rates.

            Polio/Pertussis/Hibvaccines net sales fell by 2.9% (at constant exchange rates) to €984 million, reflecting a decline in sales of Pentacel® (down 11.4% at €317 million at constant exchange rates) but also the performance of Pentaxim® (up 43.9% at €190 million at constant exchange rates).

            Meningitis/Pneumoniavaccines generated net sales of €527 million, down 6.7%up 140.9% at constant exchange rates, mainly due to the successful launch of Imovax® in September 2012) and a reductiongood performance in catch-up vaccination programs with the Menactra® quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine in the United States.

            Net sales ofAdult boostervaccines reached €449Emerging Markets (€495 million, (up 4.7%up 5.7% at constant exchange rates), driven by Adacel® (€301 million, up 6.1%but also a drop in net sales in the United States (down 25.1% at constant exchange rates).rates, at €374 million) due to order restrictions on Pentacel® following a temporary shutdown in production at Sanofi Pasteur.

            Net sales ofTravel and other endemics Vaccines roseinfluenza vaccines were flat (down 0.2% at constant exchange rates), at €884 million. In the United States, net sales fell by 15.7%5.5% at constant exchange rates, to €382 million, mainly due€466 million; in Emerging Markets, net sales rose by 5.1% at constant exchange rates, to growth in anti-rabies vaccines.€317 million.

                    Meningitis/Pneumonia vaccines posted net sales of €650 million, up 18.0% at constant exchange rates, driven by a strong performance from Menactra® (€564 million, up 21.8% at constant exchange rates). Growth was especially strong in Emerging Markets (up 52.9% at constant exchange rates, at €165 million) and in the United States (up 10.5% at constant exchange rates, at €473 million).

                    Net sales ofadult booster vaccines were unchanged year-on-year (at constant exchange rates), at €496 million.

                    Net sales oftravel and other endemics vaccines fell by 4.9% (at constant exchange rates) to €364 million, hit by a temporary shutdown in production of the Theracys®/Immucyst® and BCG vaccines.


            The following table presents the 20102012 sales of our Vaccines activity by range of products:

            (€ million)  

            2010

            Reported

               

            2009

            Reported

               

            Change on

            a reported

            basis (%)

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates (%)

             
            Influenza Vaccines (including Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)   1,297     1,062     +22.1 %     +18.7 %  

            — of which seasonal influenza vaccines

               845     597     +41.5 %     +33.3 %  

            — of which pandemic influenza vaccines

               452     465     -2.8 %     +0.0 %  
            Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines (including Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)   984     968     +1.7 %     -2.9 %  
            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines (including Menactra®)   527     538     -2.0 %     -6.7 %  
            Adult Booster Vaccines (including Adacel®)   449     406     +10.6 %     +4.7 %  
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines   382     313     +22.0 %     +15.7 %  
            Other Vaccines   169     196     +13.8 %     -18.4 %  

            Total Vaccines

               3,808     3,483     +9.3 %     +4.8 %  

            The following table presents the 2010 sales of our Vaccines businesssegment by range of products and by region:

            (€ million)
             Western
            Europe (1)
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             United
            States
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Emerging
            Markets (2)
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Other
            countries (3)
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines
            (
            inc. Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)
              55  +52.8%  374  -25.1%  495  +5.7%  260  +105.0% 
            Influenza Vaccines (4)
            (
            inc. Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)
              79  +2.6%  466  -5.1%  317  +5.1%  22  +16.7% 
            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines
            (
            inc. Menactra®)
              4  +33.3%  473  +10.5%  165  +52.9%  8  -38.5% 
            Adult Booster Vaccines
            (
            inc. Adacel®)
              59  -22.4%  372  +0.9%  45  +50.0%  20  -5.0% 
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines  21  -12.5%  96  -1.1%  201  -4.8%  46  -8.5% 
            Other Vaccines  9  -46.7%  277  +46.6%  18  0.0%  15  -25.0% 
              
            Total Vaccines  227  -2.2%  2,058  -0.7%  1,241  +9.1%  371  +48.9% 
              
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark. Net sales in Europe generated by Sanofi Pasteur MSD (the joint venture between Sanofi and Merck & Co., Inc.) are not consolidated.
            (2)
            World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (3)
            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
            (4)
            Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

                    

            (€ million) 

            Western

            Europe*

            Reported

              

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

              

            United

            States

            Reported

              

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

              

            Emerging

            Markets**

            Reported

              

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

              

            Other

            countries***

            Reported

              

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

             

            Influenza Vaccinesª

            (inc. Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)

              128   -7.9 %    528    -20.2%    618   +116.4%    23   +5.6%  

            Polio/Pertussis.Hib Vaccines

            (inc.Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)

              61   -16.2 %    470    -14.6%    384   +11.4%    69   +56.4%  

            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines

            (inc. Menactra®)

              5   -54.5 %    407    -11.4%    101   +25.6%    14   +0.0%  

            Adult Booster Vaccines

            (inc. Adacel®)

              54   -3.6 %    345    +5.2%    33   +32.0%    17   -20.0%  
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines  18   +20.0 %    80    +11.6%    235   +15.8%    49   +21.2%  
            Other Vaccines  16   -63.2 %    128    -10.4%    15   +0.0%    10   +22.2%  

            Total Vaccines

              282   -15.6 %    1,958    -11.5%    1,386   +46.2%    182   +23.0%  

            In Western Europe and the United States, net sales fell slightly (by 2.2% and 0.7% at constant exchange rates, respectively). In Emerging Markets, most of the rise in sales (9.1% at constant exchange rates) was generated in Latin America and China. The Other Countries region reported strong growth (48.9% at constant exchange rates), due mainly to the performance of Imovax® in Japan.

                    

            *

            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.

            **

            World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

            ***

            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

            ª

            Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

            In addition to the Vaccines activity reflected in our consolidated net sales, sales atof Sanofi Pasteur MSD, our joint venture with Merck & Co., Inc. in Western Europe, amounted to €918€845 million down 18.9%in 2012, up 6.8% on a reported basis. Sales of Gardasil®, a vaccine that prevents papillomavirus infections (a cause of cervical cancer), totaled €263 million in 2010, compared with €395 million in 2009. This fall of 33.5% was mainly due to a reduction in catch-up vaccination programs.

            Sales generated by Sanofi Pasteur MSD are not included in our consolidated net sales. The main growth drivers were the performance of Gardasil® (up 13.6% on a reported basis, at €206 million) and sales of the travel and endemics vaccines franchise.

              Net Sales — Animal Health segment

                    

            The Animal Health business is conducted through Merial, which has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of sanofi-aventis since September 18, 2009. In March 2010, we exercised our option to combine Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough in a new 50/50 joint venture with Merck in 2011. Consequently, Merial’s profit contribution is reported on the line “Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business”, in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note D.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report), and Merial’s net sales are not consolidated by sanofi-aventis.

            Merial generatedsegment achieved net sales of $2,635€2,179 million in 2010,2012, up 2.6%3.1% at constant exchange rates and 3.2%(7.3% on a reported basis.basis), driven by the performance in Emerging Markets and the first-time consolidation of the net sales of Newport Laboratories ("Newport").

                    The following table presents the 2012 and 2011 sales of our Animal Health segment by range of products:

            (€ million)
             2012
            Reported

             2011
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Frontline® and other fipronil-based products  775  764  +1.4%  -3.4% 
            Vaccines  730  662  +10.3%  +7.6% 
            Avermectin  423  372  +13.7%  +7.8% 
            Other products  251  232  +8.2%  +3.9% 
              
            Total Animal Health  2,179  2,030  +7.3%  +3.1% 
              

                    Net sales for thecompanion animals franchise increasedrose by 1.4%1.8% at constant exchange rates (1.7% on a reported basis) to $1,707 million, as growth for€1,372 million. Erosion in sales of the Frontline®Frontline®/fipronil range of products was limited to 3.4% at constant exchange rates


            (€775 million) despite competitive pressure in the United States more than offset the impact of generics of Frontline® in Europe. The production animals franchise performed well, growing by 5.0%(down 7.8% at constant exchange rates, (6.1% on a reported basis)at €411 million), thanks to $928good performances in Emerging Markets (up 10.5%, at €93 million).

                    Net sales for theproduction animals franchise were 5.1% higher at constant exchange rates, at €807 million. These figures include the contribution from Newport from April 2012 onwards.

                    The following table breaks down net sales of our Animal Health segment by product and by geographical region in 2012:

            ($ million)  

            2010

            Reported

               

            2009

            Reported

               

            Change at constant

            exchange rates

             
            Frontline® and other fipronil-based products   1,027     996     +2.4%  
            Vaccines   837     794     +5.5%  
            Avermectin   473     475     -2.8%  
            Other   298     289     +4.8%  

            Total

               2,635     2,554     +2.6%  

            (€ million)
            Product
             Western
            Europe (1)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             United
            States

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Emerging
            Markets (2)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Other
            countries (3)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Frontline® and other fipronil-based products  208  -0.5%  411  -7.8%  93  +10.5%  63  -3.3% 
            Vaccines  181  -7.7%  152  +11.1%  375  +14.2%  22  +31.3% 
            Avermectin  62  -4.7%  223  +15.8%  65  +10.0%  73  -2.8% 
            Other products  88  -2.2%  94  +1.1%  46  +27.8%  23  0.0% 
              
            Total Animal Health  539  -3.8%  880  +1.4%  579  +14.0%  181  +0.6% 
              
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            (2)
            World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (3)
            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

              Net Sales by GeographicGeographical Region

                    

            We divide our sales geographically into four regions: Western Europe, the United States, Emerging Markets and other countries. The following table breaks down our 20102012 and 20092011 net sales by region:

            (€ million)  

            2010

            Reported

               

            2009

            Reported

               

            Change on a

            Reported basis

               

            Change at constant

            exchange rates

             
            Western Europe*   8,997     9,793     -8.1%     -8.8%  
            United States   8,968     9,426     -4.9%     -8.4%  
            Emerging Markets**   9,075     7,356     +23.4%     +16.3%  

            Of which Eastern Europe and Turkey

               2,612     2,266     +15.3%     +10.0%  

            Of which Asia (excl. Pacific region***)

               1,983     1,610     +23.2%     +14.2%  

            Of which Latin America

               2,735     1,913     +43.0%     +32.4%  

            Of which Africa

               846     775     +9.2%     +4.0%  

            Of which Middle East

               789     647     +21.9%     +19.6%  
            Other Countries****   3,344     2,731     +22.4%     +7.7%  

            Of which Japan

               2,225     1,844     +20.7%     +9.1%  

            Total

               30,384     29,306     +3.7%     -0.8%  

            (€ million)
             2012
            Reported

             2011
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Western Europe (1)  8,335  9,130  -8.7%  -9.3% 
            United States  10,873  9,957  +9.2%  +0.7% 
            Emerging Markets (2)  11,145  10,133  +10.0%  +8.3% 

            Of which Eastern Europe and Turkey

              2,721  2,666  +2.1%  +2.1% 

            Of which Asia (excl. Pacific region (3))

              2,841  2,416  +17.6%  +10.1% 

            Of which Latin America

              3,435  3,111  +10.4%  +11.3% 

            Of which Africa

              1,018  949  +7.3%  +8.3% 

            Of which Middle East

              1,001  872  +14.8%  +12.2% 
            Other Countries (4)  4,594  4,169  +10.2%  +2.5% 

            Of which Japan

              3,274  2,865  +14.3%  +6.6% 
              
            Total  34,947  33,389  +4.7%  +0.5% 
              
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            (2)
            *
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            **World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            ***Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            ****Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

            Western Europe, saw netJapan, Australia and New Zealand.

            (3)
            Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (4)
            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

                    Net sales fallin Western Europe fell by 8.8%9.3% at constant exchange rates in 2010 to €8,997€8,335 million, hithampered by the transfer of the Copaxone® business to Teva; by competition from generics of Plavix®Taxotere® (down 72.5% at constant exchange rates), Aprovel® (down 26.4% at constant exchange rates) and Taxotere®,Plavix® (down 25.8% at constant exchange


            rates); and by price pressure from the healthcare authorities.impact of austerity measures implemented by European governments. After including Genzyme for the first quarter of 2011 and excluding Copaxone®, net sales fell by 7.5% at constant exchange rates.

                    

            In the United States, net sales were 8.4% lowerup 0.7% at constant exchange rates at €8,968 million (11.1% lower on a constant structure basis(but fell by 2.8% after including Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011) to €10,873 million. The year-on-year change reflected strong performances from Lantus® and at constant exchange rates)from the new Genzyme and Generics businesses (including our own generic version of Lovenox®), reflectingbut also the arrivalimpact of generic competition for Lovenox®generics of Taxotere®, Lovenox® and Ambien® CR, plus the workdown of inventories of generic versions of Eloxatine® during the second half of 2010 and the effects of healthcare reform. These figures include net sales generated by Chattem from February 2010.Eloxatine®.

                    

            In Emerging Markets, net sales were €9,075reached €11,145 million, representing robust growth of 16.3% at constant exchange rates. This performance reflected solid organic growth (13.2% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates), and the impact of acquisitions (primarily Zentiva in Eastern Europe and Medley in Brazil). Emerging Markets accounted for 29.9% of total consolidated net sales in 2010. The main growth drivers were Latin America, Russia and China, which achieved growthup 8.3% at constant exchange rates (or 7.2% after including Genzyme for the first quarter of 32.4% (to €2,735 million), 19.9% (to €654 million)2011). In China, net sales were €1,249 million, up 15,0% at constant exchange rates, on a strong performance from Plavix® and 23.6% (to €667 million), respectively.Lantus®. In Latin America (primarily Brazil, net sales increased by 7.7% at constant exchange rates to €1,530 million, boosted by the Consumer Health Care business and Mexico),the contribution from Genzyme, although growth was fueledhampered by a slowdown in sales of influenza vaccines, which virtually trebled (189% growth)generics. The Africa and Middle East zones topped the billion-euro mark for the first time (€1,018 million and €1,001 million, respectively). Sales in Russia reached €851 million, up 13.6% at constant exchange rates, driven by the Consumer Health Care and Generics businesses and also by Lantus®, Plavix® and Lovenox®.

                    

            In the Other Countries region, net sales rose by 7.7%totaled €4,594 million, up 2.5% at constant exchange rates to €3,344 million. Net(or 0.8% after including Genzyme sales infor the first quarter of 2011). In Japan, reached €2,225net sales were €3,274 million up 9.1%(up 6.6% at constant exchange rates, thanks largely toor 4.7% after including Genzyme sales for the successfirst quarter of Plavix®2011); positive factors included strong performances from Plavix® (up 16.0% at constant exchange rates, at €837 million) and from the Polio/Pertussis/Hib vaccines franchise (up 140.9% at constant exchange rates at €239 million, driven by the successful launch of Imovax®), while negative factors included erosion in sales of Allegra® (down 15.2% at constant exchange rates, at €423 million) and the performanceimpact of the Vaccines business.

            bi-annual price cuts.

            Worldwide Presence of Plavix®Plavix® and Aprovel®Aprovel®

                    

            Two of our leading products — Plavix®Plavix® and Aprovel®Aprovel® — were discovered by sanofi-aventisSanofi and jointly developed with Bristol-Myers Squibb (“BMS”("BMS") under an alliance agreement. In all territories except Japan, these products are sold either by sanofi-aventisSanofi or by BMS in accordance with the terms of this alliance agreement which is describedapplicable in “—2012 and 2011 (see "— Financial Presentation of Alliances — Alliance arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb” above.Squibb" above).

                    

            Worldwide sales of these two products are an important indicator because they facilitate a financial statement user’suser's understanding and analysis of our consolidated income statement, particularly in terms of

            understanding our overall profitability in relation to consolidated revenues, and also facilitate a user’suser's ability to understand and assess the effectiveness of our research and development efforts.

            Also, disclosing sales made by BMS of these two products enables the users to have a clearer understanding of trends in different lines of our income statement, in particular the lines “Other revenues”"Other revenues", where we record royalties received on those sales (see “—"— Other Revenues”Revenues"); “Share"Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures”ventures" (see “—"— Share of Profit/Loss of Associates and Joint Ventures”Ventures"), where we record our share of the profit/loss of entities included in the BMS Alliance and under BMS operational management; and “Net"Net income attributable to non-controlling interests”interests" (see “—"— Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests”Interests"), where we record the BMS share of the profit/loss of entities included in the BMS Alliance and under our operational management.

                    On October 3, 2012, Sanofi and BMS announced the restructuring of their alliance with effect from January 1, 2013 (see "— Financial Presentation of Alliances — Alliance arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb" above).


            The table below sets forth the worldwide sales of Plavix®Plavix® and Aprovel®Aprovel® in 20102012 and 2009,2011, by geographic region:

            (€ million)
             2012
             2011
             Change on
            a reported
            basis

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             

             
             
             
             Sanofi (2)
             BMS (3)
             Total
             Sanofi (2)
             BMS (3)
             Total
             
              
            Plavix®/Iscover® (1)                         
            Europe  424  29  453  530  44  574  -21.1%  -21.2% 
            United States    1,829  1,829    4,759  4,759  -61.6%  -63.7% 
            Other countries  1,613  89  1,702  1,370  286  1,656  +2.8%  -4.6% 
              
            Total  2,037  1,947  3,984  1,900  5,089  6,989  -43.0%  -46.2% 
              
            Aprovel®/Avapro®
            /Karvea®/Avalide® (4)
                                     
            Europe  527  99  626  694  130  824  -24.0%  -24.3% 
            United States  24  110  134    374  374  -64.2%  -66.5% 
            Other countries  521  91  612  451  156  607  +0.8%  -5.1% 
              
            Total  1,072  300  1,372  1,145  660  1,805  -24.0%  -26.6% 
              
            (1)

            Plavix® is marketed under the trademarks Plavix® and Iscover®.
            (2)
            Net sales of Plavix® consolidated by Sanofi, excluding sales to BMS (€86 million in 2012 and €208 million in 2011). Net sales of Aprovel® consolidated by Sanofi, excluding sales to BMS (€111 million in 2012 and €150 million in 2011).
            (3)
            Translated into euros by Sanofi using the method described in Note B.2. "Foreign currency translation" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 in this annual report.
            (4)
            Aprovel® is marketed under the trademarks Aprovel®, Avapro®, Karvea® and Avalide®.

                    

            (€ million)  2010   2009   

            Change on

            a reported
            basis

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

             
                

            sanofi-

            aventis (2)

               BMS (3)   Total   

            sanofi-

            aventis (2)

               BMS (3)   Total     

            Plavix®/Iscover®(1)

                            
            Europe   724    98    822     1,443    161    1,604     -48.8%     -49.2%  
            United States        4,626    4,626          4,026    4,026     +14.9%     +10.8%  
            Other countries   1,165    282    1,447     897    255    1,152     +25.6%     +13.7%  

            Total

               1,889    5,006    6,895     2,340    4,442    6,782     +1.7%     -2.9%  

            Aprovel®/Avapro®

            /Karvea®/Avalide®(4)

                            
            Europe   789    158    947     810    172    982     -3.6%     -4.4%  
            United States        482    482          524    524     -8.0%     -10.4%  
            Other countries   411    216    627     314    192    506     +23.9%     +13.5%  

            Total

               1,200    856    2,056     1,124    888    2,012     +2.2%     -1.5%  

            (1)

            Plavix® is marketed under the trademarks Plavix® and Iscover®.

            (2)

            Net sales of Plavix® consolidated by sanofi-aventis, excluding sales to BMS (€273 million in 2010 and €311 million in 2009).

            (3)

            Translated into euros by sanofi-aventis using the method described in Note B.2. “Foreign currency translation” to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 in this annual report.

            (4)

            Aprovel® is marketed under the trademarks Aprovel®, Avapro®, Karvea® and Avalide®.

            (5)

            Net sales of Aprovel® consolidated by sanofi-aventis, excluding sales to BMS (€129 million in 2010 and €113 million in 2009).

            Worldwide sales of Plavix®/Iscover® fell by 46.2% at constant exchange rates in 2012 to €3,984 million, under the impact of competition from generics in the United States and Europe. In the United States,Sates, where the product lost exclusivity on May 17, 2012, sales of Plavix®/Iscover® (consolidated by BMS) grewwere down 63.7% at constant exchange rates, at €1,829 million. In Europe, net sales of Plavix® fell by a robust 10.8% in 201021.2% at constant exchange rates, to €4,626€453 million. Plavix® continuedIn the Other Countries region, net sales were down 4.6% at constant exchange rates; this reflected the entry of generics into the Canadian market (where sales, consolidated by BMS, dipped by 76.1% at constant exchange rates to perform well€50 million), but also the continuing success of the product in Japan and China where net sales grew respectively(consolidated by 37.1% (to €520 million) and by 36.6% (to €216 million) at constant exchange rates. These performances to some extent cushioned the effect of the decline in European sales of Plavix® (down 49.2%Sanofi) reached €837 million (up 16.0% at constant exchange rates) caused by competition from generics.and €371 million (up 20.6% at constant exchange rates), respectively.

                    

            Worldwide sales of Aprovel®Aprovel®/Avapro®Avapro®/Karvea®Karvea®/Avalide® were €2,056Avalide® in 2012 amounted to €1,372 million, in 2010, down 1.5%a decline of 26.6% at constant exchange rates. The performance in the Other Countries region, lifted by salesrates, reflecting loss of active ingredient to our alliance partners in Japan, partially offset the drop in salesexclusivity in the United States on March 30, 2012 and Europe, wherecompetition from generics in most Western European countries. In Japan and China, net sales fell(consolidated by 10.4% and 4.4% respectivelySanofi) came to €101 million (up 47.0% at constant exchange rates. At the end of 2010, sales were impacted by a voluntary recall of certain lots of Avalide® (irbesartan-hydrochlorothiazide) by Bristol-Myers Squibbrates) and sanofi-aventis from the U.S.€138 million (up 17.3% at constant exchange rates), Puerto Rican, Canadian, Mexican and Argentinean markets.

            respectively.

            Other Revenues

                    

            Other revenues, which mainly comprise royalty income under licensing agreements contracted in connection with ongoing operations, totaled €1,651fell by 39.5% to €1,010 million (versus €1,669 million in 2010, 14.4% higher than the 2009 figure of €1,443 million.

            2011).

            This increase        The decrease was mainly due to license revenueslower licensing revenue under the worldwide alliance with BMS on Plavix®Plavix® and Aprovel®Aprovel®, which totaled €1,303€532 million in 20102012 versus €1,155€1,275 million in 2009 (a 12.8% rise2011 (down 58.1% on a reported basis). These revenues were boosted by stronger sales, due largely to the loss of Plavix®exclusivity in the United States (up 10.8% at constant exchange rates),for Aprovel® (on March 30, 2012) and by favorable trends inPlavix® (on May 17, 2012). However, the exchange rateappreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro.euro had a favorable impact on other revenues, as did the recognition in 2012 of a €45 million payment from BMS relating to the Avalide® supply disruption in the United States during 2011.


                    This line also includes royalty income of €171 million from Amgen relating to a worldwide license contracted on the product Enbrel®. Royalties received on U.S. sales represented a significant portion of this income in 2012 and will contractually end in February 2013.

            Gross Profit

                    

            Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2010 cameamounted to €23,318€24,839 million (76.7%in 2012 (71.1% of net sales), 2.0% up on the 2009 figure of €22,869versus €24,156 million (78.0%in 2011 (72.3% of net sales). This represents an increase of 2.8% in gross profit, but a fall of 1.2 points in the gross margin ratio.

                    

            The gross margin ratio offor the Pharmaceuticals segment fellslipped by 1.62.9 points to 72.9%, reflecting the net effecta lower level of increased royalty income (+0.6 of(-2.6 points) and a point) and erosiondeterioration in the ratio of cost of sales to net sales (-2.2 points). This erosion(-0.3 of a point); this latter trend was mainly dueattributable to genericization (primarily Plavix® in Europe and Lovenox®the adverse impact of generics (mainly of Taxotere® in the United States), partially offset by productivity gains and higherlower raw materialmaterials prices for heparins.

                    

            Nevertheless, the 2010The gross margin ratio for the PharmaceuticalsVaccines segment remained healthy at 78.6%fell by 1.0 point to 59.2%.

                    

            The gross margin ratio for the Animal Health segment improved by 0.4 of the Vaccines segment rose by 1.9 pointsa point to 64.7%, driven69.3%.

                    In addition, consolidated gross profit for 2012 was adversely affected by a 2.1-point improvement in the ratio of cost of sales to net sales, thanks mainly to cost efficiencies in the production of pandemic influenza vaccines.

            Consolidated gross profit was also dented by a €30€23 million chargeexpense (0.1 of a point) arising from the workdown during 2010 of acquired inventories remeasured at fair value in connection with acquisitions (principally Chattem).

            the acquisition of Genzyme. In 2011, this expense was €476 million (1.4 points), out of which €473 million were related to the acquisition of Genzyme.

            Research and Development Expenses

                    

            Research and development (R&D) expenses amounted to €4,401totaled €4,922 million (versus €4,811 million in 2010 (14.5%2011), representing 14.1% of net sales), compared with €4,583sales (versus 14.4% in 2011). Overall, R&D expenses rose by €111 million, in 2009 (15.6% of net sales). This represents a year-on-year reduction of 4.0%or 2.3% on a reported basis and 6.2% at constant exchange rates.basis. After including Genzyme's costs for the first quarter of 2011, R&D expenses fell by 0.4% year-on-year. In addition, the amount of R&D expenses reported for 2012 was adversely affected by the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro.

                    

            TheR&D expenses for the Pharmaceuticals segment generated savingsincreased by €118 million, up 2.9% on a reported basis. After including Genzyme's costs for the first quarter of 7.1% at constant exchange rates as a result2011, R&D expenses fell by €15 million (or 0.4%) year-on-year, reflecting our ongoing transformation initiatives and the rationalization of the reorganization initiated in 2009, which has helped reorient some in-house resources towards third-party collaborations. These savings also reflect a rationalization ofproject portfolio.

                    R&D projects following a full, objective review of the portfolio.

            Research and development expenses infor the Vaccines segment fell by €25 million to €539 million (down 4.4% on a reported basis), due mainly to trends in the cost of clinical trials on the dengue fever vaccine and various influenza-related projects.

                    In the Animal Health segment, R&D expenses rose by €26€18 million year-on-year, an increase of 1.8% at constant exchange rates.

            (up 12.3% on a reported basis) versus 2011.

            Selling and General Expenses

                    

            Selling and general expenses amounted to €7,567€8,947 million, (24.9% of net sales),compared with €8,536 million in 2011, an increase of 3.3%€411 million or 4.8% on the prior-year figurea reported basis. The ratio of €7,325 million (25.0% of net sales). At constant exchange rates, selling and general expenses to net sales was unchanged year-on-year at 25.6%. After including Genzyme's costs for the first quarter of 2011, selling and general expenses were up 1.8% year-on-year. In addition, the amount reported for 2012 was adversely affected by the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro.

                    In the Pharmaceuticals segment, selling and general expenses increased by €290 million, or 3.9% on a reported basis. After including Genzyme's costs for the first quarter of 2011, selling and general expenses for the segment fell by 1.2%, despite the first-time consolidation of companies acquired€37 million (or 0.5%) year-on-year. This trend reflects tight cost control (especially in 2010 (primarily Chattem)mature regions) and the impacteffect of synergies unlocked by the Jevtana® and Multaq® launches. This reduction reflects the transformation program initiated in 2009,integration of Genzyme, and was mainly drivenachieved in spite of ongoing investment in our growth platforms and the launch costs incurred on Zaltrap® and Aubagio®.

                    Selling and general expenses for the Vaccines segment rose by savings in marketing costs€69 million (up 12.7% on a reported basis), due partly to adverse trends in the United StatesU.S. dollar/euro exchange rate and Europe, and in general expenses.partly to increased promotional investments.


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                    In the Animal Health segment, selling and general expenses increased by €52 million (up 8.4% on a reported basis), reflecting adverse trends in the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate and higher promotional costs on the companion animals franchise.

            Other Operating Income and Expenses

                    

            OtherIn 2012, other operating income amounted to €359€562 million (versus €319 million in 2010 (2009: €866 million)2011), and other operating expenses totaled €276to €454 million (2009: €481 million)(versus €315 million in 2011).

                    

            Overall, other operating income and expenses represented net income of €83€108 million in 2010,2012, compared with €385€4 million in 2009. The year-on-year fall of €302 million2011. This increase was mainly due to the discontinuationfavorable outcome of royalty payments from Teva on North American sales of Copaxone® from the second quarter of 2010.

            litigation relating to a license.

            In addition, sanofi-aventis recorded        This line item also includes a net operational foreign exchange loss of €141€41 million, due to highly volatile currency markets; this compares with a net gain of €40against €5 million in 2009.

            2011.

            Amortization of Intangible Assets

                    

            Amortization charged against intangible assets in the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to €3,529 million, compared with €3,528€3,291 million in the previous year. An increase2012, versus €3,314 million in 2011. The year-on-year reduction of €23 million was mainly due to:

              Reductions: a fall in amortization expensecharged against intangible assets recognized on the acquisition of Aventis (€1,489 million in North America, related to trends2012, versus €1,788 million in the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate and the Chattem acquisition, was offset by a reduction in Europe2011), as some intangible assetsproducts reached the end of their useful lives.life cycles in the face of competition from generics;

              Increases: amortization charges generated by intangible assets recognized on the acquisition of Genzyme in the second quarter of 2011 (€981 million over 12 months in 2012, versus €709 million over 9 months in 2011).

                Impairment of Intangible Assets

                    

            This line item mainly comprises amortization chargedshowed impairment losses of €117 million against intangible assets remeasured at fair value on the acquisitions of Aventis (€3,070in 2012, compared with €142 million in 2010, versus €3,175 million in 2009) and of Zentiva (€130 million in 2010, versus €98 million in 2009).

            Impairment of Intangibles Assets

            This line recorded2011. The impairment losses recognized in 2012 relate mainly to the discontinuation of €433 millionR&D projects in 2010, compared with €372 millionthe Pharmaceuticals segment, in 2009. Theparticular some development programs in oncology.

                    In 2011, the impairment losses booked in 2010 related mainly to (i) Actonel®the discontinuation of a Genzyme research project; (ii) certain Zentiva generics, following a downward revision of sales projections; and (iii) the discontinuation of a joint project with Metabolex in diabetes. This line also included a reversal of impairment losses on Actonel®, due to contemplated amendments torecognized following confirmation of the terms of the collaboration agreement with Warner Chilcott; (ii) the pentavalent vaccine Shan5®, for which sales projections were revisedChilcott (see Note C.3. to take accountour consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of the need to file a new application for WHO pre-qualification following a flocculation problem in some batches; (iii) the BSI-201 project, for which the development plan was revised following the announcementthis annual report).

                Fair Value Remeasurement of the initial results from a Phase III trial in triple-negative metastatic breast cancer; and (iv) some of Zentiva’s generics and consumer health products, whose sales projections in Eastern Europe were adjusted downwards.Contingent Consideration Liabilities

                    

            TheFair value remeasurements of contingent consideration liabilities recognized on acquisitions in accordance with the revised IFRS 3 represented an expense of €192 million in 2012, compared with a net impairment lossgain of €372€15 million recognized in 2009 related2011. This item mainly relates to Actonel®, Benzaclin®the contingent value rights (CVRs) issued in connection with the Genzyme acquisition, and Nasacort®, and reflectedto contingent consideration payable to Bayer as a result of an acquisition made by Genzyme prior to the changing competitive environment and the approval dateslatter's acquisition by Sanofi (see Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of generics.

            this annual report).

            Restructuring Costs

                    

            Restructuring costs amounted to €1,372€1,141 million in 2010, compared with €1,0802012, versus €1,314 million in 2009.2011, and relate primarily to measures announced in connection with the major transformation program that we initiated in 2009 to adapt our structures to the challenges of the future.

                    

            In 2010,2012, these costs mainly related mainly to measures taken to adapt our industrial operationsresources in France, transform our industrial facilities in Europe and make adjustments to our sales forces worldwide, along with the integration of Genzyme and R&D functionsimpairment losses against property, plant and equipment in the United States and some European countries.France.


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            In 2009, restructuring2011, these costs related mainly to measures aimed at transformingreflected the transformation and reorganization of our R&D operations, to encourage innovation, and adapting central support functions to streamline the organizational structure. They mainly comprised employee-related expenses, in the form of early retirement benefits and termination benefits under voluntary redundancy plans. To a lesser extent, they reflected ongoing measures taken to adapt our industrial facilities in Europe, and adjustadjustments to our sales forces.

            forces in the United States and Europe, the implementation of multi-country organizations in Europe, and the integration of Genzyme entities worldwide.

                Other Gains and Losses, on Disposals, and Litigation

                    Nothing was recognized on this line in 2012.

            In 2010,2011, this line item reported anincluded a net expense of €138€327 million, relatingmainly comprising (i) a €519 million backlog of depreciation and amortization expense that was not charged against the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of Merial from September 18, 2009 through December 31, 2010 because these assets were classified as held for sale or exchange during that period in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note D.8.2. to an adjustment to vendor’s guarantee provisionsthe consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report), (ii) a gain of €210 million arising from damages received in connection with past divestments.

            We made no material divestments in 2010 or 2009.

            a Plavix® patent; and (iii) the impact of the divestiture of the Dermik dermatology business (see Note D.28. to our consolidated financial statements).

            Operating Income

                    

            Operating income for 2010 was €5,961 million, versus €6,366totaled €6,337 million for 2009, a drop2012, versus €5,731 million for 2011, an increase of 6.4%10.6%.

            Financial Income and Expenses

                    

            Net financial expenses were €362expense for 2012 was €460 million, in 2010, compared with €300€412 million in 2009,for 2011, an increase of 20.7%.

            €48 million.

            Financial expenses directly related to our debt, net debt (defined as short-term and long-term debt, plus related interest rate and currency derivatives, minusof cash and cash equivalents)equivalents (see definition at "— Liquidity and Capital Resources" below) were €397€349 million in 2010, versus €2302012 compared to €325 million in 2009.2011. This year-on-year rise reflected the following factors:

            an increase in the average interest rate (duewas due to a longer average maturity), charged on a higher level of average consolidated debt;

            a reduction in interestfinancial income reflectingresulting from a lower average rate of return;return on cash.

                    Because the average level of debt and

            the €34 millionaverage rate of interest on debt were relatively stable year-on-year, financial expenses incurredwere virtually unchanged in 2012.

                    Impairment losses on the acquisition credit facilities contractedinvestments and financial assets amounted to €30 million in October 20102012 (versus €58 million in connection with the launch of the public tender offer for Genzyme (see “Item 8.B. Significant changes”)2011). In 2012, these losses related primarily to available-for-sale financial assets; in 2011, they related mainly to Greek government bonds (€49 million, versus €6 million in 2012).

                    

            Gains on disposals of non-current financial assets amounted to €61€37 million mainly onin 2012, compared with €25 million in 2011. The 2011 figure included the saleeffect of the equity interestchange in Novexel.consolidation method for the investment in the Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher following loss of significant influence (see Note D.6. to our consolidated financial statements). In August 2012, Sanofi sold this investment.

                    

            NetThe effect of the unwinding of discount on provisions was €87 million in 2012 (versus €83 million in 2011), and the net financial foreign exchange losses on financial items totaled €20loss was €17 million in 2010 (2009: €67 million)2012 (versus a net gain of €10 million in 2011).

            Income before Tax and Associates and Joint Ventures

                    

            Income before tax and associates and joint ventures for 2012 was €5,599€5,877 million in 2010,2011, versus €6,066€5,319 million in 2009, a fall2011, an increase of 7.7%10.5%.

            Income Tax Expense

                    

            Income tax expense totaled €1,242amounted to €1,134 million in 2010, compared with €1,3642012, versus €455 million in 2009.2011 and €1,430 million in 2010.

                    The fall in income tax expense in 2011 relative to 2010 was mainly attributable to a reduction in the deferred tax liability relating to the remeasurement of the intangible assets of Merial in response to changes in tax rates and


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            legislation (primarily in the United Kingdom) and the effect of the Franco-American Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) for the period from 2006 through 2011 (see Note D.30. to our consolidated financial statements).

                    These effects did not impact income tax expense for 2012. However, the rise in income tax expense during the year was limited by the favorable effects of differential income tax rates applicable to our foreign subsidiaries (including the impact of an Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) with the Japanese authorities covering the period from 2012 through 2014), and also by the settlement of tax inspections and the effects of time-barring.

                    This item includes tax gains arising from (i) the amortization of intangible assets, totaling €1,159 million in 2012 (versus €1,178 million in 2011, including the impact of the Merial backlog, see "— Other Gains and Losses, and Litigation" above) and (ii) restructuring costs (€370 million in 2012, versus €399 million in 2011).

            The effective tax rate is calculated on the basis of business operating income minus net financial expenses and before the share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business, and net income attributable to non-controlling interests. The effective tax rate was 27.8%25.5% in 2010,2012, versus 28.0%27.0% in 2009.2011. The difference relative to the standard corporate income tax rate applicable in France (34%(34.4%) was mainly due to royalty income being taxed at a reduced rate in France.

            This line item also includesFrance, and to the differential in tax effectsrates applied to profits of amortization of intangible assets (€1,181 million in 2010, €1,126 million in 2009) and of restructuring costs (€462 million in 2010, €360 million in 2009).

            our foreign subsidiaries.

            Share of Profit/Loss of Associates and Joint Ventures

                    

            OurThe share of profits and losses fromprofit/loss of associates and joint ventures in 2012 was €978€393 million, versus €1,070 million in 2010, compared with €814 million in 2009.2011. This line mainly includes our share of after-tax profits from territories managed by BMS under the Plavix®Plavix® and Avapro®Avapro® alliance, which rosefell by 24.8% from €78560.7% to €420 million (versus €1,070 million in 2009 to €980 million2011). The decline in 2010. This year-on-year increaseour share was mainly relatedattributable to strongera 61.6% drop in sales of Plavix®Plavix® in the United States (up 10.8% at constant exchange rates) anddue to the appreciationloss of the U.S. dollar against the euro (positive impact of 3.7%).

            exclusivity and competition from generics.

            Net Income from the Held-for-Exchange Merial Business

            With effect from September 18, 2009, the date on which we obtained exclusive control over Merial, the operations of this company have been accounted for using the full consolidation method. In accordance with IFRS 5, the results of Merial’s operations are reported separately in the line item “Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business” (see Note D.8.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

            Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business amounted to €386 million, compared with €175 million in 2009. The increase mainly reflects the fact that since September 18, 2009, this line has included 100% of Merial’s net income, against 50% previously. The figure reported also includes the impact of the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value in September 2009.

            Net Income

                    

            Net income for the year was €5,721amounted to €5,136 million in 2010,2012, compared with €5,691€5,934 million in 2009.2011.

            Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests

                    

            Net income attributable to non-controlling interests amounted to €254totaled €169 million in 2010, compared with €4262012, against €241 million in 2009.2011. This line mainly comprises the share of pre-tax profits paid to BMS from territories managed by sanofi-aventisSanofi (€238149 million, versus €405€225 million in 2009). The decrease in Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in 20102011); this year-on-year fall was directly related to increased competition from generics of clopidogrel (Plavix®(Plavix®) in Europe.

            Net Income Attributable to Equity Holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi

                    

            Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis totaled €5,467Sanofi was €4,967 million in 2010, against €5,2652012, versus €5,693 million in 2009.2011.

                    

            Basic earnings per share for 20102012 was €4.19, 4.0% higher€3.76, 12.8% lower than the 20092011 figure of €4.03,€4.31, based on an average number of shares outstanding of 1,305.31,319.5 million in 2010 and 1,305.92012 (1,321.7 million in 2009.2011). Diluted earnings per share for 2012 was €4.18 in 2010€3.74, compared with €4.03 in 2009,to €4.29 for 2011, based on an average number of shares outstanding after dilution of 1,308.21,329.6 million in 20102012 and 1,307.41,326.7 million in 2009.

            2011.

            Business Operating Income

                    Sanofi reports segment results on the basis of "Business Operating Income". This indicator, adopted in compliance with IFRS 8, is used internally to measure operational performance and to allocate resources. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Segment information" above for the definition of business operating income and reconciliation to our Income before tax and associates and joint ventures.


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            Business operating income for 20102012 was €12,660€11,353 million, compared to €12,028€12,144 million in 2009.2011 (down 6.5%). The table below shows trends in business operating income by business segment for 20102012 and 2009:2011:

            (€ million)  2010   2009 
            Pharmaceuticals   10,965     10,608  
            Vaccines   1,379     1,173  
            Other   316     247  

            Business operating income

               12,660     12,028  

            (€ million)
             2012
             2011
             Change
             
              
            Pharmaceuticals  9,519  10,496  -9.3% 
            Vaccines  1,148  985  +16,5% 
            Animal Health  673  627  +7.3% 
            Other  13  36  -63.9% 
              
            Business operating income  11,353  12,144  -6.5% 
              

            Business Net Income

                    

            Business net income is a non-GAAP financial measure that we use to evaluate our Group’s performance (see “ItemGroup's performance. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Business Net Income” above).Income" above for the definition of business net income and reconciliation to our Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi.

                    

            Business net income for 2010 was €9,215totaled €8,179 million an improvement of 6.8% on the 2009 figure of €8,629in 2012 versus €8,795 million in 2011 (down 7.0%), and represented 30.3%23.4% of net sales compared with 29.4%26.3% in 2009. The increase was mainly due to our good operating performance, reflected in the increase in gross profit (€23,318 million in 2010 versus €22,869 million in 2009).

            (€ million)  2010  2009 

            Business net income

               9,215   8,629 
            (i)             Amortization of intangible assets   (3,529  (3,528
            (ii)            Impairment of intangible assets   (433  (372
            (iii)           Expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories (1)   (30  (27
            (iv)           Restructuring costs   (1,372  (1,080
            (iii)/(iv)    Other items (2)   (138    
            (v)            Tax effects of:   1,841   1,629 
                             – amortization of intangible assets   1,181   1,126 
                             – impairment of intangible assets   143   136 
                             – expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories   9   7 
                             – restructuring costs   462   360 
                             – other items   46     
            (iii)/(vi)    Other tax items (3)       106 
            (vii)          Share of items listed above attributable to non-controlling interests   3   1 
            (iii)           Expenses arising from the impact of the Merial acquisition (4)   (32  (66
            (iii)/(iv)    Restructuring costs of associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from
                             the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures 
            (5)
               (58  (27

            Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

               5,467   5,265 

             

            (1)   This line comprises the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.

                  

            (2)   Other items comprise:

                  

                  – reversals of/charges to provisions for risks

               (138 

            (3)   Other tax items comprise:

               

                  – reversal of deferred taxes following ratification of the Franco-American Treaty

                106 

            (4)   This line item comprises: until September 17, 2009, amortization and impairment charged against the intangible assets of Merial; and from September 18, 2009, (i) the impact of discontinuation of depreciation of the property, plant and equipment of Merial in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note B.7. to the consolidated financial statements) and (ii) the expense arising from the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.

            (5)   This line shows the portion of major restructuring costs incurred by associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (workdown of acquired inventories, amortization and impairment of intangible assets, and impairment of goodwill).

            2011.

            Business Earnings Per Share

                    

            We also report business earnings per share, a non-GAAP financial measure which we define as business net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (see “—"— Business Net Income”Income" above).

                    

            Business earnings per share for 20102012 were €7.06, up€6.20 versus €6.65 in 2011, down 6.8%, based on the 2009 business earnings per share figure of €6.61. The weightedan average number of shares outstanding was 1,305.3of 1,319.5 million in 2010 and 1,305.92012 (1,321.7 million in 2009.2011). Diluted business earnings per share for 20102012 were €7.04, up 6.7%€6.15 versus €6.63 in 2011, down 7.2%, based on the 2009 diluted business earnings per share figure of €6.60. On a diluted basis, the weightedan average number of shares outstanding was 1,308.2of 1,329.6 million in 20102012 and 1,307.41,326.7 million in 2009.2011.


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            Year Ended December 31, 20092011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 20082010

                    

            TheOur consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 20092011 and December 31, 20082010 break down as follows:

            (under IFRS)
            (€ million)
             2011
             as % of
            net sales

             2010
             as % of
            net sales

             
            Net sales  33,389  100.0%  32,367  100.0%
            Other revenues  1,669  5.0%  1,669  5.2%
            Cost of sales  (10,902) (32.7%)  (9,398) (29.0%)
            Gross profit  24,156  72.3%  24,638  76.1%
            Research & development expenses  (4,811) (14.4%)  (4,547) (14.0%)
            Selling & general expenses  (8,536) (25.6%)  (8,149) (25.2%)
            Other operating income  319     369   
            Other operating expenses  (315)    (292)  
            Amortization of intangible assets  (3,314)    (3,529)  
            Impairment of intangible assets  (142)    (433)  
            Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities  15        
            Restructuring costs  (1,314)    (1,384)  
            Other gains and losses, and litigation (1)  (327)    (138)  
            Operating income  5,731  17.2%  6,535  20.2%
            Financial expenses  (552)    (468)  
            Financial income  140     106   
            Income before tax and associates and joint ventures  5,319  15.9%  6,173  19.1%
            Income tax expense  (455)    (1,430)  
            Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  1,070     978   
             
            Net income  5,934  17.8%  5,721  17.7%
             
            Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  241     254   
             
            Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi  5,693  17.1%  5,467  16.9%
             
            Average number of shares outstanding (million)  1,321.7     1,305.3   
            Average number of shares outstanding after dilution (million)  1,326.7     1,308.2   
             
            Basic earnings per share (in euros)  4.31     4.19   
            Diluted earnings per share (in euros)  4.29     4.18   
             
            (1)
            See Note B.20.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    

            (under IFRS)

            (€ million)

              2009  

            as % of

            net sales

               2008  

            as % of

            net sales

             

            Net sales

               29,306   100.0%    27,568   100.0% 
            Other revenues   1,443   4.9%    1,249   4.5% 
            Cost of sales   (7,880  (26.9%)     (7,337  (26.6%)  

            Gross profit

               22,869   78.0%    21,480   77.9% 
            Research & development expenses   (4,583  (15.6%)     (4,575  (16.6%)  
            Selling & general expenses   (7,325  (25.0%)     (7,168  (26.0%)  
            Other operating income   866     556  
            Other operating expenses   (481    (353 
            Amortization of intangible assets   (3,528    (3,483 
            Impairment of intangible assets   (372    (1,554 
            Restructuring costs   (1,080    (585 
            Gains and losses on disposals, and litigation         76  

            Operating income

               6,366   21.7%    4,394   15.9% 
            Financial expenses   (324    (335 
            Financial income   24     103  

            Income before tax and associates and joint ventures

               6,066   20.7%    4,162   15.1% 
            Income tax expense   (1,364    (682 
            Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures   814     692  

            Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business (1)

               5,516   18.8%    4,172   15.1% 
            Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business (1)   175        120     

            Net income

               5,691   19.4%    4,292   15.6% 
            Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   426        441     

            Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

               5,265   18.0%    3,851   14.0% 
            Average number of shares outstanding (million)   1,305.9     1,309.3  
            Average number of shares outstanding after dilution (million)   1,307.4        1,310.9     
            Basic earnings per share (in euros)   4.03     2.94  
            Diluted earnings per share (in euros)   4.03        2.94     

            (1)

            Reported separately in accordance with IFRS 5 (Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations). For the other disclosures required under IFRS 5, refer to Note D.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            Our consolidated income statements include the results of the operations of Genzyme from April 2011. In order to help investors gain a better understanding of our performance, in the narrative discussion of certain income statement line items ("research & development expenses", and "selling & general expenses") we exclude 2011 data for Genzyme in the analyses. In the narrative discussion of Genzyme's products net sales, we used non-consolidated 2010 net sales in additional analyses.

            Net Sales

                    

            Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 amounted to €29,3062011 totaled €33,389 million, an increase of 6.3% versus 2008.up 3.2% on 2010. Exchange rate movementsfluctuations had a favorablean unfavorable effect of 1.0 point, mainly reflecting2.1 points, primarily as a result of the appreciation indepreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro. At constant exchange rates, and after taking account of changes in structure (mainly the consolidation of Zentiva and MedleyGenzyme from the second quarter of 2009, and the reversion of Copaxone® to Teva in North America effective April 1, 2008)2011), net sales rose bywere up 5.3%. year-on-year.


            Table of Contents

                    Excluding changesGenzyme, net sales were down 2.6% in structure and2011 at constant exchange rates, organicreflecting the loss in sales associated with competition from generics and the impacts of austerity measures in the European Union. Excluding Genzyme and sales of A/H1N1 vaccines, net sales growth was 4.0%.

            were down 1.2% at constant exchange rates.

            The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our reported net sales for the years ended December 31, 20092011 and December 31, 20082010 to our net sales at constant exchange rates and net sales on a constant structure basis.rates:

            (€ million)
             2011
             2010
             Change
            (%)

             
              
            Net sales  33,389  32,367  +3.2% 
              
            Effect of exchange rates  704       
              
            Net sales at constant exchange rates  34,093  32,367  +5.3% 
              

                    

            (€ million)  2009  2008   

            Change

            (%)

             

            Reported net sales

               29,306   27,568    +6.3%  
            Effect of exchange rates   (274         

            Net sales at constant exchange rates

               29,032   27,568    +5.3%  
            Effect of changes in structure       339      

            Net sales on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates

               29,032   27,907    +4.0%  

            Our net sales comprise the net sales generated by our Pharmaceuticals, Human Vaccines (Vaccines) and Animal Health segments.

                    The following table breaks down our 2011 and 2010 net sales by business and netsegment:

            (€ million)
             2011
            Reported

             2010
            Reported

             Change on a
            reported basis
            (%)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange rates
            (%)

             
            Pharmaceuticals  27,890  26,576  +4.9%  +6.7%
            Vaccines  3,469  3,808  -8.9%  -5.5%
            Animal Health  2,030  1,983  +2.4%  +4.3%
             
            Total  33,389  32,367  +3.2%  +5.3%
             

                Net Sales by Product — Pharmaceuticals segment

                    Net sales generated by our Pharmaceuticals segment were €27,890 million in 2011, up 4.9% on a reported basis and 6.7% at constant exchange rates. This change reflects the positive impact of the first-time consolidation of Genzyme; the negative impacts of competition from generics on sales of Lovenox®, Ambien® CR and Taxotere® in the United States and Plavix® and Taxotere® in the European Union; and the effects of healthcare reform in the United States and austerity measures in Europe. Excluding Genzyme, our Pharmaceuticals segment posted net sales of €25,495 million, down 4.1% on a reported basis and 2.7% at constant exchange rates.


            Table of Contents

                    The following table breaks down our 2011 and 2010 net sales for the Pharmaceuticals segment by product:

            (€ million)
            Product
             Indication
             2011
            Reported

             2010
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis (%)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates (%)

             
            Lantus® Diabetes  3,916  3,510  +11.6%  +15.0%
            Apidra® Diabetes  190  177  +7.3%  +9.6%
            Insuman® Diabetes  132  133  -0.8%  -0.8%
            Amaryl® Diabetes  436  478  -8.8%  -7.9%
            Other diabetes products Diabetes  10      
             
            Total: Diabetes Diabetes  4,684  4,298  +9.0%  +12.0%
             
            Taxotere® Breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and head & neck cancer  922  2,122  -56.6%  -57.0%
            Eloxatine® Colorectal cancer  1,071  427  +150.8%  +160.9%
            Jevtana® Prostate cancer  188  82  +129.3%  +135.4%
            Mozobil® Hematologic malignancies  59      
            Other oncology products (1)    389  59  +559.3%  
             
            Total: Oncology    2,629  2,690  -2.3%  
             
            Lovenox® Thrombosis  2,111  2,806  -24.8%  -23.4%
            Plavix® Atherothrombosis  2,040  2,083  -2.1%  -2.9%
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel® Hypertension  1,291  1,327  -2.7%  -2.4%
            Allegra® Allergic rhinitis, urticaria  580  607  -4.4%  -8.6%
            Stilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee® Sleep disorders  490  819  -40.2%  -41.4%
            Copaxone® Multiple sclerosis  436  513  -15.0%  -15.4%
            Tritace® Hypertension  375  410  -8.5%  -6.3%
            Depakine® Epilepsy  388  372  +4.3%  +5.4%
            Multaq® Atrial fibrillation  261  172  +51.7%  +56.4%
            Xatral® Benign prostatic hypertrophy  200  296  -32.4%  -30.7%
            Actonel® Osteoporosis, Paget's disease  167  238  -29.8%  -29.8%
            Nasacort® Allergic rhinitis  106  189  -43.9%  -41.8%
            Renagel®/Renvela® (1) Hyperphosphatemia  415      
            Synvisc®/Synvisc-One® (1) Arthritis  256      
             
            Cerezyme® (1) Gaucher disease  441      
            Myozyme®/Lumizyme® (1) Pompe disease  308      
            Fabrazyme® (1) Fabry disease  109      
            Other rare disease products (1)    264      
             
            Total: New Genzyme (1)    1,122      
             
            Other prescription products    5,927  6,005  -1.3%  -0.9%
            Consumer Health Care    2,666  2,217  +20.3%  +22.8%
            Generics    1,746  1,534  +13.8%  +16.2%
             
            Total pharmaceuticals    27,890  26,576  +4.9%  +6.7%
             
            (1)
            In 2011, net sales of Genzyme products were recognized from the acquisition date (April 2011).

            Table of Contents

                Diabetes

                    Net sales for the Diabetes business were €4,684 million, up 12.0% at constant exchange rates, driven by Lantus®.

            Lantus® posted a 15.0% increase in net sales at constant exchange rates in 2011 to €3,916 million. This change reflected sharp growth in Emerging Markets (26.0% at constant exchange rates), especially in China (61.7%) and Brazil (29%), as well as solid performances in the United States (14.6%) and Japan (19.5%). In Western Europe, growth was more moderate (6.4%), reflecting pricing pressures (especially in Germany).

                    Net sales of the rapid-acting insulin analogApidra® advanced by 9.6% at constant exchange rates in 2011 to €190 million, led by solid performances in Japan (87.9% growth) and the United States (11.3% growth). At year-end, sales were impacted negatively by a temporary shortage of Apidra® 3ml cartridges.

            Amaryl® saw net sales decrease by 7.9% at constant exchange rates in 2011 to €436 million, due principally to competition from generics in Japan, and despite an 8.6% increase (at constant exchange rates) in Emerging Markets.

                Oncology

            Taxotere® reported net sales of €922 million, down 57.0% at constant exchange rates. This product faced competition from generics in Western Europe (down 73.6%) and the United States (down 69.2%), although the decline was much less pronounced in Emerging Markets (down 24.6%).

            Eloxatine® net sales rebounded sharply in 2011 by 160.9% at constant exchange rates to €1,071 million, as sales recovered in the United States (€806 million in 2011, versus €172 million in 2010) following a court ruling barring manufacturers of generics in the United States from selling their unapproved generic versions of oxaliplatin from June 30, 2010.

            Jevtana®, which has been available in the U.S. market since July 2010 and has become gradually available throughout most of the countries of Western Europe since April 2011, registered net sales of €188 million in 2011, €131 million of which were generated in the United Sates.

                    Other oncology products (net sales of €448 million in 2011) are essentially new products acquired with Genzyme; net sales for these Genzyme products have been consolidated since the acquisition date (April 2011).

                Other pharmaceutical products

            Lovenox® saw net sales decrease by 23.4% at constant exchange rates in 2011 to €2,111 million, as a result of competition from generics in the United States where net sales declined by 54.3% to €633 million. Outside the United States, net sales were up 9.0% at constant exchange rates at €1,478 million (representing 70.0% of worldwide 2011 sales of Lovenox®), with good performances in Western Europe (up 6.4%) and Emerging Markets (up 14.0%).

                    Net sales of the hypnoticStilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee® fell by 41.4% at constant exchange rates to €490 million, reflecting competition from Ambien® CR generics in the United States. In Japan, Myslee® continued to post a solid performance with net sales up 9.2% at constant exchange rates at €284 million.

            Allegra® prescription sales were down 8.6% (at constant exchange rates) at €580 million. In Japan, which represents 80.2% of worldwide sales of Allegra®, net sales totaled €465 million (up 22.1% at constant exchange rates) due to a sharp increase in seasonal allergies. The slump in prescription sales in the United States (down 98.6% at constant exchange rates) was mainly due to the approval of Allegra® as an over-the-counter (OTC) product in the U.S. market effective March 2011. Since this approval, U.S. sales of Allegra® have been recognized in our Consumer Health Care business.


            Table of Contents

            Copaxone® net sales, generated primarily in Western Europe, fell by 15.4% at constant exchange rates to €436 million. This reflected the ending of the co-promotion agreement with Teva in certain countries, in particular the United Kingdom (from the end of 2010) and Germany (from the end of 2010).

            Multaq® posted 56.4% growth in net sales to €261 million at constant exchange rates, primarily in the United States (€184 million) and Western Europe (€66 million).

            Renagel®/Renvela® posted net sales of €415 million, up 10.2% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, due to increased market share in the United States. Net sales for this product are recognized as from the Genzyme acquisition date (April 2011) and comparisons are with the net sales reported by Genzyme in 2010 for the same period.

                    Net sales ofSynvisc® totaled €256 million (up 14.7% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates), supported by the solid performance ofSynvisc-One® in the U.S. and Japan. Net sales for this product are recognized as from the Genzyme acquisition date and comparisons are with the net sales reported by Genzyme in 2010 for the same period.

                New Genzyme

                    The "new Genzyme" business consists of products used to treat rare diseases and products for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The latter did not generate any sales in 2011 and 2010, since Aubagio® was only launched in 2012 and Copaxone® is not included in the new Genzyme business. Net sales of Genzyme's rare diseases products are recognized as from the Genzyme acquisition date and comparisons are with the net sales reported by Genzyme in 2010 for the same period.

                    Net sales ofCerezyme® were up 11.1% (on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates) at €441 million, reflecting higher production volumes in 2011 following a reduction in availability of the product in 2010 due to manufacturing issues.Myozyme®/Lumizyme® posted strong growth (27.4% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, to €308 million), driven mainly by the performance of Lumizyme® in the United States and volume growth worldwide. Growth inFabrazyme® sales (9.4% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, to €109 million) was sparked by the increase in the product's availability following partial resolution of manufacturing issues. For more information regarding the manufacturing issues related to Cerezyme® and Fabrazyme® see "Item 4 — Information on the Company — Production and Raw Materials."

                Consumer Health Care

                    TheConsumer Health Care business posted year-on-year growth of 22.8% at constant exchange rates to €2,666 million, supported by the successful launch of Allegra® as an over-the-counter product in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2011 (which generated €211 million in net sales for the year out of a worldwide total of €245 million), and by the performance of Emerging Markets where net sales increased by 20.8% at constant exchange rates to €1,225 million. These figures include the effect of the first-time consolidation of the consumer health products of Chattem in the United States from February 2010, and of BMP Sunstone in China from February 2011.

                Generics

                    TheGenerics business reported net sales of €1,746 million in 2011, up 16.2% at constant exchange rates. This growth was underpinned by sales in Emerging Markets (€1,092 million, up 14.0% at constant exchange rates), especially in Latin America (up 21.4% at constant exchange rates), and in the United States (up 79.4% at constant exchange rates) where Sanofi launched its own approved generics of Ambien® CR, Taxotere® and Lovenox®.

                Other prescription products

                    Net sales of the other prescription products in the portfolio were down 0.9% at constant exchange rates, at €5,928 million. For a description of our other pharmaceutical products, see "Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Pharmaceutical Products."

                    Sales of Plavix® and Aprovel® are discussed further below under "— Worldwide Presence of Plavix® and Aprovel®".


            Table of Contents

                    The following table breaks down net sales of our Pharmaceuticals segment by product and by geographical region in 2011:

            (€ million)
            Product
             Western
            Europe (1)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             United
            States

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Emerging
            Markets (2)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Other
            countries (3)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
            Lantus®  730  +6.4%  2,336  +14.6%  617  +26.0%  233  +22.3%
            Apidra®  68  0.0%  65  +11.3%  37  +8.6%  20  +58.3%
            Insuman®  103  -4.6%      29  +20.0%    
            Amaryl®  32  -23.8%  4  -33.3%  228  +8.6%  172  -21.6%
            Other diabetes products  10              
             
            Total: Diabetes  943  +4.3%  2,405  +14.4%  911  +20.1%  425  +0.5%
             
            Taxotere®  189  -73.6%  243  -69.2%  294  -24.6%  196  -20.2%
            Eloxatine®  38  -19.6%  806  +393.0%  162  +9.3%  65  +10.2%
            Jevtana®  44    131  +65.9%  13      
            Other oncology products (4)  108    245    69    26  
             
            Total: Oncology  379  ���  1,425    538    287  
             
            Lovenox®  833  +6.4%  633  -54.3%  551  +14.0%  94  +3.5%
            Plavix®  414  -35.6%  196* -8.0%  706  +11.9%  724  +18.6%
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel®  753  -9.1%  49* +25.6%  363  +6.7%  126  +8.6%
            Allegra®  13  -18.8%  3  -98.6%  99  +19.3%  465  +22.2%
            Stilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee®  53  -3.6%  82  -80.6%  65  -1.5%  290  +8.3%
            Copaxone®  415  -14.1%        -100.0%  21  +11.1%
            Tritace®  170  -10.1%      181  0.0%  24  -23.3%
            Depakine®  145  -2.0%      227  +11.5%  16  -6.7%
            Multaq®  66  +66.7%  184  +50.8%  7  +250.0%  4  +33.3%
            Xatral®  58  -12.1%  75  -49.7%  63  -7.1%  4  -20.0%
            Actonel®  54  -48.1%      78  -12.9%  35  -22.0%
            Nasacort®  25  -10.7%  54  -57.7%  23  0.0%  4  -20.0%
            Renagel®/Renvela® (4)  98    266    30    21  
            Synvisc®/Synvisc-One® (4)  15    211    12    17  
             
            Cerezyme® (4)  155    108    135    43  
            Myozyme®/Lumizyme® (4)  175    79    33    21  
            Fabrazyme® (4)  24    48    14    23  
            Other rare disease products (4)  59    93    53    59  
             
            Total: New Genzyme (4)  413    328    235    146  
             
            Other prescription products  2,404  -8.7%  627  +7.1%  2,107  +7.6%  790  +7.1%
            Consumer Health Care  651  +3.2%  549  +80.0%  1,225  +20.8%  241  +5.1%
            Generics  443  +9.4%  177  +79.4%  1,092  +14.0%  34  -20.0%
            Total pharmaceuticals  8,345  -3.9%  7,264  +8.5%  8,513  +15.0%  3,768  +14.0%
             
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            (2)
            World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (3)
            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
            (4)
            In 2011, net sales of Genzyme products were recognized from the acquisition date (April 2011).
            *
            Sales of active ingredient to the entity majority-owned by BMS in the United States.

                Net Sales — Human Vaccines (Vaccines) business.segment

                    In 2011, the Vaccines segment reported net sales of €3,469 million, down 8.9% on a reported basis, and 5.5% at constant exchange rates. The business suffered in 2011 from the absence of sales of A/H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccines (€452 million in 2010). If we exclude these sales, growth for the Vaccines business reached 7.2% at constant exchange rates, driven primarily by Emerging Markets (up 10.7%).

                    The following table presents the 2011 and 2010 sales of our Vaccines segment by range of products:

            (€ million)
             2011
            Reported

             2010
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis (%)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates (%)

             
              
            Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines (including Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)  1,075  984  +9.3%  +12.0% 
            Influenza Vaccines (including Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)  826  1,297  -36.3%  -33.2% 

            -of which seasonal influenza vaccines

              826  845  -2.2%  +2.5% 

            -of which pandemic influenza vaccines

                452  -100.0%  -100.0% 
            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines (including Menactra®)  510  527  -3.2%  +2.3% 
            Adult Booster Vaccines (including Adacel®)  465  449  +3.6%  +7.3% 
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines  370  382  -3.1%  -1.6% 
            Other Vaccines  223  169  +32.0%  +37.8% 
              
            Total Vaccines  3,469  3,808  -8.9%  -5.5% 
              

                    The drop in vaccines sales in 2011 in Western Europe (down 18.4% at constant exchange rates) and in Emerging Markets (down 18.1% at constant exchange rates) was primarily due to the lack of sales of pandemic influenza vaccines. Strong growth in the Other Countries region (up 24.2% at constant exchange rates) was driven by sales of Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines in Japan.

            Polio/Pertussis/Hib vaccines net sales were up 12.0% (at constant exchange rates) to €1,075 million, based on the solid performance of Pentaxim® (up 30.2% at constant exchange rates, at €238 million) related to product launches in Russia, India and China, and ofHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines (up 20.7% at €178 million) primarily in Emerging Markets and Japan.

                    Net sales fromofinfluenza vaccines in 2011 were down 33.2% at constant exchange rates at €826 million, reflecting the non-recurrence in 2011 of the pandemic influenza vaccine sales generated in 2010, primarily in Latin America and Western Europe. Sales of seasonal influenza vaccines were up 2.5% at constant exchange rates, driven by the performance of Latin America.

            Meningitis/Pneumonia vaccines generated net sales of €510 million, up 2.3% at constant exchange rates. Growth was limited by the temporary reduction in catch-up immunization programs for the Menactra® quadrivalent vaccine against meningococcal meningitis in the United States during the first half of 2011, but booster vaccinations at the end of the year had a positive impact.

                    Net sales ofadult booster vaccines reached €465 million (up 7.3% at constant exchange rates), driven by Adacel® (€314 million, up 9.2% at constant exchange rates).

                    Net sales oftravel and other endemics vaccines fell by 1.6% at constant exchange rates to €370 million.


                    The following table presents the 2011 sales of our Vaccines segment by range of products and by region:

            (€ million)
             Western
            Europe (1)
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             United
            States
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Emerging
            Markets (2)
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Other
            countries (3)
            Reported

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines
            (
            inc. Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)
              36  -41.0%  463  +2.8%  457  +21.9%  119  +66.7% 
            Influenza Vaccines (4)
            (
            inc. Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)
              77  -39.8%  435  -11.2%  296  -51.1%  18  -21.7% 
            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines
            (
            inc. Menactra®)
              3  -40.0%  390  +2.7%  104  +4.0%  13  -6.6% 
            Adult Booster Vaccines
            (
            inc. Adacel®)
              76  +40.7%  339  +3.5%  30  -9.1%  20  +11.8% 
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines  24  +33.3%  89  +17.5%  210  -9.4%  47  -8.2% 
            Other Vaccines  15  -12.5%  176  +45.3%  16  +13.3%  16  +58.7% 
              
            Total Vaccines  231  -18.4%  1,892  +2.5%  1,113  -18.1%  233  +24.2% 
              
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark. Net sales in Europe generated by Sanofi Pasteur MSD (the joint venture between Sanofi and Merck & Co., Inc.) are not consolidated.
            (2)
            World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (3)
            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
            (4)
            Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

                    Sales generated by Sanofi Pasteur MSD, our joint venture with Merck & Co., Inc. in Europe (not included in our consolidated net sales), amounted to €791 million in 2011, down 13.8% on a reported basis. The decrease in 2011 reflects lower sales of Gardasil® (down 31.1% on a reported basis, to €181 million), and a decline in sales of influenza vaccines (down 23.7% on a reported basis, to €129 million), primarily of seasonal influenza vaccines.

                Net Sales — Animal Health segment

                    The Animal Health business is carried on by Merial, which has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanofi since September 18, 2009. On March 22, 2011 Merck and Sanofi announced that they had mutually terminated their agreement to form a new animal health business are notjoint venture and had decided to maintain Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough as two separate entities, operating independently. This decision was mainly due to the increasing complexity of implementing the proposed transaction. Since January 1, 2011 Merial has no longer been presented separately in our consolidated the profit contributionbalance sheet and income statement, and net income from Merial being reported on the line “Nethas been reclassified and included in income from continuing operations for all periods reported. Detailed information about the held-for-exchangeimpact of Merial business”on our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 is provided in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note D.8.D.2. and Note D.8.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report). The following table breaks down our 2009 and 2008report.

                    Merial generated net sales by business segment:

            (€ million)  

            2009

            Reported

               

            2008

            Reported

               

            Change on a

            reported basis

            (%)

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange rates

            (%)

               

            Change on a

            constant structure

            basis and at constant

            exchange rates (%)

             
            Pharmaceuticals   25,823     24,707     +4.5%     +3.7%     +2.3%  
            Vaccines   3,483     2,861     +21.7%     +19.2%     +18.9%  

            Total

               29,306     27,568     +6.3%     +5.3%     +4.0%  

            Net Sales by Product — Pharmaceuticals

            Net sales generated by our Pharmaceuticals businessof €2,030 million in 2009 were €25,823 million, an increase of 3.7%2011, up 4.3% at constant exchange rates and of 4.5%2.4% on a reported basis.basis, led by the performance in Emerging Markets.


                    

            NetThe following table presents the 2011 and 2010 sales of our flagship products (see table below)Animal Health segment by range of products:

            (€ million)
             2011
            Reported

             2010
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Frontline® and other fipronil-based products  764  774  -1.3%  +0.9% 
            Vaccines  662  627  +5.6%  +7.2% 
            Avermectin  372  355  +4.8%  +6.5% 
            Other products  232  227  +2.2%  +4.4% 
              
            Total Animal Health  2,030  1,983  +2.4%  +4.3% 
              

                    Net sales for the companion animals franchise were adversely affectedmarked by competitionmoderate growth in sales of the Frontline® product range (up 0.9% at constant exchange rates, to €764 million), reflecting the temporary impact from generics of Eloxatine®generic Frontline® Plus competitors in the United States and Europe; without this effect, growth in Pharmaceuticals net sales would have been 2.2 points higher in 2009 (at constant exchange rates).

            Net salesthe arrival of the othercompetitor products in our portfolio fell by 6.0% at constant exchange rates to €6,078 million, compared with €6,484 million in 2008. At constant exchange rates, net sales of these products were down 9.7% in Europe, at €3,283 million; up 1.2% in the United States at €610 million; and down 1.5% in the Other Countries region, at €2,185 million.

            For a descriptionWestern Europe. Sales of our other pharmaceutical products, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Pharmaceutical Products.”

            Our Consumer Health Care business achieved net salesvaccines showed sustained growth of 26.8% in 2009(7.2% at constant exchange rates, to €1,430 million. This includesrates), especially in Emerging Markets (up 14.2%) with the consolidationsuccess of Symbion Consumer (now sanofi-aventis Healthcare Holdings Pty Limited), with effect from September 1, 2008; of Zentiva’s consumer health care products, with effect from April 1, 2009; and of Oenobiol, with effect from December 1, 2009. On a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, the growth rate was 8.1%.Vaxxitex® vaccine.

                    

            In 2009, net sales for our Generics business increased almost threefold (by 198% at constant exchange rates) to €1,012 million, boosted by the consolidation of Zentiva and Kendrick (each from April 1) and Medley (from May 1). On a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, the growth rate was 8.7%.

            The following table breaks down our 2009 and 2008 net sales for the Pharmaceuticals business by product:

            (€ million)

            Product

              Indication   

            2009

            Reported

               

            2008

            Reported

               

            Change on

            a reported

            basis (%)

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates (%)

               Change on a
            constant structure
            basis and at
            constant exchange
            rates (%)
             
            Lantus®   Diabetes     3,080     2,450     +25.7%     +22.5%     +22.5%  
            Apidra®   Diabetes     137     98     +39.8%     +38.8%     +38.8%  
            Amaryl®   Diabetes     416     379     +9.8%     +4.2%     +4.2%  
            Insuman®   Diabetes     131     143     -8.4%     -7.0%     -7.0%  

            Sub-total: Diabetes

                    3,764     3,070     +22.6%     +19.4%     +19.4%  
            Lovenox®   Thrombosis     3,043     2,738     +11.1%     +8.8%     +8.8%  
            Taxotere®   
             
             
            Breast, lung, prostate,
            stomach, and head &
            neck cancer
              
              
              
               2,177     2,033     +7.1%     +6.1%     +6.1%  
            Plavix®   Atherothrombosis     2,623     2,609     +0.5%     +0.2%     +0.2%  
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel®   Hypertension     1,236     1,202     +2.8%     +4.7%     +4.7%  
            Eloxatine®   Colorectal cancer     957     1,345     -28.8%     -34.7%     -34.7%  
            Multaq®   Atrial fibrillation     25                      
            Stilnox®/Ambien® /Myslee®   Sleep disorders     873     822     +6.2%     -1.3%     -1.3%  
            Allegra®   
             
            Allergic rhinitis,
            urticaria
              
              
               731     666     +9.8%     -2.6%     -2.6%  
            Copaxone®   Multiple sclerosis     467     622     -24.9%     -23.8%     +20.6%  
            Tritace®   Hypertension     429     491     -12.6%     -9.2%     -9.2%  
            Dépakine®   Epilepsy     329     322     +2.2%     +7.1%     +7.1%  
            Xatral®   
             
            Benign prostatic
            hypertrophy
              
              
               296     319     -7.2%     -8.5%     -8.5%  
            Actonel®   
             
            Osteoporosis, Paget’s
            disease
              
              
               264     330     -20.0%     -17.6%     -7.5%  
            Nasacort®   Allergic rhinitis     220     240     -8.3%     -11.7%     -11.7%  

            Other products

                 5,947     6,341     -6.2%     -5.9%     -2.4%  

            Consumer Health Care

                 1,430     1,203     +18.9%     +26.8%     +8.1%  

            Generics

                    1,012     354     +185.9%     +198.0%     +8.7%  

            Total pharmaceuticals

                    25,823     24,707     +4.5%     +3.7%     +2.3%  

            The table below breaks down net sales of our Pharmaceuticals business productsAnimal Health segment by product and by geographical region in 2009:2011:

            (€ million)

            Product

              

            Western

            Europe*

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            United

            States

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            Emerging

            Markets**

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            Other

            countries***

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

             
            Lantus®   643    +10.2%     1,909    +23.6%     401    +34.1%     127    +48.1%  
            Apidra®   55    +34.1%     54    +27.5%     24    +68.8%     4    +200.0%  
            Amaryl®   51    -15.0%     9    +33.3%     175    +7.7%     181    +6.9%  
            Insuman®   109    -9.1%          —        21    +4.3%     1    —     

            Sub-total: Diabetes

               858    +6.7%     1,972     +23.8%     621    +25.4%     313    +22.7%  
            Lovenox®   725    +11.4%     1,822    +5.3%     434    +17.4%     62    +21.2%  
            Taxotere®   786    +6.5%     827    +5.3%     364    +6.1%     200    +7.1%  
            Plavix®   1,383    -11.6%     222ª     +28.5%     608    +4.9%     410    +44.4%  
            Aprovel®/CoAprovel®   861    +2.5%          —        313    +11.4%     55    -8.2%  
            Eloxatine®   77    -55.0%     677    -37.2%     153    -12.4%     50    +4.2%  
            Multaq®        —        25    —             —             —     
            Stilnox®/Ambien® /Myslee®   60    -4.8%     555    -4.8%     60    -6.1%     198    +15.1%  
            Allegra®   17    -15.0%     306    -15.9%     69    +4.3%     339    +14.8%  
            Copaxone®   439    +21.6%          —        15    -5.6%     13    -55.2%  
            Tritace®   197    -12.4%          —        189    -6.0%     43    -8.3%  
            Depakine®   143    +2.1%          —        175    +12.1%     11    +0.0%  
            Xatral®   77    -32.2%     147    +16.0%     66    -6.7%     6    -40.0%  
            Actonel®   136    -26.7%          —        97    -8.0%     31    +3.3%  
            Nasacort®   29    -9.1%     158    -15.4%     28    +7.1%     5    +0.0%  

            Other products

               2,696    -11.1%     610    +1.2%     1,927    +0.4%     714    -7.6%  

            Consumer Health Care

               622    +5.6%          —        674    +38.1%     134    +129.5%  
            Generics   360    +23.2%          —        631    —        21    +0.0%  

            Total pharmaceuticals

               9,466    -3.6%     7,328    -1.2%     6,424    +19.4%     2,605    +11.5%  

            (€ million)
            Product

             Western
            Europe (1)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             United
            States

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Emerging
            Markets (2)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             Other
            countries (3)

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Frontline® and other fipronil-based products  206  +4.5%  411  -2.1%  86  +8.8%  61  0.0% 
            Vaccines  195  +2.6%  126  +2.3%  325  +14.2%  16  -21.1% 
            Avermectin  64  +8.5%  177  +2.8%  60  +8.9%  71  +13.6% 
            Other products  89  -6.4%  87  +24.3%  36  +11.8%  20  -24.0% 
              
            Total Animal Health  554  +2.4%  801  +2.1%  507  +12.4%  168  -1.2% 
              
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            (2)
            *
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            **World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            ***Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
            ªSales of active ingredient to the entity majority-owned by BMS in the United States.

            Flagship Products (1)

            Net sales ofLantus®, the world’s leading insulin brand (source: IMS 2009 sales), rose by 22.5% (at constant exchange rates) to €3,080 million in 2009, driven largely by the SoloSTAR® injection pen. Growth was strong across all three geographic regions at 23.6% in the United States, 12.2% in Europe and 42.8% in the Other Countries region (all at constant exchange rates). In the Other Countries region, the performance of Lantus® is particularly high in China, Japan and Mexico, with respective growth rates at constant exchange rates of 113.7%, 81.6% and 48.2%.

            Net sales of the rapid-acting analog of human insulinApidra®were €137 million, up 38.8% (at constant exchange rates), boosted by the launch of Apidra® SoloSTAR® in the United States.

            (1)

            Sales of Plavix® and Aprovel® are discussed below under “— Worldwide Presence of Plavix® and Aprovel®”.

            Lovenox®, the leader in anti-thrombotics in the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom (source: IMS 2009 sales), achieved net sales growth of 8.8% in 2009 (at constant exchange rates) to €3,043 million, driven by double-digit growth in Europe (up 13.7% at constant exchange rates, at €890 million) and in the Other Countries region (up 14.8% at constant exchange rates, at €331 million). In the United States, net sales increased by 5.3% to €1,822 million.

            Taxotere® posted growth of 6.1% in 2009 at constant exchange rates to €2,177 million, driven by its use in adjuvant breast cancer treatment and in prostate cancer. Growth was good across all three geographic regions at 7.1% in Europe, 5.3% in the United States and 5.1% in the Other Countries region (all at constant exchange rates). In Japan, the product made further advances, with net sales rising by 9.5% to €129 million, in particular due to the prostate cancer indication approved in the second half of 2008.

            Eloxatine® saw net sales fall by 34.7% at constant exchange rates in 2009 to €957 million, due to ongoing genericization in Europe and competition from a number of generics in the United States during the second half of the year.

            Net sales of the hypnoticStilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee® fell by 1.3% at constant exchange rates. In the United States, Ambien® CR reported growth of 0.9% at constant exchange rates, to €497 million. In Japan, net sales of Myslee®, the leading hypnotic on the market (source: IMS 2009 sales), totaled €194 million, an increase of 15.2% at constant exchange rates.

            Allegra® saw net sales fall by 2.6% at constant exchange rates in 2009 to €731 million, reflecting the arrival of Allegra® D 12 generics in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2009 (which follows the settlement of the U.S. patent infringement suit related to Barr’s proposed generic version) and ongoing genericization in Europe. In 2009, sales decreased respectively by 15.9% and 20% (at constant exchange rates) in the United States and Europe. The product recorded further growth in Japan, with sales up 15.2% at constant exchange rates, at €334 million.

            The end of commercialization ofCopaxone®by sanofi-aventis in North America effective April 1, 2008 resulted in a 23.8% drop in consolidated net sales of this product in 2009 (at constant exchange rates), to €467 million.

            Multaq® was launched in the United States during the third quarter of 2009. Sales of the product in 2009 amounted to €25 million.

            Net Sales — Human Vaccines (Vaccines)

            In 2009, our Vaccines business generated consolidated net sales of €3,483 million, up 19.2% at constant exchange rates and 21.7% on a reported basis. The main growth drivers were Pentacel® and A(H1N1) influenza vaccines. Growth at constant exchange rates was robust across all three geographic regions, at 19.1% in the United States (to €2,098 million), 15.9% in Europe (to €448 million) and 20.8% in the Other Countries region (to €937 million). Excluding the impact of sales of pandemic influenza vaccines (A(H1N1) and H5N1), net sales growth was 7.1% (at constant exchange rates).

            Polio/Pertussis/Hib vaccines achieved growth of 22.8% at constant exchange rates to €968 million, reflecting the success ofPentacel®(the first 5-in-1 pediatric combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio andhaemophilus influenzae type b licensed in the United States in June 2008), which posted net sales of €343 million in 2009 versus €84 million in 2008.

            Net sales ofinfluenza vaccines rose by 46.7% at constant exchange rates to €1,062 million, mainly due to the shipment during 2009 of batches of vaccines against the A(H1N1) influenza virus for a total amount of €440 million, including €301 million in the United States.

            Meningitis/pneumonia vaccines achieved net sales of €538 million, up 6.1% at constant exchange rates, largely as a result of good growth in sales of vaccines against pneumococcal infections. Net sales ofMenactra®(quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine) increased by 1.1% at constant exchange rates to €445 million.

            Net sales of adult booster vaccines fell by 3.0% at constant exchange rates to €406 million. Net sales ofAdacel®(adult and adolescent tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis booster vaccine) were €267 million, down 1.2% at constant exchange rates.

            Shantha, consolidated from September 1, 2009, contributed net sales of €17 million in 2009.

            The following table presents the 2009 sales of our Vaccines activity by range of products:

            (€ million)  

            2009

            Reported

               

            2008

            Reported

               

            Change on

            a reported

            basis (%)

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates (%)

             
            Influenza Vaccines (including Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)   1,062     736     +44.3%     +46.6%  

            — of which seasonal influenza vaccines

               597     610     -2.1%     -1.7%  

            — of which pandemic influenza vaccines

               465     126     —       —    
            Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines (including Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)   968     768     +26.0%     +22.8%  
            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines (including Menactra®)   538     472     +14.0%     +6.1%  
            Adult Booster Vaccines (including Adacel®)   406     399     +1.8%     -3.0%  
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines   313     309     +1.3%     0.0%  
            Other Vaccines   196     177     +10.7%     +6.8%  

            Total Vaccines

               3,483     2,861     +21.7%     +19.2%  

            The following table presents the 2009 sales of our Vaccines business by range of products and by region:

            (€ million)  

            Western

            Europe*

            Reported

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            United

            States

            Reported

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            Emerging

            Markets**

            Reported

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

               

            Other

            countries***

            Reported

               

            Change at

            constant

            exchange

            rates

             

            Influenza Vaccinesª

            (inc. Vaxigrip® and Fluzone®)

               139    +113.8%     618     +36.2%     287    +53.6%     18    0.0%  

            Polio/Pertussis.Hib Vaccines

            (inc. Pentacel® and Pentaxim®)

               68    +7.7%     529     +56.8%     332    -5.4%     39    +29.0%  

            Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines

            (inc. Menactra®)

               11    +120.0%     437     0.0%     78    +32.2%     12    +50.0%  

            Adult Booster Vaccines

            (inc. Adacel®)

               56    +9.8%     310     -8.5%     25    +47.1%     15    +14.3%  
            Travel and Other Endemics Vaccines   15    -16.7%     69     -15.8%     196    +9.5%     33    -5.6%  
            Other Vaccines   38    -9.3%     135     +13.2%     14    +16.7%     9    0.0%  

            Total Vaccines

               327    +33.6%     2,098     +19.1%     932    +16.0%     126    +11.1%  

            *France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            **World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            ***Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
            ªSeasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

            In addition to the Vaccines activity reflected in our consolidated net sales, sales at Sanofi Pasteur MSD, our joint venture with Merck & Co. in Western Europe, reached €1,132 million, a fall of 11.0% on a reported basis.

            Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

            Full-year net sales of Gardasil(3)
            ®Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand., a vaccine that prevents papillomavirus infections (a cause of cervical cancer), amounted to €395 million, compared with €584 million in 2008. This 32.4% decrease reflects extensive catch-up vaccination campaigns in 2008.

            Sales generated by Sanofi Pasteur MSD are not included in our consolidated net sales.


              Net Sales by GeographicGeographical Region

                    

            We divide our sales geographically into four regions: Western Europe, the United States, Emerging Markets and Other Countries.other countries. The following table breaks down our 20092011 and 20082010 net sales by region:

            (€ million)
             2011
            Reported

             2010
            Reported

             Change on
            a reported
            basis

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
              
            Western Europe (1)  9,130  9,539  -4.3%  -4.0% 
            United States  9,957  9,790  +1.7%  +6.8% 
            Emerging Markets (2)  10,133  9,533  +6.3%  +10.1% 

            Of which Eastern Europe and Turkey

              2,666  2,659  +0.3%  +3.7% 

            Of which Asia (excl. Pacific region) (3)

              2,416  2,095  +15.3%  +16.5% 

            Of which Latin America

              3,111  2,963  +5.0%  +11.8% 

            Of which Africa

              949  880  +7.8%  +9.7% 

            Of which Middle East

              872  825  +5.7%  +8.6% 
            Other Countries (4)  4,169  3,505  +18.9%  +13.8% 

            Of which Japan

              2,865  2,275  +25.9%  +20.2% 
              
            Total  33,389  32,367  +3.2%  +5.3% 
              
            (1)
            France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            (2)
            World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (3)
            Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            (4)
            Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

                    

            (€ million)  

            2009

            Reported

               

            2008

            Reported

               Change on
            a reported
            basis
               Change at
            constant
            exchange rates
             
            Western Europe*   9,793     10,189     -3.9%     -2.7%  
            United States   9,426     8,609     +9.5%     +2.8%  
            Emerging Markets**   7,356     6,540     +12.5%     +19.0%  

            Of which Eastern Europe and Turkey

               2,266     1,907     +18.8%     +34.9%  

            Of which Asia (excl. Pacific region***)

               1,610     1,486     +8.3%     +9.0%  

            Of which Latin America

               1,913     1,739     +10.0%     +15.7%  

            Of which Africa

               775     725     +6.8%     +8.6%  

            Of which Middle East

               647     556     +16.2%     +16.4%  
            Other Countries****   2,731     2,230     +22.5%     +11.5%  
            Of which Japan   1,844     1,408     +30.9%     +10.7%  

            Total

               29,306     27,568     +6.3%     +5.3%  

            *France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark.
            **World excluding United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            ***Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
            ****Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

            In 2009,Western Europe posted a 4% decrease in net sales in Western Europe decreased by 2.7% at constant exchange rates reflecting the effectto €9,130 million, hit by competition from generics of the ongoing genericization of Eloxatine® and Plavix®.

            In the United States, the end of commercialization of Copaxone® by sanofi-aventis effective April 1, 2008 and the genericization of Eloxatine® during the second half of 2009 slowed the pace of net sales growth to 2.8% (at constant exchange rates). Lantus® and Lovenox®, with net sales growth of 23.6% and 5.3% respectively (atTaxotere® (down 73.6% at constant exchange rates) wereand Plavix® (down 35.6% at constant exchange rates), by the principal growth driverstransfer of the Copaxone® business to Teva in Pharmaceuticals. Growth forcertain countries, and by the Vaccines businessimpact of austerity measures. Excluding A/H1N1 vaccines and Genzyme, the decline was boosted by sales of pandemic influenza vaccines (A(H1N1) and H5N1).10.5% at constant exchange rates.

                    The United States posted a 6.8% increase in net sales at constant exchange rates to €9,957 million, but a 5.7% decline after excluding A/H1N1 vaccines and Genzyme. Sales were affected by competition from generic versions of Lovenox®, Taxotere® and Ambien® CR, though the impact was partially offset by the performance of Lantus® and Eloxatine® and by the successful launch of Allegra® as an over-the-counter product.

            In Emerging Markets, net sales were €7,356totaled €10,133 million, an increaseup 10.1% at constant exchange rates. Excluding sales of 19.0%A/H1N1 vaccines reported in 2010 (€361 million, primarily in Latin America) and Genzyme, growth at constant exchange rates due largely to strong growth inreached 10.4%. In Brazil, net sales hit €1,522 million, up 4.9% at constant exchange rates (21.9% after excluding A/H1N1 vaccines), reflecting the solid performance of generics and the contribution made by Genzyme. In China, net sales totaled €981 million (up 40.4% at constant exchange rates), supported by the performance of Plavix® and Lantus®. In Eastern Europe (34.9%and Turkey, growth (3.7% at constant exchange rates) where Zentiva’ssuffered from lower prices and competition from Taxotere® generics in Turkey; Russia posted sales were consolidated from April 1, 2009,of €732 million, up 11.2% at constant exchange rates.

                    In the Other Countries region, net sales totaled €4,169 million, up 13.8% at constant exchange rates. Excluding A/H1N1 vaccines and to the dynamismGenzyme, net sales increased by 6.2%. Japan recorded net sales of Latin America€2,865 million (up 15.7%20.2% at constant exchange rates), the Middle Eastbuoyed by solid performances from Plavix® (up 16.4% at constant exchange rates)22.9% to €671 million), ChinaAllegra® (up 28.8% at constant exchange rates)22.2% to 465 million) and Russia (up 59.8% at constant exchange rates). Net sales in Latin America (€1,913 million) were underpinned by good organic growth andHib vaccines, as well as by the acquisition of Medley in the second quarter of 2009.contribution from Genzyme.

            Net sales in Japan reached €1,844 million (up 10.7% at constant exchange rates), driven by the performances of Plavix®, Myslee® and Allegra®.


              Worldwide Presence of Plavix®Plavix® and Aprovel®Aprovel®

                    Two of our leading products — Plavix® and Aprovel® — were discovered by Sanofi and jointly developed with Bristol-Myers Squibb ("BMS") under an alliance agreement. In all territories except Japan, these products are sold either by Sanofi or by BMS in accordance with the terms of this alliance agreement applicable in 2010 and 2011 (see "— Financial Presentation of Alliances — Alliance arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb" above).

                    Worldwide sales of these two products are an important indicator because they facilitate a financial statement user's understanding and analysis of our consolidated income statement, particularly in terms of understanding our overall profitability in relation to consolidated revenues, and also facilitate a user's ability to understand and assess the effectiveness of our research and development efforts.

                    Also, disclosing sales made by BMS of these two products enables the users to have a clearer understanding of trends in different lines of our income statement, in particular the line items "Other revenues", where we record royalties received on those sales (see "— Other Revenues"); "Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures" (see "— Share of Profit/Loss of Associates and Joint Ventures"), where we record our share of profit/loss of entities included in the BMS Alliance and under BMS operational management; and "Net income attributable to non-controlling interests" (see "— Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests"), where we record the BMS share of profit/loss of entities included in the BMS Alliance and under our operational management.

            The table below sets forth the worldwide sales of Plavix®Plavix® and Aprovel®Aprovel® in 20092011 and 2008,2010, by geographic region:

             
             2011 2010 Change on
            a reported
            basis

             Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates

             
            (€ million)
             Sanofi (2)
             BMS (3)
             Total
             Sanofi (2)
             BMS (3)
             Total
             
              
            Plavix®/Iscover® (1)                         
            Europe  530  44  574  724  98  822  -30.2%  -29.8% 
            United States    4,759  4,759    4,626  4,626  +2.9%  +7.8% 
            Other countries  1,370  286  1,656  1,165  282  1,447  +14.4%  +13.8% 
              
            Total  1,900  5,089  6,989  1,889  5,006  6,895  +1.4%  +4.5% 
              
            Aprovel®/Avapro®/ Karvea®/Avalide® (4)                         
            Europe  694  130  824  789  158  947  -13.0%  -13.0% 
            United States    374  374    482  482  -22.4%  -18.8% 
            Other countries  451  156  607  411  216  627  -3.2%  -2.1% 
              
            Total  1,145  660  1,805  1,200  856  2,056  -12.2%  -11.0% 
              
            (1)

            (€ million)  2009   2008   

            Change on

            a reported
            basis

               Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates
             
              

            sanofi-

            aventis(2)

               BMS(3)   Total   

            sanofi-

            aventis(2)

               BMS(3)   Total     
            Plavix®/Iscover®(1)                
            Europe   1,443     161     1,604     1,622     211     1,833     -12.5%     -10.3%  
            United States        4,026     4,026          3,351     3,351     +20.1%     +12.8%  
            Other countries   897     255     1,152     711     248     959     +20.1%     +14.4%  

            Total

               2,340     4,442     6,782     2,333     3,810     6,143     +10.4%     +6.2%  

            (€ million)  2009   2008   Change on
            a reported
            basis
               Change at
            constant
            exchange
            rates
             
              

            sanofi-

            aventis(5)

               BMS(3)   Total   

            sanofi-

            aventis(5)

               BMS(3)   Total     

            Aprovel®/Avapro®

            /Karvea®/Avalide®(4)

                            
            Europe   810     172     982     816     176     992     -1.0%     +0.8%  
            United States        524     524          499     499     +5.0%     -1.6%  
            Other countries   314     192     506     291     184     475     +6.5%     +7.2%  

            Total

               1,124     888     2,012     1,107     859     1,966     +2.3%     +1.7%  

            (1)

            Plavix® is marketed under the trademarks Plavix® and Iscover®.

            (2)

            Plavix® is marketed under the trademarks Plavix® and Iscover®.
            (2)
            Net sales of Plavix® consolidated by sanofi-aventis, excluding sales to BMS (€311 million in 2009 and €282 million in 2008).

            (3)

            Translated into euros by sanofi-aventis using the method described in Note B.2. “Foreign currency translation” to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 in this annual report.

            (4)

            Aprovel® is marketed under the trademarks Aprovel®, Avapro®, Karvea® and Avalide®.

            (5)

            Net sales of Aprovel® consolidated by sanofi-aventis, excluding sales to BMS (€113 million in 2009 and €94 million in 2008).

            In the United States, sales of PlavixPlavix® consolidated by Sanofi, excluding sales to BMS (€208 million in 2011 and €273 million in 2010). Net sales of Aprovel® consolidated by Sanofi, excluding sales to BMS (€150 million in 2011 and €129 million in 2010).

            ®(3)
            Translated into euros by Sanofi using the method described in Note B.2. "Foreign currency translation" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 in this annual report.
            (4)
            Aprovel® is marketed under the trademarks Aprovel®, Avapro®, Karvea® and Avalide®.

                    Worldwide sales of Plavix®/Iscover®Iscover® totaled €6,989 million in 2011, up 4.5% at constant exchange rates. Sales in the U.S. (consolidated by BMS) reported strong growth of 12.8%rose by a robust 7.8% at constant exchange rates, in 2009, reaching €4,026to €4,759 million. In Europe, netJapan and China, Plavix® continued their success with sales of Plavix® were down 10.3%€671 million (+22.9% at constant exchange rates) and €277 million (+27.7% at constant exchange rates), respectively. These results more than offset the decline in sales of Plavix® in Europe caused by competition from generics (down 29.8% at constant exchange rates, at €1,604€574 million).

                    Worldwide sales of Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Avalide® totaled €1,805 million due to the marketing of generics using alternative salts of clopidogrel, especially in the United Kingdom, Germany and France (where we launched our own generic version, Clopidogrel Winthrop®, in the fourth quarter of 2009). In Japan, Plavix® continued its success, with sales up 58.9%2011, down 11.0% at constant exchange rates, to €339 million.

            In a competitive environment, 2009 worldwide salesreflecting the impact of Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Avalide® were €2,012 million, an increaseincreasing penetration of 1.7% at constant exchange rates. In Europe,generic losartan on the product faced competition from generics in the monotherapy segment in Spain and Portugal, and recorded sales growth of 0.8% at constant exchange rates.market for anti-hypertensives.


              Other Revenues

                    

            Other revenues, which mainly comprisemade up primarily of royalty income under licensing agreements contracted in connection with ongoing operations, amounted to €1,443remained stable at €1,669 million in 2009 compared with €1,249 million in 2008.2011 and 2010.

                    

            Licensing revenuesRevenues from licensing under the worldwide alliance with BMS on Plavix®Plavix® and Aprovel® totaled €1,155Aprovel® represented €1,275 million in 2009, compared with €9852011 versus €1,303 million in 2008 (up 17.3%2010 (down 2.1% on a reported basis), boosted. These licensing revenues were adversely affected by strong growth in sales of Plavix® in the United States and the favorable impact of trends in the exchange ratedepreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro.euro, despite an increase in sales of Plavix® in the United States (up 7.8% at constant exchange rates).

              Gross Profit

                    

            Gross profit for 2009 was €22,869the year ended December 31, 2011 came to €24,156 million (78.0%(72.3% of net sales), versus €21,480€24,638 million in 2008 (77.9%(76.1% of net sales).

            in 2012. This represents a year-on-year fall of 2.0% in gross profit, and a deterioration of 3.8 points in the gross margin ratio.

            The gross margin ratio forof the Pharmaceuticals segment improved by 0.5 ofwas down 2.8 points at 75.8%, reflecting both a point, reflecting the risedecrease in royalty income (impact: +0.6(-0.3 of a point) and an unfavorableadverse trend in the ratio of cost of sales to net sales (impact: -0.1(-2.5 points). The latter was primarily due to the unfavorable impact of a point). This trend wasnew generics (especially Lovenox®, Ambien® CR and Taxotere® in the net result of:United States, and Plavix® and Taxotere® in Europe).

                    

            the favorable effect on net sales and other revenues of movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the euro (mainly the rise in the U.S. dollar), which largely feeds through into gross profit because our cost of sales is largely incurred in the euro zone;

            the favorable effect of the end of commercialization of Copaxone® by sanofi-aventis in North America, effective April 1, 2008;

            a less favorable product mix due to the impact of acquisitions of companies that generate lower gross margins than we do (primarily on generics).

            The gross margin ratio forof the Vaccines segment was unchanged, with the effect of lower royalty income (impact: -0.5 of a point) offset by an improvement in the ratio of cost of sales to net sales (impact: +0.5 of a point) thatdown 4.5 points at 60.2%. This change was largelyprincipally due to the appreciationabsence in 2011 of various currencies against the euro.margin on pandemic influenza vaccines, which had a favorable impact in 2010.

                    The gross margin ratio of the Animal Health segment was down 1.0 point at 68.9%.

            Consolidated        Our consolidated gross profit was also impacted in 2011 by thean expense of €476 million (or 1.4 points) arising from the workdown during 2009 of inventories remeasured at fair value on completion ofin connection with acquisitions, (mainly Zentiva, impact €27principally Genzyme (€473 million). In 2010, this expense represented €142 million or 0.1(0.4 of a point). and related mainly to the workdown of Merial inventories.

              Research and Development Expenses

                    

            Research and development (R&D) expenses were €4,583 million (versus €4,575totaled €4,811 million in 2008), representing 15.6%2011 (14.4% of net sales (versus 16.6% in 2008); they were down 1.4% year-on-year at constant exchange rates, butsales), up 0.2%5.8% on a reported basis.the 2010 figure of €4,547 million (14.0% of net sales).

                    

            Cost savings were achieved inIn the Pharmaceuticals segment, due to tight cost controlR&D expenses rose by €217 million (up 5.6%). Excluding Genzyme, R&D expenses showed a single-digit decrease as a result of reorganizations initiated in 2009, and a reduction in clinical trial costs, reflectingof the discontinuationstreamlining of some projects following the portfolio review.project portfolio.

                    

            In the Vaccines segment, research and developmentR&D expenses increasedrose by €66€47 million up 15.5%year-on-year to €564 million (up 9.1%), in particular due to the consolidation of Acambis from October 1, 2008 andmainly to clinical trials related to influenzaon vaccines inagainst dengue fever and Clostridium difficile.

                    In the light of the pandemic.Animal Health segment, R&D expenses fell by €9 million (5.8%) year-on-year.

              Selling and General Expenses

                    

            Selling and general expenses totaled €7,325amounted to €8,536 million compared with €7,168 million in the previous year,(25.6% of net sales), an increase of 2.2% (or 1.1% at constant exchange rates)4.7% on the prior-year figure of €8,149 million (25.2% of net sales).

                    The ratioPharmaceuticals segment generated a €414 million increase (+5.9%), due primarily to the first-time consolidation of Genzyme. Excluding Genzyme, selling and general expenses to net sales improved from 26.0%showed a single-digit decrease, reflecting lower costs for genericized products in 2008 to 25.0%, mainly because of savings in marketing expenses (in particular, due toEurope and the transfer of commercialization of Copaxone® to Teva in North America in April 2008)United States and cost savings in Europe. The 2009 figure includestight control over general expenses.

                    In the expenses of companies consolidated for the first time during the year.

            SellingVaccines segment, selling and general expenses were down €61 million or 10.1% due to lower selling expenses for pandemic influenza vaccines.


                    In the VaccinesAnimal Health segment, rose by 7.9%. Thisselling and general expenses were up €13 million (+2.2%), in line with the increase was due primarily to the influenza pandemic, and to the consolidation of Acambis with effect from October 1, 2008.in net sales.

              Other Operating Income and Expenses

                    

            Other operating income for 2009 came to €866 million (versus €556totaled €319 million in 2008)2011 (versus €369 million in 2010), and other operating expenses amounted to €481€315 million (versus €353(compared with €292 million in 2008)2010).

                    

            The balance of otherOther operating income and expenses represented a net incomeprofit of €385€4 million for 2009,in 2011, compared with net income€77 million in 2010. The year-on-year decrease of €203€73 million for 2008. The €182 million increase was mainlyessentially due to the transferdiscontinuation of commercialization of Copaxone® toroyalty payments from Teva in North America effective April 1, 2008. We were entitled to receive a 25% royalty ofon North American sales of Copaxone® over a two-year periodCopaxone® from that date, and recognized this royalty incomethe second quarter of 2010.

                    This line item also includes expenses incurred in “Other operating income” in 2008 and 2009.

            We also recognized gains on disposals relating to our ordinary operationsconnection with the 2011 acquisition of €56 million (compared with €24 million in 2008)Genzyme (€65 million), andas well as a net operating foreign exchange gain of €40 million (compared with a netoperational foreign exchange loss of €94€5 million (versus €138 million in 2008)2010, a year of high volatility in the foreign exchange markets).

              Amortization of Intangible Assets

                    

            Amortization charged against intangible assets in 2009the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to €3,528€3,314 million, versus €3,483compared with €3,529 million in the previous year. The increasereduction of €215 million was mainly due mainly to trendsa decrease in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollaramortization charged against the euro andintangible assets recognized on the acquisition of Zentiva.

            TheseAventis (€1,788 million in 2011, versus €3,070 million in 2010, as some products reached the end of their life cycles in the face of competition from generics). This positive impact was partially offset by new amortization charges mainly relate to the amortization ofin 2011 generated by intangible assets remeasured at fair value atrecognized on the timeacquisition of Genzyme in the Aventis acquisitionsecond quarter of 2011 and on the first-time consolidation of Merial in the first quarter of 2011 (€3,175709 million in 2009, versus €3,298and €353 million, in 2008)respectively).

              Impairment of Intangible Assets

                    

            NetThis line recorded net impairment losses charged against intangible assets amounted to €372of €142 million in 2009,2011, compared with €433 million in 2010. Impairment losses booked in 2011 were mainly associated with (i) discontinuing a Genzyme research project; (ii) certain Zentiva generics for which the sales outlook was adjusted downward; and (iii) discontinuing a joint development project with Metabolex in the field of diabetes. It also included an impairment reversal in connection with Actonel®, pursuant to confirmation of the terms of the collaboration agreement with Warner Chilcott (see Note C.3. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

                    In 2010, impairment losses related primarily to (i) Actonel®, due to proposed changes to the terms of the collaboration agreement with Warner Chilcott; (ii) the pentavalent vaccine Shan5®, for which sales projections were revised to factor in the need for another WHO pre-qualification following a flocculation problem encountered in some batches; (iii) the BSI-201 project, following a revision to the development plan in response to the announcement of the initial Phase III trial results in metastatic triple negative breast cancer; and (iv) certain generics and Zentiva consumer health products for which sales projections in Eastern Europe were revised downwards.

              Fair Value Remeasurement of Contingent Consideration Liabilities

                    This line item records fair value remeasurements of liabilities related to business combinations accounted for in accordance with the revised IFRS 3. These remeasurements generated a new gain of €15 million in 2011, mainly related to contingent purchase consideration on the acquisition of TargeGen, to the contingent value rights (CVRs) issued as part of the Genzyme acquisition, and to contingent consideration payable to Bayer on certain Genzyme products (see Note D.18. to the consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

              Restructuring Costs

                    Restructuring costs amounted to €1,314 million in 2011, compared with €1,384 million in 2010.


                    In 2011, these were mainly employee-related expenses incurred under plans to adjust headcount in support functions and sales forces in Europe and in R&D in Europe and the United States, and measures to adapt our manufacturing facilities in Europe.

                    In 2010, these costs related mainly to measures taken to adapt our industrial operations in France, and our sales and R&D functions in the United States and some European countries.

              Other Gains and Losses, and Litigation

                    This line item showed a net expense of €327 million, mainly comprising (i) the €519 million backlog of depreciation and amortization expense against the tangible and intangible assets of Merial, which was not recognized from September 18, 2009 through December 31, 2010 because these assets were classified as held for sale or exchange during that period in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note D.8.2. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report), (ii) proceeds of €210 million in damages with regard to a Plavix® patent and (iii) the impact of changes in the competitive environment anddivestiture of generic approval dates onthe Dermik dermatology business (see Note D.28. to our products Benzaclin®, Nasacort® and Actonel®consolidated financial statements). This item also includes impairment losses of €28 million arising from the decision to discontinue the development of TroVax®, and from the withdrawal of our product Di-Antalvic® from the market in response to a decision by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). With the exception of Trovax®, all of these products were recognized as assets in 2004 upon the acquisition of Aventis.

                    

            In 2008,2010, this line item showed impairment lossesa net expense of €1,554€138 million charged against intangible assets due to the discontinuation of some research projects and to the genericization of some products marketed by the Group, originating mainly from Aventis. The main discontinued research projects were those relating to larotaxel and cabazitaxel (new taxane derivatives developed in breast cancer, €1,175 million) and the antihypertensive ilepatril (€57 million), both of which were recognized as assets on the acquisition of Aventis; and the oral anti-cancer agent S-1, following termination of the agreement with Taiho Pharmaceutical for the development and commercialization of this product. In addition, an impairment loss of €114 million was charged in respect of Nasacort® (also recognized as an asset on the acquisition of Aventis in 2004) following the settlement agreement with Barr in the United States.

            Restructuring Costs

            Restructuring costs amounted to €1,080 million in 2009, compared with €585 million in 2008. In 2009, our restructuring costs related primarily to measures taken to improve innovation by transforming our Research & Development operations, and to streamline our organizational structures by adapting central support functions. These costs consist mainly of employee-related charges, arising from early retirement benefits and termination benefits under the announced voluntary redundancy plans. The 2009 charge also reflects, thoughan adjustment to a lesser extent, ongoing measures to adapt our industrial facilitiesvendor's guarantee provisions in Europe and to adjust our sales forces.connection with past business divestitures.

            The restructuring costs recognized in 2008 related primarily to the adaptation of industrial facilities in France and to measures taken in response to the changing economic environment in various European countries, principally France and Spain.

            Gains and Losses on Disposals, and Litigation

            Sanofi-aventis did not make any major disposals in either 2009 or 2008.

            In 2008, this item included €76 million of reversal of litigation provisions.

              Operating Income

                    

            Operating income totaled €5,731 million for 2009 was €6,3662011, versus €6,535 million 44.9% higher thanfor 2010 (down 12.3%); the 2008 figureyear-on-year fall mainly reflected the competition from generics and the absence of €4,394 million.A/H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine sales in 2011.

              Financial Income and Expenses

                    

            Net financial expense for 2009 was €300 million, comparedexpenses came to €232€412 million in 2008,2011 versus €362 million in 2010, an increase of €68€50 million.

            Interest expense        Financial expenses directly related to our net debt (short-term and long-term debt, net of cash and cash equivalents) amounted to €222 million, versus €183equivalents (see definition at "— Liquidity and Capital Resources" below) were €325 million in 2008. Although2011, virtually unchanged from the 2010 figure of €324 million, as a result of contrasting factors:

              a fall in the average interest rate on debt due to the significantly lower rate charged on the debt contracted to fund the acquisition of Genzyme in the first quarter of 2011, which meant that interest expense increased only slightly despite the sharp rise in average debt;

              a rise in financial income, due to an increase in the average level of net debt was lowercash held during the year and a higher average rate of return.

                    Provisions against investments and financial assets totaled €58 million in 2009 than2011 (versus €6 million in 2008, sanofi-aventis was adversely affected by lower interest rates on its cash deposits (which averaged €5.0 billion2010); in 2009, compared with €2.4 billion in 2008).

            In 2008, we tendered our shares in Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc (Millennium)2011, these provisions were primarily related to the public tender offerimpairment of Greek government bonds.

                    Gains on disposals of non-current financial assets came to €25 million versus €61 million in 2010. In 2011, the main item was the impact of the change in the consolidation method for Millennium by Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd.the investment in Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher following loss of significant influence (see Note D.6. to our consolidated financial statements); in 2010, the main item was the disposal of the equity interest in Novexel.

                    This transaction generated a €38 million gain.

            Netitem also included net financial foreign exchange losses for the year were €67 million, compared with €74gains of €10 million in 2008.2011 (versus a net loss of €20 million in 2010).

              Income before Tax and Associates and Joint Ventures

                    

            Net incomeIncome before tax and associates and joint ventures for 2009 was €6,066€5,319 million 45.7% higher than the 2008 figurein 2011, versus €6,173 million in 2010, a decrease of €4,162 million.13.9%.


              Income Tax Expense

                    Income tax expense totaled €455 million in 2011, compared with €1,430 million in 2010. The decrease was mainly due to a reduction in deferred tax liabilities as a result of changes in tax rates and tax legislation (mainly in the United Kingdom), and to the effect of the Franco-American Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) for the period from 2006 through 2011 (see Note D.30. to our consolidated financial statements).

                    This line item also includes the tax effects of the amortization of intangible assets (€1,178 million in 2011 versus €1,183 million in 2010) and of restructuring costs (€399 million in 2011 versus €466 million in 2010).

            The effective tax rate is calculated on the basis of business operating income minus net financial expenses, and before (i) the share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business, and (ii) net income attributable to non-controlling interests

            interests. The effective tax rate was 28.0%27.0% in 2009, compared to 29.0%2011, versus 27.8% in 2008, the reduction resulting directly from the entry into force in 2009 of a protocol to the tax treaty between France and the United States that abolished withholding tax between the two countries subject to certain conditions. During 2009, this protocol resulted in the reversal through the consolidated income statement of €106 million in deferred tax liabilities relating to the tax cost of distributions made out of the reserves of Group subsidiaries as of January 1, 2009.2010. The difference between the effective tax rate andrelative to the standard corporate income tax rate applicable in France for 2009 (34%(34.4%) was mainly due to the impact of the reduced rate of income taxlower taxes on patent royalties in France.

            In 2008, this line item included a gain through the consolidated income statement of €221 million on reversals of tax provisions related to the settlement of tax audits.

              Share of Profit/Loss of Associates and Joint Ventures

                    

            OurThe share of the profitsprofit/loss of associates and joint ventures was €814totaled €1,070 million in 2009, versus €6922011, compared with €978 million in 2008.2010. This itemline mainly comprisesincludes our share of after-tax profits from thegenerated in territories managed by BMS under the Plavix®Plavix® and Avapro®Avapro® alliance, which increasedadvanced by 26.0% year-on-year from €6239.2% to €1,070 million compared with €980 million in 20082010. The increase in this share in 2011 was partly related to €785 million in 2009. This increase was a direct result of the growth in Plavix® sales of Plavix® in the United States (up 12.8% at constant exchange rates) and of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro (up 7.0%2.9%).

            Net Income from the Held-for-Exchange Merial Business

            With effect from September 18, 2009, the date on which sanofi-aventis obtained exclusive control over Merial, the operations of this company have been accounted for using the full consolidation method. As of December 31, 2009, the results of Merial’s operations were reported in the line item “Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business”, in accordance with IFRS 5 (refer to Note D.8. to our consolidated financial statements). The net income of the Merial business for the year ended December 31, 2009 was €175 million, compared with €120 million in the previous year.

            This growth was attributable to a strong operating performance by Merial and to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro. The figures cited above include 100% of the net income of Merial with effect from September 18, 2009, compared with 50% prior to that date. The 2009 figure also includes a net expense of €46 million relating to the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value, as part of the provisional purchase price allocation on the acquisition of the 50% interest in Merial acquired in 2009.

              Net Income

                    

            Net income (before non-controlling interests) totaled €5,691for the year was €5,934 million in 2009,2011, compared with €4,292€5,721 million in 2008.2010.

              Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests

                    

            Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2009 was €426amounted to €241 million against €441in 2011, compared with €254 million for the previous year.in 2010. This itemline mainly includes the share of pre-tax incomeprofits paid over to BMS fromgenerated in territories managed by sanofi-aventisSanofi (€405225 million, versus €238 million in 2009, versus €422 million2010); the year-on-year fall is directly related to increased competition from clopidogrel (Plavix®) generics in 2008).Europe.

              Net Income Attributable to Equity Holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi

                    

            Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis amounted to €5,265Sanofi totaled €5,693 million in 2009, versus €3,8512011, against €5,467 million in 2008.2010.

                    Basic earnings per share (EPS) for 2009 were €4.03, up 37.1% on2011 was €4.31, 2.9% higher than the 20082010 figure of €2.94,€4.19, based on an average number of shares outstanding of 1,305.91,321.7 million in 20092011 and 1,309.31,305.3 million in 2008.

            2010. Diluted earnings per share for 2009 were €4.03, up 37.1% on the 2008 figure of €2.94,was €4.29 in 2011, versus €4.18 in 2010, based on an average number of shares outstanding after dilution of 1,307.41,326.7 million in 20092011 and 1,310.91,308.2 million in 2008.2010.

              Business Operating Income

                    Sanofi reports segment results on the basis of "Business Operating Income". This indicator, adopted in compliance with IFRS 8, is used internally to measure operational performance and to allocate resources. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Segment information" above for the definition of business operating income and reconciliation to Income before tax and associates and joint ventures.


            Business operating income for 20092011 was €12,028€12,144 million, compared to €10,391€12,863 million in 2008.2010. The table below shows trends in business operating income by business segment for 20092011 and 2008:2010:

            (€ million)  2009   2008 
            Pharmaceuticals   10,608     9,399  
            Vaccines   1,173     882  
            Other   247     110  

            Business operating income

               12,028     10,391  

            (€ million)
             2011
             2010
             
              
            Pharmaceuticals  10,496  10,965 
            Vaccines  985  1,379 
            Animal Health  627  621 
            Other  36  (102)
              
            Business operating income  12,144  12,863 
              

              Business Net Income

                    

            Business net income is a non-GAAP financial measure that we use to evaluate our Group’s performance (see “—"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Business Net Income” above).Income" above for the definition of business net income and reconciliation to Net Income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi.

                    

            Business net income for 2009 was €8,629 million, versus €7,314totaled €8,795 million in 2008, representing growth2011 versus €9,215 million in 2010, a drop of 18.0%4.6%.

            (€ million)  2009  2008 

            Business net income

               8,629   7,314 

            (i)                 Amortization of intangible assets

               (3,528  (3,483

            (ii)                Impairment of intangible assets

               (372  (1,554

            (iii)              Expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories (1)

               (27  (2

            (iv)               Restructuring costs

               (1,080  (585

            (iii)/(iv)      Other items (2)

                   114 

            (v)                Tax effects of:

               1,629   1,904 

                                 - amortization of intangible assets

               1,126   1,189 

                                 - impairment of intangible assets

               136   537 

                                 - expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories

               7   1 

                                 - restructuring costs

               360   196 

                                 - other items

                   (19

            (iii)/(vi)      Other tax items (3)

               106   221 

            (vii)             Share of items listed above attributable to non-controlling interests

               1     

            (iii)              Expenses arising from the impact of the Merial acquisition (4)

               (66  (50

            (iii)/(iv)      Restructuring costs of associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from

                                  the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (5)

               (27  (28

            Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

               5,265   3,851 

            (1)     This line comprises the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.

                    

            (2)     Other items comprise :

                    

                    - gain on sale of investment in Millennium

                38 

                    - reversals of/charges to provisions for risks

                76 

            (3)     Other tax items comprise :

               

                    - provisions for/settlements of tax disputes

                221 

                    - reversal of deferred taxes following ratification of the Franco-American Treaty

               106  

            (4)     This line comprises: until September 17, 2009, amortization and impairment charged against the intangible assets of Merial; and from September 18, 2009, (i) the impact of the discontinuation of depreciation of the property, plant and equipment of Merial in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note B.7. to our consolidated financial statements) and (ii) the expense arising from the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at acquisition date.

                       

            (5)     This line shows the portion of major restructuring costs incurred by associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (workdown of acquired inventories, amortization and impairment of intangible assets, and impairment of goodwill).

                      

            Business net income for 2009 was €8,629 million, an increase of 18.0% on the 2008 figure of €7,314 million, and It represented 29.4%26.3% of net sales compared with 26.5%28.5% in 2008. The increase was mainly due to our good operating performance, reflected in the increase in gross profit (€22,869 million in 2009 versus €21,480 million in 2008).

            2010.

            Business Earnings Per Share

                    

            We also report business earnings per share, a non-GAAP financial measure which we define as business net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (see “—"— Business Net Income”Income" above).

                    

            Business earnings per share for 20092011 were €6.61, up 18.2% on€6.65, 5.8% lower than the 2008 business earnings per share2010 figure of €5.59. The€7.06, based on a weighted average number of shares outstanding was 1,305.9of 1,321.7 million in 20092011 and 1,309.31,305.3 million in 2008.2010. Diluted business earnings per share for 20092011 were €6.60, up 18.3% on€6.63, 5.8% lower than the 2008 diluted business earnings per share2010 figure of €5.58. On€7.04, based on a diluted basis, the weighted average number of shares outstanding was 1,307.4of 1,326.7 million in 20092011 and 1,310.91,308.2 million in 2008.2010.

            Liquidity and Capital Resources

                    

            Our operations generate significant positive cash flows. We fund our day-to-day investments (with the exception of significant acquisitions) primarily with operating cash flow, and pay regular dividends on our shares. In 2010,addition, we also reduced our net debt.debt during 2012, whereas in 2011 our debt increased significantly to finance the acquisition of Genzyme.

                    We define "debt, net of cash and cash equivalents" as (i) the sum total of short-term debt, long-term debt and interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt, minus (ii) the sum total of cash and cash equivalents and interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010,2012, our debt, net of cash and cash equivalents stood at €1,577€7,719 million (3.0% of our net equity) versus €4,128€10,859 million as of December 31, 2009 (8.5% of our net equity)2011 and €1,802€1,577 million as of December 31, 2008.2010. See Note D.17. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. We expect

                    In order to significantly increaseassess the Company's financing risk, we also use the "gearing ratio", a non-GAAP financial measure. The gearing ratio is defined as the ratio of debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, to total equity. As of December 31, 2012, our gearing ratio stood at 13.4% of our net debt inequity versus 19.3% as of December 31, 2011 in connection with our proposed acquisitionand 3.0% as of Genzyme.December 31, 2010.



            Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

                    

            The table below shows our summarized cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008:2010:

            (€ million)
             2012
             2011
             2010
             
              
            Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities  8,171  9,319  9,859 
            Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities  (1,587) (14,701) (3,475)
            Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities  (4,351) 2,893  (4,646)
            Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents  24  1  55 
            Impact of the cash and cash equivalents of Merial (1)    147   
              
            Net change in cash and cash equivalents — (decrease) / increase  2,257  (2,341) 1,793 
              
            (1)
            See Note D.8.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                    

            (€ million)  2010  2009  2008 
            Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities   9,759   8,515   8,523 
            Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities   (3,383  (7,287  (2,154
            Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities   (4,647  (787  (3,809
            Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents   44   25   (45

            Net change in cash and cash equivalents — (decrease) / increase

               1,773   466   2,515 

            Generally, factors that affect our earnings — for example, pricing, volume, costs and exchange rates — flow through to cash from operations. The most significant source of cash from operations is sales of our branded pharmaceutical products and human vaccines. Receipts of royalty payments also contribute to cash from operations.

            Year Ended December 31, 20102012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 20092011

                    

            Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to €9,759€8,171 million in 2010,2012, compared with €8,515€9,319 million in 2009.2011. Operating cash flow before changes in working capital was €10,036€8,503 million, versus €9,362€9,834 million in 2009, reflecting our operating performance.2011. This decrease was largely attributable to erosion in revenues from the territories managed by BMS under the alliance on Plavix® and Avapro®, due to competition from generics in the United States. This revenue erosion was reflected in a reduced share of after-tax profits from these territories (€420 million, versus €1,070 million in 2011) and lower license revenue from the worldwide alliance with BMS on Plavix® and Aprovel®/Avapro® (€532 million in 2012, versus €1,275 million in 2011).

                    

            Our operating cash flow before changes in working capital is generally affected by the same factors that affect “Operating income”"Operating income", which is discussed in detail above under “Results"Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 20102012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2009” and “Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008”2011". The principal difference is that operating cash flow before changes in working capital reflects our share of the profits and losses of associates and joint ventures, net of dividend and similar income received.

                    

            Working capital requirements rose by €277€332 million in 2010, compared with2012, after an €847increase of €515 million in 2011. The increase during 2012 was mainly attributable to an increase in 2009. The main factor in 2010 was a €378inventories (€445 million, rise inincluding €315 million for reconstituting inventories partly offset byat the discontinuation of royalty payments from Teva on North American sales of Copaxone® (impact: €126 million)Genzyme business).

                    

            Net cash used in investing activities totaled €3,383 amounted to €1,587 million in 2010,2012, versus €7,287€14,701 million in 2009.2011.

                    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets totaled €1,612 million (2011: €1,782 million). The main items were investments in industrial and research facilities (€1,324 million, versus €1,394 million in 2011) and contractual payments for intangible rights under license and collaboration agreements (€293 million, versus €245 million in 2011).

                    Acquisitions of investments in the period amounted to €328 million, net of cash acquired and after including assumed liabilities and commitments. The main items were a payment of contingent consideration to Bayer arising from the acquisition of Genzyme, the repurchase of some of the CVRs issued in connection with that acquisition, the acquisitions of Pluromed and Newport, and the purchase of an equity interest in Merrimack. In 2011, acquisitions of investments amounted to €13,616 million; after including assumed liabilities and commitments, they totaled €14,079 million, and mainly comprised the acquisitions of Genzyme (€13,602 million) and BMP Sunstone (€374 million).


                    After-tax proceeds from disposals (€358 million) related to divestitures of financial assets (in particular, our equity interests in Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher and Handok), and to disposals of various items of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. In 2011, proceeds from disposals came to €359 million, mainly generated by the divestiture of the Dermik dermatology business (€321 million).

                    Financing activities generated a net cash outflow of €4,351 million in 2012, compared with a net cash inflow of €2,893 million in 2011. The 2012 figure includes €615 million of debt repayments (net change in short-term and long-term debt), as compared with net external debt raised of €5,283 million in 2011; it also includes the Sanofi dividend payout of €3,487 million (versus €1,372 million in 2011).

                    After the impact of exchange rates and of the cash and cash equivalents of Merial, the net change in cash and cash equivalents in 2012 was an increase of €2,257 million, compared with a decrease of €2,341 million in 2011.

                Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

                    Net cash provided by operating activities totaled €9,319 million in 2011, compared with €9,859 million in 2010. In 2011, operating cash flow before changes in working capital was €9,834 million, versus €10,024 million in 2010.

                    Our operating cash flow before changes in working capital is generally affected by the same factors that affect "Operating income", which is discussed in detail above under "Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010". The principal difference is that operating cash flow before changes in working capital reflects our share of the profits and losses of associates and joint ventures, net of dividend and similar income received.

                    Working capital requirements rose by €515 million in 2011, compared with a €165 million increase in 2010. The 2011 increase was related to increased inventories (€232 million) and trade receivables (€257 million), following the first-time consolidation of Genzyme and Merial.

                    Net cash used in investing activities totaled €14,701 million in 2011, versus €3,475 million in 2010.

            Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amounted to €1,573€1,782 million (2009: €1,785 million), comprising €1,261(compared with €1,662 million ofin 2010) and included Genzyme investments from April 2011. The main items were investments in industrial and research facilities and €312(€1,394 million, ofcompared with €1,261 million in 2010) and contractual payments for intangible rights under license agreements.licensing or collaboration agreements (€182 million, versus €312 million in 2010).

                    

            Acquisitions of investments duringfor 2011 totaled €13,616 million, net of cash from acquired companies. After including assumed liabilities and commitments, they amounted to €14,079 million. The main items were the acquisitions of Genzyme (€13,602 million) and BMP Sunstone (€374 million). In 2010, totaledfinancial investments were €1,733 million, net of acquired cash; after including assumed liabilities and commitments, these acquisitions were valued atthey amounted to €2,130 million. Our main investments during 2010 weremillion, and mainly comprised the acquisition of equity interests in Chattem (€1,640 million) and Nepentes (€104 million). In 2009, acquisitions of investments were €5,568 million, net of acquired cash; after including assumed liabilities and commitments, these acquisitions were valued at €6,334 million. Our main investments in 2009 were the equity interests in Merial (€2,829 million), Zentiva (€1,752 million), Shantha, Medley, and BiPar.

            After-tax proceeds from disposals amounted to €131€359 million, arising mainly onfrom the divestiture of the Dermik dermatology business (€321 million). In 2010, after-tax proceeds from disposals were €136 million, mainly from the divestment of the equity interest in Novexel (€48 million) and on the disposal of various items of property, plant and equipment (€55 million). In 2009, after-tax proceeds from disposals were €85 million, mainly on disposals

                    Financing activities generated a net cash inflow of intangible assets, some of which were required as conditions for clearance of our acquisition of Zentiva.

            Net cash used in financing activities amounted to €4,647€2,893 million in 2010,2011, versus €787a net cash outflow of €4,646 million in 2009.

            The 2010 figure includes our dividend payout2010. In 2011, financing cash inflows included €5,283 million of €3,131 million (2009: €2,872 million), plus net repayments of debtexternal funding raised (net change in short-term and long-term debt), as opposed to 2010 which saw net debt repayments of €1,166€1,165 million. Cash outflows included the dividend payout of €1,372 million to Sanofi shareholders (versus a net €1,923€3,131 million of new debt contracted in 2009). It also includes2010), and the acquisition of 5.921.7 million of our own shares for €321€1,074 million.

                    

            After the impact of exchange rates and of the cash and cash equivalents of Merial, the net change in cash and cash equivalents during 20102011 was an increasea decline of €1,773€2,341 million, compared with an increase of €466versus a €1,793 million in 2009.

            Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008

            Net cash provided by operating activities totaled €8,515 million in 2009, compared with €8,523 million in 2008. Operating cash flow before changes in working capital was €9,362 million (versus €8,524 million in 2008), reflecting our good operating performance.

            Our working capital requirements increased by €847 million in 2009, having been stable in 2008. This increase was due to the growth in our operations during 2009, reflected in higher levels of inventories (up €489 million) and trade receivables (up €429 million).

            Net cash used in investing activities was €7,287 million in 2009, versus €2,154 million in 2008.

            Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets totaled €1,785 million (compared with €1,606 million in 2008), and mainly comprised investments in industrial facilities and research sites, plus contractual payments for intangible rights (€325 million in 2009, mainly related to licensing agreements).

            Acquisitions of investments during 2009 totaled €5,568 million, net of cash acquired. These investments, valued at a total of €6,334 million inclusive of assumed liabilities and commitments, mainly comprised acquisitions of shares in Merial (€2,829 million), Zentiva (€1,752 million), Shantha, Medley and BiPar. In 2008, acquisitions of investments net of cash acquired totaled €667 million, mainly comprising the acquisitions of the entire share capital of the U.K. company Acambis Plc (€332 million) and of the Australian company Symbion CP Holdings Pty Ltd, now sanofi-aventis Healthcare Holdings Pty Limited (€329 million).

            After-tax proceeds from disposals (€85 million in 2009) related mainly to disposals of intangible assets, some of which were required as conditions for clearance of our acquisition of Zentiva. In 2008, after-tax proceeds from disposals were €123 million, mostly arising from the May 2008 disposal of our shares in Millennium.

            Net cash used in financing activities amounted to €787 million, against €3,809 million in 2008. The 2009 figure includes a dividend payout of €2,872 million (versus €2,702 million in 2008), and additional external financing (net increase in short-term and long-term debt) of €1,923 million (versus €69 million in 2008). During 2009, we placed five bond issues for a total amount of €4.7 billion. In 2008, we acquired 23.9 million of our own shares at a cost of €1,227 million under our share repurchase programs.2010.



            After the impact of exchange rates, the net change in cash and equivalents during 2009 was an increase of €466 million, compared with an increase of €2,515 million in 2008.

            Consolidated Balance Sheet and Debt

                    

            Total assets stood at €85,264€100,407 million as of December 31, 2010, compared with €80,2512012, versus €100,668 million as of December 31, 2009, an increase2011, a decrease of €5,013€261 million. Total assets as of December 31, 2009 have been adjusted to reflect adjustments to the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial (see Note D.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

            Ourdebt,        Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents was €1,577 (see definition above) amounted to €7,719 million as of December 31, 2010, versus €4,1282012, compared with €10,859 million as of December 31, 2009. We define “debt, net of cash and cash equivalents” as short-term and long-term debt, plus related interest rate and currency derivatives, minus cash and cash equivalents.

            2011. The table below shows our financial position for the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008:2010:

            (€ million)
             2012
             2011
             2010
             
              
            Long-term debt  10,719  12,499  6,695 
            Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt  3,812  2,940  1,565 
            Cash and cash equivalents  (6,381) (4,124) (6,465)
            Related interest rate and currency derivatives  (431) (456) (218)
              
            Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  7,719  10,859  1,577 
              

                    

            (€ million)  2010  2009  2008 
            Long-term debt   6,695    5,961    4,173  
            Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt   1,565    2,866    1,833  
            Related interest rate and currency derivatives   (218  (7  22 
            Cash and cash equivalents   (6,465  (4,692  (4,226

            Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

               1,577   4,128   1,802 

            TheOur gearing ratio (debt, net of cash and cash equivalents as a proportion of total equity) fell from 8.5%19.3% in 2011 to 3.0%. For an analysis13.4% in 2012. Analyses of our debt as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, by type, maturity, interest rate and currency, as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, refer toare provided in Note D.17. to our consolidated financial statements.

                    

            The financing arrangements in place as of December 31, 20102012 at the sanofi-aventisSanofi parent company level are not subject to covenants regarding financial ratios and do not contain any clauses linking credit spreads or fees to our credit rating. Under the Bridge Facility, the margin above LIBOR and mandatory costs may vary under Facility B as a function of our credit rating (see Item 10.C. hereof for further information.).

                    

            Other key movements in balance sheet items are described below.

                    

            Total equity stood at €53,288€57,472 million as of December 31, 2010, compared with €48,5802012, versus €56,373 million a year earlier.as of December 31, 2011. The main factors underlying this net year-on-year increase were as follows:in equity was attributable primarily to:

              increases: our net income for the year ended December 31, 20102012 (€5,7214,967 million); and

              reductions: the dividend payout to our shareholders in respect of the 2011 financial year (€3,487 million), and the net change in cumulativecurrency translation differences due to the depreciation of the euro against other currencies (€2,655532 million, mainly onrelating to the U.S. dollar); and

            .

                    

            reductions: the dividend payout of €3,131 million made to our shareholders in 2010.

            As of December 31, 2010, sanofi-aventis2012, we held 6.13.1 million of itsour own shares, representing 0.5% of the share capital and recorded as a deduction from equity.equity and representing 0.2% of the share capital.

                    

            Goodwill and other intangible assets (€44,411 million) increased58,265 million in total) decreased by €931€3,956 million, compared to a year earlier, mainlylargely as a result of the following factors:

            increases: acquisitions of companies (€1,017 million of goodwill, and €1,557 million of other intangible assets) plus acquisitions of intangible assets (€388 million);

            reductions: amortization and impairment losses charged duringrecognized in the yearperiod (€4,011 3,516��million); and

            a decline in the translation intoequivalent value in euros of assets denominated in other currencies (positive impact of €1,979(€611 million, mainly onrelating to the U.S. dollar).

                    

            Provisions and other non-current liabilities (€9,32611,036 million) were €1,090rose by €690 million, higher than at the previous year-end, due largelymainly to a sharpnet increase in provisions for pensions and other benefits of €731€874 million, in restructuring provisions.primarily as a result of actuarial losses on defined-benefit plans.

                    

            Net deferred tax liabilities (€7571,555 million) were €1,264fell by €1,342 million lower year-on-year, mainly as a result of reversalsprimarily due to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities relating to amortization and impairmentthe remeasurement of acquired intangible assets (impact: €1,324(€5,641 million in 2012 versus €6,815 million in 2011, a difference of €1,174 million).

                    

            LiabilitiesCurrent and non-current liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests (current and non-current) rose by €335(€1,450 million) were €106 million to €486 million, due mainly tolower. The main factors were the reversal of the contingent consideration relating to acquisitions (primarilythe Fovea acquisition, payments to Bayer (relating to contingent consideration arising from our acquisition of Genzyme), and TargeGen) and to put options granted to non-controlling intereststhe repurchase (for $70 million) of some of the contingent value rights (CVRs) issued in connection with the Genzyme acquisition. These factors were partly offset by the effect of fair value remeasurements (see Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements).


            Assets held for sale or exchange, net of related liabilities rose by €321 million to €5,364 million during the year, and mainly comprise the net assets of Merial which are reported separately in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note D.8. to our consolidated financial statements).


            Liquidity

                    

            We expect that our existing cash resources and cash from operations will be sufficient to finance our foreseeable working capital requirements. At year end 2010,year-end 2012, we held cash and cash equivalents amounting to €6,465€6,381 million, substantially all of which waswere held in euros (see Note D.13. to our consolidated financial statements). As at December 31, 2010, €4362012, €507 million of our cash and cash equivalents waswere held by our captive insurance and reinsurance companies in accordance with insurance regulations.

                    

            At year endSince 2010, we hadsome countries in Southern Europe have faced severe financial difficulties. Deteriorating credit and economic conditions and other factors in these countries have resulted in, and may continue to result in an increase in the average length of time taken to collect our accounts receivable in these countries and may require us to re-evaluate the collectability of these receivables in future periods. We carefully monitor sovereign debt issues and economic conditions and evaluate accounts receivable in these countries for potential collection risks. We are conducting an active recovery policy, adapted to each country and including intense communication with customers, negotiations of payments plans, charging of interest for late payments, and legal action. See "Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We are subject to the risk of non-payment by our customers" and "— Impairment charges or write downs in our books and changes in accounting standards could have a firm commitment of approximately $18.5 billion towards the shareholders of Genzyme Corporation (Genzyme), basedsignificant adverse effect on the Group's results of operations and financial results". During 2012, the amount of our trade receivables in Europe decreased, primarily as a result of a reduction in the sums owed to us by public-sector customers in Spain due to payments received. The total consolidated amount of trade receivables overdue by more than 12 months — which primarily consists of amounts due from public-sector customers — fell from €276 million as of December 31, 2011 to €161 million as of December 31, 2012 due to payments received (see Note D.10. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

                    In November 2011, Sanofi obtained the necessary corporate authorizations to purchase any or all of the outstanding Contingent Value Rights ("CVR") and subsequently purchased CVRs in 2011. In 2012 following a tender offer made on October 4, 2010 for all outstanding shares of common stock at $69.00 per share, net to the sellerinitiated in cash, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. On February 16, 2011, sanofi-aventis and Genzyme announced they had entered into a merger agreement providing for the acquisition of Genzyme by sanofi-aventis. The agreement is described at “Item 10.C. Material Contracts” and any acquisition remains subject to fulfillment of a number of conditions including acceptance by holders of a majority of shares of Genzyme common stock on a diluted basis. The cash consideration (excluding any future payments on the contingent value rights that we propose to issue in connection with the acquisition) of the agreed offer represents a commitment of approximately $20.1 billionSeptember 2012 on the basis of the same corporate authorization, Sanofi purchased an estimated 272.5 millionadditional 40,025,805 CVRs (for a total consideration of approximately $70 million). As of December 31, 2012, 249,196,371 CVRs were outstanding out of 291,313,510 issued at the time of the Genzyme shares on a diluted basis.acquisition.

                    

            At year end 2010, we had a firm commitment of $1 billion towards Merck & Co., Inc. relating to the future combination of Merial with the Intervet/Schering-Plough business to form a new joint venture equally owned by Merck and sanofi-aventis, as well as a firm commitment of $521 million towards the shareholders of BMP Suntone Corporation (BMP Sunstone). See “— Acquisitions” above for further details.

            At year end 2010, other than the preceeding commitments relating to Genzyme, Merial and BMP Sunstone,year-end 2012, we had no commitments for capital expenditures that we consider to be material to our consolidated financial position.

            Undrawn confirmed credit facilities amounted to a total of €12.2€10.0 billion at December 31, 2010. Moreover, in connection with the Genzyme acquisition, we signed two acquisition facilities in October 2010 for a total value of €11.2 billion ($15 billion) that can be drawn until December 31, 2011 (see “Item 10. Additional Information — C. Material Contracts”). In order to have sufficient cash on hand to pay for the contemplated acquisition of 100% of the shares of Genzyme common stock, we intend to either draw on these facilities in whole or in part and/or issue new debt upon closing of the acquisition, depending on market conditions.2012. For a discussion of our treasury policies, see “Item"Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk."

                    

            We expect that cash from the combinedour operations of sanofi-aventis and Genzyme wouldwill be sufficient to repay our debt, including the new debt that we expect to contract in 2011 (including refinancing of any drawings under the Acquisition Facility) in order to finance the contemplated Genzyme acquisition.debt. For a discussion of our liquidity risks, see “Item"Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

            "

            Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements / Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

                    

            We have various contractual obligations and other commercial commitments arising from our operations. Our contractual obligations and our other commercial commitments as of December 31, 20102012 are shown in Notes D.3., D.17., D.18. and D.21. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. Note D.21. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 discloses details of commitments under our principal research and development collaboration agreements, as well as the financial commitments related to Merial, Genzyme and BMP Sunstone.agreements. For a description of the principal contingencies arising from certain business divestitures, refer to Note D.22.e) to our 20102012 consolidated financial statements.


            The Group’sGroup's contractual obligations and other commercial commitments (excluding those of Merial, see Note D.8.1. to our consolidated financial statements) are set forth in the table below:

            December 31, 2012
             Payments due by period
             
              
            (€ million)
             Total
             Under 1
            year

             From 1 to
            3 years

             From 3 to
            5 years

             Over 5
            years

             
              
            • Future contractual cash-flows relating to debt and debt
              hedging instruments (1)
              15,283  3,959  4,165  4,106  3,053 
            • Operating lease obligations  1,296  250  367  220  459 
            • Finance lease obligations (2)  100  20  36  31  13 
            • Irrevocable purchase commitments (3)                

            - given

              2,913  1,513  651  368  381 

            - received

              (209) (106) (67) (14) (22)
            • Research & development license agreements                

            - Future service commitments (4)

              767  181  286  276  24 

            - Potential milestone payments (5)

              2,201  149  267  295  1,490 
            • Obligations relating to business combinations (6)  4,993  341  1,135  560  2,957 
            • Firm commitment related to the BMS agreement (7)  82        82 
            • Estimated benefit payments on unfunded pensions and
              post employment benefits (8)
              1,741  60  115  133  1,433 
              
            Total contractual obligations and other commitments  29,167  6,367  6,955  5,975  9,870 
              
            Undrawn general-purpose credit facilities  10,021  3,020  225  6,775  1 
              
            (1)
            See Note D.17. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.
            (2)
            See Note D.3. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.
            (3)
            These comprise irrevocable commitments to suppliers of (i) property, plant and equipment, net of down payments (see Note D.3. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report) and (ii) goods and services.
            (4)
            Future service commitments relating to research & development license agreements mainly comprise research financing commitments, but also include consideration for access to technologies.
            (5)
            This line includes all potential milestone payments on projects regarded as reasonably possible, i.e.,  on projects in the development phase.
            (6)
            See Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.
            (7)
            See Note C.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.
            (8)
            See Note D.19.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. The table above does not include the ongoing annual employer's contributions to plan assets, estimated at €268 million in 2013.

                    

            December 31, 2010  Payments due by period 
            (€ million)  Total  

            Under 1

            year

              From 1 to
            3 years
              

            From 3 to

            5 years

              Over 5
            years
             
            •    Future contractual cash-flows relating to debt and debt hedging instruments(1)   9,125    1,694   3,161    1,736   2,534 
            •    Operating lease obligations   1,291    260   337    217   477 
            •    Finance lease obligations (2)   28    7   13    6   2 
            •    Irrevocable purchase commitments (3)      

            –  given

               2,658    1,566   498    207   387 

            –  received

               (176  (74  (35  (16  (51
            •    Research & development license agreements      

            -  Future service commitments (4)

               1,073    199   312    252   310 

            -  Potential milestone payments (5)

               2,015    101   378    238   1,298 
            •    Obligations relating to business combinations(6)   739    87   79    438   135 
            Total contractual obligations and other commitments   16,753    3,840    4,743    3,078    5,092  
            Undrawn general-purpose credit facilities   12,238    245    5,755    6,238      
            Genzyme acquisition facilities   11,226    11,226              
            Total undrawn credit facilities   23,464    11,471    5,755    6,238      

            (1)

            See Note D.17. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            (2)

            See Note D.3. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            (3)

            These comprise irrevocable commitments to suppliers of (i) property, plant and equipment, net of down payments (see Note D.3. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report) and (ii) goods and services.

            (4)

            Future service commitments relating to research & development license agreements mainly comprise research financing commitments, but also include consideration for access to technologies.

            (5)

            This line includes all potential milestone payments on projects regarded as reasonably possible, i.e., on projects in the development phase. Payments contingent upon the attainment of sales targets once a product is on the market are excluded.

            (6)

            See Note D.18. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            We may have payments due to our current or former research and development partners under collaborative agreements. These agreements typically cover multiple products, and give us the option to participate in development on a product-by-product basis. When we exercise our option with respect to a product, we pay our collaboration partner a fee and receive intellectual property rights to the product in exchange. We are also are generally required to fund some or all of the development costs for the products that we select, and to make payments to our partners when those products reach development milestones.

                    

            We have entered into collaboration agreements under which we have rights to acquire products or technology from third parties through the acquisition of shares, loans, license agreements, joint development, co-marketing and other contractual arrangements. In addition to upfront payments on signature of the agreement, our contracts frequently require us to make payments contingent upon the completion of development milestones by our alliance partner or upon the granting of approvals or licenses.

                    

            Because of the uncertain nature of development work, it is impossible to predict (i) whether sanofi-aventisSanofi will exercise further options for products, or (ii) whether the expected milestones will be achieved, or (iii) the number of compounds that will reach the relevant milestones. It is therefore impossible to estimate the maximum aggregate amount that sanofi-aventisSanofi will actually pay in the future under existing collaboration agreements.

                    

            Given the nature of its business, it is highly unlikely that sanofi-aventisSanofi will exercise all options for all products or that all milestones will be achieved.


                    

            The main collaboration agreements relating to development projects in the Pharmaceuticals segment are described below. Potential milestoneMilestone payments relating to development projects under these agreements amounted to €1.4€2.0 billion in 2010.

            In June 2010, sanofi-aventis2012. These exclude projects in the research phase (€5.0 billion in 2012, €4.2 billion in 2011) and Metabolexpayments contingent upon the attainment of sales targets once a product is on the market (€4.7 billion in 2012, €4.4 billion in 2011).

              Since acquiring Genzyme in April 2011, the Group has a commitment to Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. under a collaboration agreement signed in January 2008. This agreement granted an exclusive license to develop and commercialize Mipomersen, a global license agreement for MBX-2982,treatment in an oral agentadvanced development phase for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

            severe familial hypercholesterolemia.

            In May 2010, sanofi-aventis2011, Sanofi signed a license agreement with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals S.A. (Glenmark), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited India.

            India, to develop and commercialize GBR500, a novel monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Crohn's disease and other chronic auto-immune diseases.

            In June 2010, Sanofi signed an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement with Ascenta Therapeutics, a U.S. biopharmaceutical company, on a number of molecules that could restore apoptosis (cell death) in tumor cells.

            At the end of April 2010, Sanofi signed a license agreement with Glenmark for the development and commercialization of novel agents to treat chronic pain. Those agents are vanilloid receptor (TRPV3) antagonist molecules, including a first-in-class clinical compound, GRC 15300, which is currently in Phase I clinical development.

            In April 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed a global license agreement with CureDM Group Holdings, LLC for Pancreate™, a novel human peptide which could restore a patient’spatient's ability to produce insulin and other pancreatic hormones in both type 1 and 2 diabetes.



            In December 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi and the U.S. biotechnology company Alopexx Pharmaceuticals LLC simultaneously signed (i) a collaboration agreement, and (ii) an option for a license on an antibody for the prevention and treatment of infections originating in the bacterium that causes plague and other serious infections.



            At end September 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals Inc. signed an exclusive global licensing and collaboration agreement covering the MM-121 molecule for the management of solid malignancies.



            In May 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed a global license agreement in oncology with the biotechnology company Exelixis, Inc. for XL147 and XL765, and simultaneouslyXL765. Simultaneously Sanofi signed an exclusive research collaboration agreement for the discovery of inhibitors of Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase (PI3K) for the management of malignant tumors.

            tumors, that was terminated on December 22, 2011.

            May 2009: collaboration and licensing agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd, under which Sanofi obtained the worldwide rights to the anti-LIGHT fully human monoclonal antibody. This anti-LIGHT antibody is presently at preclinical development stage, and is expected to be first-in-class in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

            In September 2003, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed a collaboration agreement in oncology with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Regeneron) to develop the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Trap program. Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventisSanofi will pay 100% of the development costs of the VEGF Trap. Once a VEGF Trap product starts to be marketed, Regeneron will repay 50% of the development costs (originally paid by sanofi-aventis)Sanofi) in accordance with a formula based on Regeneron’sRegeneron's share of the profits.



            In November 2007, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed another collaboration agreement with Regeneron to discover, develop and commercialize fully-human therapeutic antibodies. This agreement was broadened, and its term extended;extended, on November 10, 2009. Under the terms of the development agreement, sanofi-aventisSanofi committed to fund 100% of the development costs of Regeneron’sRegeneron's antibody research program until 2017. Once a product begins to be marketed, Regeneron will repay out of its profits (provided they are sufficient) half of the development costs borne by sanofi-aventis.

            Sanofi.

                    

            Sanofi-aventisSanofi has also entered into the following major agreements, which are currently in a less advanced research phase:

              November 2012: collaboration agreement with Selecta Biosciences to identify and develop treatments against alimentary allergies using a nanoparticle-based technology.

              June 2011: exclusive worldwide research collaboration agreement and license option with Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Rib-X) for novel classes of antibiotics resulting from Rib-X's RX-04 program for the treatment of resistant Gram-positive and resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

              December 2010: a global licensing and patent transfer agreement with Ascendis Pharma (Ascendis) on the proprietary Transcon Linker and Hydrogel Carrier technology developed by Ascendis for precise, time-controlled release of therapeutic active ingredients into the body. The agreement will enable sanofi-aventisSanofi to develop, manufacture and commercialize products combining this technology with active molecules for the treatment of diabetes and related disorders.



            December 2010: alliance with Avila Therapeutics Inc. (Avila) to discover target covalent drugs for the treatment of cancers, directed towards six signaling proteins that are critical in tumor cells. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will have access to Avila's proprietary AvilomicsTM platform offering "protein silencing" for these pathogenic proteins.

            December 2010: alliance with Avila Therapeutics Inc. (Avila) to discover target covalent drugs for the treatment of cancers, directed towards six signaling proteins that are critical in tumor cells. Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventis will have access to Avila’s proprietary AvilomicsTM platform offering “protein silencing” for these pathogenic proteins.

            December 2010: an exclusive global licensing option with Oxford BioTherapeutics for three existing antibodies, plus a research and collaboration agreement to discover and validate new targets in oncology.



            September 2010: alliance with the Belfer Institute of Applied Cancer Science at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) to identify novel targets in oncology for the development of new therapeutic agents directed towards these targets and their associated biomarkers. Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventisSanofi will have access to the Belfer Institute’sInstitute's anticancer target identification and validation platform and to its translational medicine resources. Sanofi-aventisSanofi also has an option over an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize novel molecules directed towards the targets identified and validated under this research collaboration.



            June 2010: alliance with Regulus Therapeutics Inc. to discover, develop and commercialize novel micro-RNA therapeutics, initially in fibrosis. Sanofi-aventisSanofi also received an option, which if exercised, would provide access to the technology to develop and commercialize other micro-RNA based therapeutics, beyond the first four targets.

            June 2010: exclusive global collaboration and license

            October 2009: agreement with Ascenta Therapeutics,Micromet, Inc. to develop a U.S. biopharmaceutical company, onBiTE® antibody against a numbertumor antigen present at the surface of molecules that could restore apoptosis (cell death) in tumorcarcinoma cells.

            In June 2012, Sanofi decided to stop the BiTE® project and terminated the collaboration with Micromet.

                    

            October 2009: agreement with Micromet, Inc. to develop a BiTE® antibody against a tumor antigen present at the surface of carcinoma cells.

            May 2009: collaboration and licensing agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., under which sanofi-aventis obtained the worldwide rights to the anti-LIGHT fully human monoclonal antibody. This anti-LIGHT antibody is presently at preclinical development stage, and is expected to be first-in-class in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

            In the Vaccines segment, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur has entered into a number of collaboration agreements. Milestone payments relating to development projects under those agreements amounted to €0.3€0.2 billion in 2010.2012.

                    

            In December 2009, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur signed a donation letter to the World Health Organization (WHO). The terms of the agreement committed sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur to donate 10% of its future output of vaccines against A(H1N1), A(H5N1) or any other influenza strain with pandemic potential, up to a maximum of 100 million doses. Since this agreement was put in place, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur has already donated to the WHO some of the doses covered by the commitment.

            Critical accounting and reporting policies

                    

            Our consolidated financial statements are affected by the accounting and reporting policies that we use. Certain of our accounting and reporting policies are critical to an understanding of our results of operations and financial condition, and in some cases the application of these critical policies can be significantly affected by the estimates, judgments and assumptions made by management during the preparation of our consolidated financial


            statements. The accounting and reporting policies that we have identified as fundamental to a full understanding of our results of operations and financial condition are the following:

              Revenue recognition. Our policies with respect to revenue recognition are discussed in Note B.14. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. Revenue arising from the sale of goods is presented in the income statement under “Net sales”"Net sales". Net sales comprise revenue from sales of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, and active ingredients, net of sales returns, of customer incentives and discounts, and of certain sales-based payments paid or payable to the healthcare authorities. Revenue is recognized when all of the following conditions have been met: the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer; the Group no longer has effective control over the goods sold; the amount of revenue and costs associated with the transaction can be measured reliably; and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group.

              We offer various types of price reductions on our products. In particular, products sold in the United States are covered by various programs (such as Medicare and Medicaid) under which products are sold at a discount. Rebates are granted to healthcare authorities, and under contractual arrangements with certain customers. Some wholesalers are entitled to chargeback incentives based on the selling price to the end customer, under specific contractual arrangements. Cash discounts may also be granted for prompt payment. The discounts, incentives and rebates described above are estimated on the basis of specific contractual arrangements with our customers or of specific terms of the relevant regulations and/or agreements applicable for transactions with healthcare authorities, and of assumptions ofabout the attainment of sales targets. They are recognized in the period in which the underlying sales are recognized, as a reduction of sales revenue. We also estimate the amount of product returns, on the basis of contractual sales terms and reliable historical data; the same recognition principles apply to sales returns. For additional details regarding the financial impact of discounts, rebates and sales returns, see Note D.23. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

              Non-product revenues, mainly comprising royalty income from license arrangements that constitute ongoing operations of the Group, are presented in “Other revenues”"Other revenues".

            Business combinations.  As discussed in Note B.3. “Business"Business combinations and transactions with non-controlling interests”interests" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, business combinations are accounted for by the acquisition method. The acquiree’sacquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that satisfy the recognition criteria of IFRS 3 “Business combinations”"Business combinations" are measured initially at their fair values as at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets classified as held for sale, which are measured at fair value less costs to sell. Business combinations completed on or after January 1, 2010 are accounted for in accordance with the revised IFRS 3 and the revised IAS 27, “Consolidated"Consolidated and individual financial statements”statements". In particular, contingent consideration to former owners agreed in a business combination, e.g. in the form of milestone payments upon the achievement of certain R&D milestones, is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any subsequent changes in amounts recorded as a liability are recognized in the consolidated income statement.statement (see Note D.18. "Liabilities related to business combinations and non-controlling interests" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).



            Goodwill impairment and intangible assets.  As discussed in Note B.6. “Impairment"Impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and investments in associates and joint ventures”ventures" and in Note D.5. “Impairment"Impairment of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment”equipment" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, we test our intangible assets periodically for impairment. The most significant intangible assets that we test for impairment are those resulting from the business combination of Sanofi-Synthélabo and Aventis in 2004. We test for impairment on the basis of the same objective criteria that were used for the initial valuation. Our initial valuation and ongoing tests are based on the relationship of the value of our projected future cash flows associated with the asset to either the purchase price of the asset (for its initial valuation) or the carrying amount of the asset (for ongoing tests). The determination of the underlying assumptions relating to the recoverability of intangible assets is subjective and requires the exercise of considerable judgment. Key assumptions relating to goodwill impairment and intangible assets are the perpetual growth rate and the post-tax discount rate. Any changes in key assumptions could result in an impairment charge. A sensitivity analysis to the key assumptions is performed and disclosed in Note D.5. “Impairment "Impairment

                of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment”equipment" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

            Pensions and post-retirement benefits.  As described in Note B.23. “Employee"Employee benefit obligations”obligations" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, we recognize our pension and retirement benefit commitments as liabilities on the basis of an actuarial estimate of the potential rights vested in employees and retirees as of the balance sheet date, net of the valuation of funds to meet these obligations. We prepare this estimate at least on an annual basis, taking into account actuarial assumptions, including life expectancy, staff turnover, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, retirement and discounting of amounts payable. PensionsThe key assumptions for pensions and post-retirement benefits key assumptions are the discount rate and the expected long term rate of return on plan assets.

                Depending on the discount rate used, the pension and post-retirement benefit expense could vary within a range of outcomes and have a material effect on equity because in applying IAS 19 (Employee Benefits), we have elected to recognize all actuarial gains and losses (including the impact of a change in discount rate) immediately through equity. A sensitivity analysis to discount rate is performedset forth in Note D.19.1. “Provisions"Provisions for pensions and other benefits”benefits" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                Depending on the expected long term rate of return on plan assets used, the pension and post-retirement benefit expense could vary within a range of outcomes and have a material effect on reported earnings. A sensitivity analysis to expected long term rate of return is performedset forth in Note D.19.1. “Provisions"Provisions for pensions and other benefits”benefits" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report. As indicated in Note B.28.1. to our consolidated financial statements, the amended IAS 19 issued by the IASB in June 2011 will be applicable as from January 1, 2013 to our consolidated financial statements. The comparative periods presented in the 2013 financial statements will require retrospective application of the new standard. The application of this change would have reduced business net income by €47 million in 2011 and by €78 million in 2012. The impact of this change on shareholders' equity would have been negligible.

              Deferred taxes.  As discussed in Note B.22. “Income"Income tax expense”expense" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, we account for deferred taxes using the liability method, whereby deferred income taxes are recognized on tax loss carry-forwards, and on the difference between the tax base and carrying amount of assets and liabilities. We calculate our deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates applicable for the years during which we estimate that the temporary differences are expected to reverse. We do not recognize deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The estimates of recognized deferred tax assets are based on our assumptions regarding future profits and the timing of reversal of temporary differences. These assumptions are regularly reviewed; however, final deferred income tax could differ from those estimates.

              and liabilities using enacted tax rates applicable for the years during which we estimate that the temporary differences are expected to reverse. We do not recognize deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The estimates of recognized deferred tax assets are based on our assumptions regarding future profits and the timing of reversal of temporary differences. These assumptions are regularly reviewed; however, final deferred income tax could differ from those estimates.



              Provisions for risks. Sanofi-aventis  Sanofi and its subsidiaries and affiliates may be involved in litigation, arbitration or other legal proceedings. These proceedings typically are related to product liability claims, intellectual property rights, compliance and trade practices, commercial claims, employment and wrongful discharge claims, tax assessment claims, waste disposal and pollution claims, and claims under warranties or indemnification arrangements relating to business divestitures. As discussed in Note B.12. “Provisions"Provisions for risks”risks" at Item 18 of this annual report, we record a provision where we have a present obligation, whether legal or constructive, as a result of a past event; when it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and when a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the outflow of resources. For additional details regarding the financial impact of provisions for risks see Notes D.19.3. “Other provisions”"Other provisions" and D.22. “Legal"Legal and Arbitral Proceedings”Proceedings" to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

                1998-2008             1988-2008 Various positions at the GSK group, including President Pharmaceutical Operations for North America
            2004-2008Member of the Cardinal Club (United States)

            Past directorships held since 2006

            Director of GlaxoSmithkline plc until November 2008 (United Kingdom)
            Member of the Board of Triangle United Way (United States, 2003-2008), of Cardinal Club (United States, 2004-2008) and GlaxoSmithKline NC Foundation (United States, 2003-2008)
            Vice Chairman of Portfolio Management Board of GSK plc (United Kingdom, 2007-2008)
            Member of Advisory Council of Center for Healthcare Transformation (United States, until 2010)

             

            Laurent AttalDate of birth:February 11, 1958
            500 sharesNationality:French
            First elected:May 2012
            Term expires:2016

            Directorships and appointments of Laurent Attal

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Uwe BickerDirector of Sanofi*

            Independent Director

            Member of the Strategy Committee of Sanofi

             

            Director ofFondation d'Entreprise L'Oréal


            In foreign companies

            None


            None

            Past directorships held since 2008

            In French Companies

            None


            None

            Table of Contents

            In foreign companies

            None

            President and Chief Executive Officer of L'Oréal USA (United States, until 2009)

            Education and business experience

            Doctor in medicine, dermatologist
            MBA from INSEAD (Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires)

            Since 1986Various positions within the L'Oréal* Group notably within the active cosmetics division
            Since 2002Member of L'Oréal* Executive Committee
            Since 2010Executive Vice-President Research and Innovation at L'Oréal*


            Uwe BickerDate of birthbirth:June 14, 1945
            600 sharesNationality:German
            First elected:May 2008
            Last reappointment:May 2012
            Term expires:2016

            Directorships and appointments of Uwe Bicker

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            NationalityIndependent director of Sanofi*

            First elected

            Term expiresMember of the Strategy Committee of Sanofi

             

            June 14, 1945 None


            In foreign companies

            None

            Trustee of the Aventis Foundation (1) (not-for-profit, Germany)

            GermanMember of the Supervisory Board of Future Capital AG (Germany)

            May 2008Chairman of the Board of Marburg University (Germany)

            2012Member of the Advisory Board of Morgan Stanley (Germany)


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None


            None

            In foreign companies

            None

            Member of the Board of Trustees of Bertelsmann Stiftung (Bertelsmann Foundation, Germany, until 2011)

            Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Holding GmbH (Germany, until 2012)

            Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Epigenomics AG (Germany) and of Definiens AG (Germany, until 2012)

            600 shares


            Other current directorships and(1)
            No compensation is paid for this office. The appointments

            Member of the Strategy Committee of sanofi-aventis
            Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Holding GmbH (Germany)
            Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Epigenomics AG (Germany)
            Member of the Supervisory Board of Future Capital AG (Germany) and Definiens AG (Germany)
            Director of Fondation Aventis (Foundation, Germany)
            Chairman of the Board of Marburg University (Germany)
            Member of to the Board of Trustees of Bertelsmann Stiftung (Bertelsmannthe Foundation Germany)are performed independently from Sanofi.

            Contents

            Education and business experience

            Doctorate in chemistry and in medicine
            Honorary Doctorate, Klausenburg University
            Honorary Senator, Heidelberg University

                1975-1994            

                1994-2004            

            Since 1983

             Professor at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg (Germany)
            Since 2011Dean at the Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University (Germany)

            Managing Director at the University Clinic of Mannheim (Germany)

            1975-1994Various positions at Boehringer Mannheim GmbH (later Roche AG)

            (Germany)

            1994-2004Various positions at Hoechst group

            Professor at (Germany)

            1997-2007Chairman of the Medical FacultySupervisory Board of Heidelberg

            Dade Behring GmbH (Germany)

             

            Past directorships held since 2006

            N/A

            Robert Castaigne

             Date of birthbirth:April 27, 1946
            1,000 sharesNationality:French
            First elected:February 2000
            Last reappointment:May 2010
            Term expires:2014

            Directorships and appointments of Robert Castaigne

            Within the Sanofi Group April 27, 1946Outside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Director

            Independent director of Sanofi*

            Member of the Audit Committee of Sanofi

             

            Nationality

            Société Générale*:

            Director

            Member of the Audit, Internal control and Risk Committee

            Vinci*:

            Director

            Member of the Audit Committee

            Member of the Remuneration Committee


            In foreign companies

            None


            None

            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None

             

            FrenchMember of the Remuneration Committee of Vinci* (until 2009)


            In foreign companies

            First electedNone

             

            February 2000

            Last reappointment

            May 2008

            Term expires

            2014Director and member of the Audit Committee of Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille (Belgium, until 2011)

            500 shares

            Other current directorships and appointments

            Member of the Audit Committee of sanofi-aventis
            Director of Vinci, Société Générale and Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille (Belgium)
            Member of the Audit Committee of Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille (Belgium)
            Member of the Audit, Internal control and Risk Committee of Société Générale
            Member of the Financial Statements Committee of Vinci

            Education and business experience

            Degree from theEcole Centrale de Lille and theEcole Nationale Supérieure du Pétrole et des Moteurs
            Degree fromEcole Centrale de Lille andEcole Nationale Supérieure du Pétrole et des Moteurs
            Doctorate in economic scienceseconomics

            1972-2008 Various positions at the Total Group,Total* group, including Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Committee (June 1994 — May 2008)

            (1994-2008)

            Past directorships held since 2006

            • Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Total Chimie (1996-2008) and of Total Nucléaire (1992-2008)
            • 1995-2008

            Director of Elf Aquitaine (2000-2008), of Hutchinson (1995-2008), of Total Gestion Filiales (1994-2008),
            1996-2008Director of Omnium Insurance & Reinsurance Company Ltd (Bermuda, 1996-2008), of Petrofina (Belgium, 1999-
            2008), of Total Upstream UK Ltd (United-Kingdom, 2005-2008), Total Gabon (2003-2008), of Arkema
            (2000-2006) and of Alphega (Bermuda, 2000-2006)

            (Bermuda)

            Table of Contents


            Thierry DesmarestDate of birth:December 18, 1945
            1,017 sharesNationality:French
            First elected:February 2000
            Last reappointment:May 2011
            Term expires:2015

            Directorships and appointments of Thierry Desmarest

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Thierry DesmarestDirector of Sanofi*

            Director

            Member of the Compensation Committee of Sanofi

            Member of the Appointments and Governance Committee of Sanofi

            Member of the Strategy Committee of Sanofi

             

            Date

            Total SA*:

            Director and Honorary President

            Chairman of birththe Nominating and Governance Committee

            Nationality

            First electedMember of the Compensation Committee

            Last reappointment

            Term expiresMember of the Strategy Committee

            Chairman ofFondation Total

            L'Air Liquide*:

            Director

            Member of the Appointments and Governance Committee

            Member of the Compensation Committee

            Renault group:

            Director of Renault SA*

            Director of Renault SAS

            Chairman of the International Strategy Committee of Renault SA

            Member of the Remuneration Committee of Renault SA

            Member of the Industrial Strategy Committee of Renault SA

            Member of the Board of Directors of l'Ecole Polytechnique and Chairman ofFondation de l'Ecole Polytechnique

            Director ofMusée du Louvre


            In foreign companies

            None

             

            December 18, 1945Bombardier Inc. (Canada):

            FrenchDirector

            February 2000Member of the Appointments and Governance Committee

            May 2008

            2011Member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None

            Chairman of the Board of Directors of Total SA* (until 2010)

            Member of the Supervisory Board of Areva* (until 2010)


            In foreign companies

            None


            None

            500 shares    


            Other current directorships and appointments

            Contents

            Education and business experience

            Degree fromEcole Polytechnique andEcole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris

            Degree from L’Ecole Polytechnique and L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris
            2000-2007CEO and Chairman of the Board of Elf Aquitaine

            Since 1981

             Various positions at the TotalTotal* group including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1995-2007). Chairman of the Board of Directors (February 2007-May 2010); since May 21, 2010. Honorary President of Total SA and Member of the Board of Directors as well as the Chairman of the Total foundation.

             

            Past directorships held since 2006

            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elf Aquitaine (2000-2007)
            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Total S.A. (1995-2007)
            Chairman of the Board of Directors of Total (2007-2010)
            Member of the Supervisory Board of Areva (2001-2010)

            Lord Douro

            Independent Director

             

            Date of birth

            Nationality

            First elected

            Last reappointment

            Term expires

            birth:
             

            August 19, 1945

            2,000 sharesNationality:British

            First elected:May 2002

            Last reappointment:May 2006

            2010

            Term expires:2014

            1,000 sharesDirectorships and appointments of Lord Douro

            Within the Sanofi Group

            Outside the Sanofi Group

            Other currentCurrent directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Independent Director of Sanofi*

            • 

            Member of the Appointments and Governance Committee andof Sanofi

            Member of the Strategy Committee of sanofi-aventisSanofi

            None


            In foreign companies

            None

            • Chairman of Richemont Holdings UK Ltd (United Kingdom) and Kings College London (United Kingdom)

             Director of Pernod Ricard,

            Compagnie Financière Richemont AGAG* (Switzerland), Abengoa Bioenergy (Spain) and GAM Worldwide (United Kingdom):

            • Advisor of Crédit Agricole (United Kingdom)

            • Director

            Member of the Appointments Committee and of the Compensation Committee of Compagnie Financière Richemont AG (Switzerland)

            Director of RIT CapitalGAM Worldwide (United Kingdom)

            Member of the International Advisory Board of Abengoa SA* (Spain)

            RIT Capital* (United Kingdom):

            Director

            Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and the Conflicts Committee of RIT Capital (United Kingdom)

            • 

            Member of the Nominations Committee of RIT Capital (United Kingdom)


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None

            EducationPernod Ricard*:

            Director (until 2011)

            Member of the Compensation Committee and business experienceof the Appointments Committee (until 2010)


            In foreign companies

            None

            Director of Abengoa Bioenergy (Spain, until 2011)

            • Degree from Oxford UniversityAdvisor to Crédit Agricole CIB (United Kingdom, until 2012)


            Table of Contents

            Education and business experience

            Master of Arts from Oxford University

            1979-1989

             Member of the European Parliament

            1995-2000

             Chairman of Sun Life & Provincial Holdings PlcPlc* (United Kingdom)

            1993-2005

            Chairman of Framlington Ltd (United Kingdom)
            2003-2007

             Commissioner of English Heritage (United Kingdom)

             

            Past directorships held since 2006

            • Member of the Compensation Committee and the Appointments Committee of Pernod Ricard

            Jean-René Fourtou

            Independent Director

             

            Date of birth

            Nationality

            First elected

            Last reappointment

            Term expires

            birth:
             

            June 20, 1939

            4,457 sharesNationality:French

            First elected:August 2004

            Last reappointment:May 2008

            2012

            Term expires:2016

            Directorships and appointments of Jean-René Fourtou

            4,457 shares

            Within the Sanofi Group

            Outside the Sanofi Group

            Other currentCurrent directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Independent director of Sanofi*

            • 

            Member of the Compensation Committee of Sanofi

            Member of the Appointments and Governance Committee andof Sanofi

            Member of the Strategy Committee of sanofi-aventisSanofi

            • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Vivendi and of Groupe Canal +Vivendi*


            In foreign companies

            None

            • Member of the Supervisory Board of Maroc Telecom (Morocco)Telecom* (Vivendi Group, Morocco)


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None

            Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Group Canal+* (until 2011)

            Axa*:

            Vice President, then member of the Supervisory Board (until 2009)

            Member of the Ethics and Governance Committee (until 2009)

            Director of AxaAXA Millésimes SAS and Nestlé (Switzerland)(until 2011)

            Director of Cap Gemini SA* (until 2009)


            In foreign companies

            EducationNone

            Director of NBC Universal Inc. (United States, until 2010)

            Director and business experience

            • Degree frommember of theEcole Polytechnique Compensation Committee of Nestlé* (Switzerland, until 2012)


            Table of Contents

            Education and business experience

            Degree fromÉcole Polytechnique

            1963-1986

             Various positions at the Bossard group, including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1977-1986)

            1986-1999

                1999-2004

             

            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rhône-Poulenc

            ne-Poulenc*

            1999-2004Vice Chairman of the Management Board, then Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board and member of the Strategy Committee of Aventis

            Aventis*

            2002-2005

             Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vivendi

            Vivendi*

            Past directorships held since 2006

            •  2002-2008

            Vice PresidentChairman, Chairman then memberHonorary Chairman of the Supervisory BoardInternational Chamber of AXA (1990-2009)

            •  Director of Cap Gemini (2005-2009)

            •  Director of NBC Universal Inc. (United States, 2004-2010)

            Commerce

             

            Claudie Haigneré

            Independent Director

             

            Date of birth

            Nationality

            First elected

            Term expires

            birth:
             

            May 13, 1957

            500 sharesNationality:French

            First elected:May 2008

            Last reappointment:May 2012

            Term expires:2016

            Directorships and appointments of Claudie Haigneré

            500 shares

            Within the Sanofi Group

            Outside the Sanofi Group

            Other currentCurrent directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Independent director of Sanofi*

            •  

            Member of the Compensation Committee and the Appointments and Governance Committee of sanofi-aventisSanofi

            Member of the Compensation Committee of Sanofi

            France Telecom*:

            Director

            Member of the Strategy Committee

            Chairman of the Board of Directors ofLa Géode

            Chairman of Universcience (Cité(Cité des Sciences et de l'IndustrieandPalais de la Découverte)couverte)

            Director ofFondation de France

            Director ofFondation CGénial

            Director ofFondation d'Entreprise L'Oréal

            Director ofFondation Lacoste

            Member ofAcadémie des Technologies, ofAcadémie des Sports, ofAcadémie Nationale de l'Air et de l'Espace

            Director ofEcole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Campus Condorcet, and PRES HESAM(Pôle de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur Hautes-Etudes-Sorbonne-Arts-et-Métiers)


            In foreign companies

            None


            None

            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None

            Counselor at the European Space Agency (until 2009)

            Director and Chairman of theCité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (until 2009)

            Chairman ofPalais de la Découverte (until 2009)

            Director of the Aéro Club de France (until 2011)

            Vice President of the IAA (International Academy of Astronautics)

            •  Director of France Telecom, of Aéro-Club de France, of Fondation de France, of Fondation CGénial and of Fondation d’Entreprise L’Oréal (Foundations)

            •  Member of Académie des Technologies, Académie des Sports and Académie Nationale de l’Air et de l’Espace

            •  Member of the Strategy Committee of France TelecomAstronautics, until 2011)


            In foreign companies

            None


            None

            Table of Contents

            Education and business experience

            Rheumatologist, doctorate in sciences majoring in neurosciences
            Selected in 1985 by the CNES (French National Space Center) as aan astronaut candidate astronaut

            1984-1992 Rheumatologist, Cochin Hospital (Paris)
            1996 Scientific space mission to the MIR space station (Cassiopée, Franco-Russian mission)
            2001 TechnicalScientific and scientifictechnical space mission to the International Space Station (Andromède mission)
            2002-2004 Deputy Minister for Research and New Technologies in French government
            2004-2005 Deputy Minister for European Affairs
            2005-2009Counselor to at the European Space Agency (ESA)

            Past directorships held since 2006

            Chairman of the Cité des Sciences and Palais de la Découverte until 2009

             

            Igor Landau

            Date of birth:July 13, 1944
            500 sharesNationality:French
            First elected:August 2004
            Last reappointment:May 2011
            Term expires:2015

            Directorships and appointments of Igor Landau

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Director of Sanofi*

             

            Date

            Director of birthINSEAD (Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires)


            In foreign companies

            Nationality

            First elected

            Last reappointment

            Term expiresNone

             

            July 13, 1944Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adidas* (Germany)

            FrenchAllianz AG* (Germany):

            August 2004Member of the Supervisory Board

            MayMember of the Audit Committee


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None

            Director of HSBC France (until 2012)


            In foreign companies

            None

            Allianz AG* (Germany, until 2012):

            2011Member of the Steering Committee

            Member of the General Committee

            Member of the Mediation Committee

            Member of the Nomination Committee

            12,116 shares

            Other current directorships and appointments

            Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adidas-Salomon (Germany)
            Director of HSBC France and INSEAD
            Member of the Supervisory Board of Allianz AG (Germany)

            Education and business experience

            Degree from HEC (Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales)
            MBA from INSEAD (Institut Européen d'Aministration des Affaires)

            Degree from theEcole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales(HEC) and from INSEAD (Master of Business Administration)

            1968-1970 Chief Executive Officer of the German subsidiary of La Compagnie du Roneo (Frankfurt)(Germany)
            1971-1975 Management consultant at McKinsey (Paris)(France)
            1975-2004 Various positions at the Rhône-Poulenc group, including member of the Management Board of Aventis (1999-2002) and Chairman of the Management Board of Aventis (2002-2004)
            2001-2005 Director of EssilorEssilor*
            2002-2005 Director of Thomson (now called Technicolor)Thomson* (later Technicolor*)
            2003-2006Member of the Supervisory Board of Dresdner Bank (Germany)


            Past directorships held since 2006Table of Contents


            Member of the Supervisory Board of Dresdner Bank (Germany, 2003-2006)

            Suet-Fern LeeDate of birth:May 16, 1958
            500 sharesNationality:Singaporean
            First elected:May 2011
            Term expires:2015

            Directorships and appointments of Suet-Fern Lee

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Christian MulliezIndependent director of Sanofi*

            Director

             

            Date

            Axa*:

            Director

            Member of birththe Finance Committee


            In foreign companies

            Nationality

            First elected

            Last reappointment

            Term expiresNone

             November 10, 1960

            FrenchDirector of Macquarie International Infrastructure Fund Ltd* (Bermuda)

            June 2004Director of National Heritage Board (Singapore)

            May 2010Director of Rickmers Trust Management Pte Ltd* (Singapore)

            2014Director of Stamford Coporate Services Pte Ltd (Singapore)

            Chairman of the Board of directors of the Asian Civilizations Museum (Singapore)


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None


            None

            In foreign companies

            None

            Director of Richina Pacific Limited* (Bermuda, until 2009)

            Director of Transcu Group Limited* (Singapore, until 2010)

            Director of Sembcorp Industries Ltd* (Singapore, until 2011)

            1,324 shares

            Other current directorships and appointments

            Vice President, General Manager Administration and Finance of L’Oréal
            Chairman of the Board of Directors of Regefi
            Director of DG 17 Invest, L’Oréal USA Inc., The Body Shop International (United Kingdom) and Galderma Pharma (Switzerland)

            Education and business experience

            Law degree from Cambridge University (1980)
            Admitted to London (1981) and Singapore (1982) Bars
            Senior Partner of Stamford Law Corporation (Singapore)

            Degree from theEcole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC)

            Since 2006Member of the Board of Trustees of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)

            Member of the Accounting Advisory Board of National University of Singapore Business School (Singapore)

            Since 2007Member of the Advisory Committee of the Singapore Management University School of Law (Singapore)
            2000-2007Director of ECS Holdings Limited* (Singapore)
            2004-2007Director of International Capital Investment Limited (Singapore)

            Director of Media Asia Entertainment Group Limited (Hong Kong)

            Director of Transpac Industrial Holdings Limited* (Singapore)

            2005-2008Director of China Aviation Oil* (Singapore)
            2006-2008Director of Sincere Watch* (Hong Kong)
            2010-2011President of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association

            Table of Contents


            Christian MulliezDate of birth:November 10, 1960
            1,423 sharesNationality:French
            First elected:June 2004
            Last reappointment:May 2010
            Term expires:2014

            Directorships and appointments of Christian Mulliez

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Director of Sanofi*

            Member of the Audit Committee of Sanofi

            Member of the Compensation Committee of Sanofi

            Vice President, General Manager Administration and Finance of L'Oréal*

            Chairman of the Board of Directors of Regefi

            Director of DG 17 Invest


            In foreign companies

            None

            Director of L'Oréal USA Inc. (United States)

            Director of Galderma Pharma (Switzerland)

            Director of The Body Shop International (United Kingdom)


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None


            None

            In foreign companies

            None


            None

            Education and business experience

            Degree from ESSEC (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales)

            Since 2003Executive Vice President Administration and Finance at L'Oréal*
            1984-2002 Various positions at Synthélabo and then at Sanofi-Synthélabo, including Vice President Finance
                Since 2003Executive Vice President Administration and Finance L’Oréal

             

            Past directorships held since 2006

            N/A

            Carole PiwnicaDate of birth:February 12, 1958
            500 sharesNationality:Belgian
            First elected:December 2010
            Last reappointment:May 2012
            Term expires:2016

            Directorships and appointments of Carole Piwnica

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            Current directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Lindsay Owen-JonesIndependent director of Sanofi*

            Director

            Member of the Audit Committee of Sanofi

             

            Date

            Eutelsat Communications*:

            Director

            Chairman of birththe Committee of Governance, Compensation and Appointment


            Table of Contents

            In foreign companies

            Nationality

            First elected

            Last reappointment

            Term expiresNone

             

            March 17, 1946Director of Naxos UK Ltd (United Kingdom)

            BritishDirector of Big Red (United States)

            May 1999Director of Elevance (United States)

            May 2008Director of Amyris Inc.* (United States)

            2012Director of Louis Delhaize* (Belgium)


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None


            None

            In foreign companies

            None

            Director of Toepfer GmbH (Germany, until 2010)

            Director of Dairy Crest Plc.* (United Kingdom, until 2010)

            Member of the Ethical Committee of Monsanto* (United States, until 2009)

            Aviva Plc.* (United Kingdom, until 2011):

            Director

            Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

            Member of the Compensation Committee

            15,000 shares

            Other current directorships and appointments

            Member of the Compensation Committee, of the Appointments and Governance Committee and of the Strategy Committee of sanofi-aventis
            Chairman of the Board of Directors of L’Oréal
            Chairman of the Strategy and Implementation Committee of L’Oréal
            Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fondation d’Entreprise L’Oréal (Foundation)
            Chairman of Alba Plus, L’Oréal UK Ltd (United Kingdom) and L’Oréal USA Inc. (United States)
            Director of Ferrari S.p.A. (Italy)

            Education and business experience

            Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Oxford University and degree from INSEAD

                Since 1969

            Various positions at the L’Oréal group, including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1988-2006) and Chairman of the Board of Directors since April 25, 2006

                1989-2005

            Director of BNP Paribas

            Past directorships held since 2006

            Chief Executive of L’Oréal (1988-2006)
            Vice-President and member of the Supervisory Board of L’Air Liquide (2001-2006)
            Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of L’Air Liquide (2006-2009)
            Director of Galderma Pharma until 2006

            Carole Piwnica(1)

            Independent Director

            Date of birth

            Nationality

            First elected (Co-optation)

            Term expires

            February 12, 1958

            Belgian

            December 2010

            2012

            Other current directorships and appointments

            Chief executive officer of Naxos UK Ltd (United Kingdom)

            Director and Chairman of the Committee of Governance, Compensation and Appointment of Eutelsat Communications

            Director of Louis Delhaize (Belgium) and Amyris Inc. (United States)

            Director, Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee and member of the Compensation Committee of Aviva Plc (United Kingdom)

            Education and business experience

            Degree in law,Université Libre de Bruxelles

            Masters in law, New York University

            Admitted to Paris and New York Bars

            1985-1991

             Attorney at Proskauer, Rose (NY)(New York) and Shearman & Sterling (Paris) with practice in mergers and acquisitions

            1991-1994

             General Counsel of Gardini & Associés

            1994-2000

             Chief Executive Officer of Amylum France, then Chairman of Amylum Group
            1998-2004Director of Spadel (Belgium)
            1996-2006Director of Tate & Lyle Plc. (United Kingdom)
            2000-2006Director and Vice-Chairman of Tate & Lyle Plc. for Governmental Affairs (United Kingdom)
            1996-2006Chairman of the Liaison Committee and director of theConfédération Européenne des Industries Agro-Alimentaires (CIAA)
            2000-2006Chairman of the Export Commission and director of theAssociation Nationale des Industries Alimentaires (ANIA)


            Past directorships held since 2006Table of Contents


            Director of Dairy Crest Plc (United Kingdom, 2007-2010)

            Vice-Chairman and Director of Tate & Lyle Plc (United Kingdom, 1996-2006) and Vice-Chairman for Governmental Affairs (2000-2006)
            Director of the CIAA (Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the European Union) (1996-2006)
            Director of Toepfel GmbH (Germany, 1996-2010) and of Spadel (Belgium, 1998-2004)
            Member of the Ethical Committee of Monsanto (United States, 2006-2009)

            Klaus Pohle

            Independent Director

             

            Date of birth

            Nationality

            First elected

            Last reappointment

            Term expires

            Birth:
             

            November 3, 1937

            2,500 sharesNationality:German

            First appointment:August 2004

            Last reappointment:May 2008

            2012

            Term expires:2016

            Directorships and appointments of Klaus Pohle

            Within the Sanofi GroupOutside the Sanofi Group

            2,500 shares


            Other currentCurrent directorships and appointments


            In French companies

            Independent director of Sanofi*

            •  

            Chairman of the Audit Committee of sanofi-aventisSanofi

            None


            In foreign companies

            None

            •  DirectorTrustee of Labelux GroupAventis Foundation(2) (not-for-profit, Germany)


            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            None


            None

            In foreign companies

            None

            DWS Investment GmbH, (Switzerland)Frankfurt (Germany, until 2009):

            •  Director and

            Member of the Supervisory Board

            Chairman of the Audit Committee

            Director of Labelux Group GmbH* (Switzerland, until 2011)

            Coty Inc.,* New York (United States)States, until 2011):

            •  Professor of business administration at Berlin Institute of Technology (Germany)

            Director

            (1)   In accordance withChairman of the Articles of Association, Carole Piwnica will buy 500 shares.Audit Committee

            Education and business experience

            Doctorate in economics from Berlin University (Germany)
            Doctorate in law from Frankfurt University (Germany)
            LLM from Harvard University (United States)
            Professor of Business Administration at the Berlin Institute of Technology (Germany)

            Education and business experience

            • Doctorate in law from Frankfurt University (Germany)

            • Doctorate in economics from Berlin University (Germany)

            • Masters in law from Harvard University

            • Professor of Business Administration at the Berlin Institute of Technology

            1966-1980

             Various positions at the BASF group (Germany)

            1981-2003

             Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Schering AG (Germany)

            2003-2005

             Chairman of the German Accounting Standards Board

            (Germany)

            Past directorships held since 2006

            • President2004-2008

            Various positions at Hypo Real Estate Holding AG*, Munich, including Chairman of the Supervisory Board (in 2008) and Vice-President of the Supervisory Board of Hypo Real Estate Holding AG, Munich (Germany)

            • Member of the Supervisory Board of DWs investment GmbH (Germany, prior to 2005-2009)

             


            (2)
            No compensation is paid for this office. The appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Foundation are performed independently from Sanofi.

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            Gérard Van Kemmel

            Independent Director

             

            Date of birth

            Nationality

            First elected

            Last reappointment

            Term expires

            birth:
             

            August 8, 1939

            1,005 sharesNationality:French

            First elected:May 2003

            Last reappointment:May 2007

            2011

            Term expires:2015

            Directorships and appointments of Gérard Van Kemmel

            500 shares

            Within the Sanofi Group

            Outside the Sanofi Group

            Other currentCurrent directorships and appointments

            In French companies

            Independent director of Sanofi*

            • 

            Chairman of the Compensation Committee of Sanofi

            Member of the Audit Committee andof Sanofi

            Member of the Appointments and Governance Committee of sanofi-aventisSanofi

            • Director of EuropacorpEuropacorp*:

            • 

            Director

            Member of the Audit Committee of Europacorp


            In foreign companies

            None


            None

            Past directorships since 2008

            In French companies

            Education and business experienceNone

            • GraduateDirector of theEcole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC)Groupe Eurotunnel* (until 2010)


            In foreign companies

            None

             MBA degree from the Stanford Business School

            Director of Eurotunnel NRS Holders Company Limited (United Kingdom, until 2010)

            Education and business experience

            Graduate of HEC (Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales)
            MBA from the Stanford Business School

            1966-1995

             Various positions including President of Arthur Andersen and Andersen Consulting in France (1976-1995) and Chairman of the Board of Arthur Andersen Worldwide (1989-1994)

            1996-1997

             Advisor,Senior advisor to French Finance Minister

            1997-2006

             Various positions at Cambridge Technology Partners (Chiefincluding Chief Operating Officer) and at Novell (Chairman EMEA)

            Officer

            Past directorships held since 2006

            2004-2006

            Various positions at Novell* including President EMEA then Europe Chairman of Novell (United States, 2004-2006)

            • Director of Groupe Eurotunnel

            • Director of Eurotunnel NRS Holders Company Limited (United Kingdom, until 2010)

                    

            During 2010 the Board of Directors met nine times, with an overall attendance rate among Board members of more than 90.17%. This attendance rate is particularly high, given that several meetings were called at short notice, largely as a result of the project to acquire Genzyme. Notwithstanding, participation in Board meetings by conference call remained limited to extraordinary meetings, and applied to only a limited number of directors.

            Several changes in theThe composition of the Board of Directors occurredchanged in 2010. Jean-Marc Bruel did not seek reappointment upon expiration2012. The term of his termoffice of Lindsay Owen-Jones expired at the close of the Shareholders' General Meeting held on May 17, 2010. On the same day, following the Shareholder’s General Meeting Jean-François Dehecq resigned as a Director. On July 1, 2010, Patrick de La Chevardière

            announced his resignation4, 2012. Laurent Attal was appointed as a Director and on December 15, 2010, Carole Piwnica was co-opted by the Board of Directors to serve for his remaining term of office, subject to shareholder ratificationour Company at the upcomingShareholders' General Meeting scheduled forheld on May 6, 2011.4, 2012.


            Executive Committee

                    

            The Executive Committee is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer.

                    

            The Committee meets twiceonce a month, and has the following permanent members:

              Christopher Viehbacher,, Chief Executive Officer;



            Olivier Charmeil,Senior Vice President Vaccines;



            Jérôme Contamine,, Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer;



            David-Alexandre Gros, Senior Vice President Chief Strategy Officer;

            Karen Linehan,, Senior Vice President Legal Affairs and General Counsel;


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              Philippe Luscan,, Senior Vice President Industrial Affairs;



            Roberto Pucci,, Senior Vice President Human Resources;



            Hanspeter Spek,, President Global Operations; and



            Elias Zerhouni,, President, Global Research and DevelopmentDevelopment.

                    

            The name, business address, present principal occupation or employment and material occupations, positions, offices or employment for the past five years of each of the executive officers of Sanofi-AventisSanofi are set forth below. The business address and phone number of each such executive officer is c/o Sanofi-Aventis, 174, avenue de France, 75013Sanofi, 54 rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France, +33 1 53 77 40 00. Unless otherwise indicated, each executive officer is a citizen of France.

              Christopher Viehbacher

              Chief Executive Officer


              Chairman of the Executive Committee


              Date of birth :birth: March 26, 1960

                    

            Christopher Viehbacher was appointed as Chief Executive Officer inon December 1, 2008, and is also a member of the Strategy Committee.

                    

            For additional information regarding his professional education and business experience see “Composition"Composition of the Board of Directors as of December 31, 2010”2012" in “A."A. Directors and Senior Management”Management" on this Item 6.

                    

            Christopher Viehbacher is a citizen of Germany and Canada.

              Olivier Charmeil

              Senior Vice President Vaccines
              since January 1, 2011

              Date of birth :birth: February 19, 1963

            Olivier Charmeil is a graduate of HEC (Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales) and of theInstitut d’Etudesd'Etudes Politiques in Paris. From 1989 to 1994, he worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions department of Banque de l’Union europél'Union Européenne. He joined Sanofi Pharma in 1994 as head of Business Development. Subsequently, he held various posts within the Group, including Chief Financial Officer (Asia) for Sanofi-Synthélabo in 1999 andAttaché to the Chairman, Jean-François Dehecq, in 2000, before being appointed as Vice President, Development within the Sanofi-Synthélabo International Operations Directorate, where he was responsible for China and support functions. In 2003, Olivier Charmeil was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi-Synthélabo France, before taking the post of Senior Vice President, Business Management and Support within the Pharmaceutical Operations Directorate. In this role, he piloted the operational integration of Sanofi-Synthélabo and Aventis. He was appointed Senior Vice President PharmaAsia/Pacific, Pharmaceutical Operations Asia Pacific in February 2006 and subsequently also had responsibility forsince January 1, 2008, Operations Japan have reported to him as well as Asia/Pacific and Japan Vaccines since February 2009 Asia/Pacific & Japan Vaccines.2009. Since January 1, 2011, Olivier Charmeil has beenserved as Senior Vice President Vaccines and a member of the Executive Committee.

              Jérôme Contamine

              Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer

              Date of birth :birth: November 23, 1957

            Jérôme Contamine is a Graduate ofÉcole Polytechnique(X),ENSAE, andENSAE, the national statistics and economics engineering school, affiliated with the Ministry of Finance (1982). He also graduated from theENA(Ecole Nationale d’Administrationd'Administration). After 4four years at the"Cour des Comptes”Comptes", as a Senior State General Auditor, he joined Elf Aquitaine in 1988, as advisor to the Chief Financial Officer, and became Group Finance and Treasury Director & Treasurer in 1991. He became the General Manager of Elf Petroleum Norway in 1995, after being named Deputy Vice President of Elf Upstream Division for Europe and the U.S. In 1999, he was appointed as a member of the taskforce for integration with Total, in charge of the reorganization of the merged entity, TotalFinaElf, and in 2000 became Vice President Europe and Central Asia, Upstream Division of Total. The same year, he joined Veolia Environnement as CFO and Deputy General Manager. In 2003, he was appointed Vice-President Senior Executive, Deputy Chief


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            Executive Officer, Financial Director of Veolia Environnement. Jérôme Contamine was appointedjoined Sanofi as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of sanofi-aventisSanofi in March 2009.

              David-Alexandre Gros
              Chief Strategy Officer
              Date of birth: July 23, 1972

                    David-Alexandre Gros has a B.A. from Darmouth College (1995), an M.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (1999), and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (2002). He began his career in clinical research at the Department of Urology of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, from 1996 to 1999, and acquiring clinical experience as a Resident Physician at the University of Pennsylvania Health System from 1999 to 2000. He started his advisory career in 2002 at McKinsey & Company as an Associate, was promoted to Engagement Manager in 2004 and to Associate Principal in 2006. In late 2006, he was appointed Vice President at Merrill Lynch, serving healthcare clients on a wide range of strategic, corporate finance and merger & acquisition issues. In 2009, he joined Centerview Partners, in San Franciso, California, as an advisor to healthcare companies as a Principal and founding member of the Healthcare Investment Banking practice. David-Alexandre Gros joined Sanofi as Chief Strategy Officer in September 2011.

              Karen Linehan

              Senior Vice President Legal Affairs and General Counsel

              Date of birth :birth: January 21, 19591959

                    

            Karen Linehan graduated from Georgetown University with Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate degrees. Prior to practicing law, Ms. Linehan served on the congressional staff of the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from September 1977 to August 1986. Until December 1990, she was an Associate in a mid-size law firm in New York. In January 1991, she joined Sanofi as Assistant General Counsel of its U.S. subsidiary. In July 1996, Ms. Linehan moved to Paris to work on international matters within the Group and she has held a number of positions within the Legal Department, most recently as Vice President — Deputy Head of Legal Operations. She was appointed to her current position in March 2007.

                    

            Karen Linehan is a citizen of the United States of America and Ireland.

              Philippe Luscan

              Senior Vice President Industrial Affairs

              Date of birth :birth: April 3, 19621962

            Philippe Luscan is a graduate of theÉcole Polytechnique and theÉcole des Minesin Biotechnology in Paris. He began his career in 1987 as a Production Manager at Danone. In 1990, he joined the Group as Director of the Sanofi Chimie plant at Sisteron, France, and subsequently served as Industrial Director of Sanofi in the United States, as Vice President Supply Chain and as Vice President Chemistry in September 2006. He was appointed to his present position effectivein September 2008.

              Roberto Pucci

              Senior Vice President Human Resources

              Date of birth :birth: December 19, 19631963

                    

            Roberto Pucci has a Lawlaw degree from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. He started his career in 1985 at Coopers & Lybrand in Geneva, Switzerland as an external auditor. He then joined Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1987, where he held various positions in Human Resources in Switzerland and Italy including HR Manager for the European Headquarters and Human Resources Director in Italy. In 1999, he became Director, Compensation & Benefits for Agilent Technologies, a spin off from HP, and was appointed Vice President Human Resources Europe in 2003. In 2005 he moved to the United States to join Case New Holland, a subsidiary of the Fiat Group, as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, and was appointed, in 2007, Executive Vice President, Human Resources for the Fiat Group in Torino, Italy. He was appointed to his present positionRoberto Pucci joined Sanofi as Senior Vice President Human Resources in October 2009.


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            Roberto Pucci is a citizen of Italy and Switzerland.

              Hanspeter Spek

              President Global Operations

              Date of birth :birth: November 5, 19491949

                    

            Hanspeter Spek graduated from business school in Germany. In 1974, he completed a management training program at Pfizer International, and then joined Pfizer RFA as a junior product manager. He served in various positions at Pfizer RFA, including as manager of the marketing division. Mr. Spek joined Sanofi Pharma GmbH, a German subsidiary of Sanofi, in 1985 as Marketing Director, and served in various positions in Germany and then at Sanofi in France, before being named Senior Vice President Europe following the merger with Synthélabo in 1999. He served as Executive Vice President, International Operations from October 2000, untilto January 2003, when he was named in charge of worldwide operations of Sanofi-Synthélabo. He was appointed Executive Vice President, Pharmaceutical Operations in August 2004 and then2004. Since November 2009, he has been President, Global Operations in November 2009.Operations.

                    Hanspeter Spek has announced his intention to retire by mid-2013.

            Hanspeter Spek is a citizen of Germany.

              Elias Zerhouni

              President, Global Research and Development
              since January 2011

              Date of birth :birth: April 12, 1951

                    

            After completingBorn in Algeria where he completed his initial medical training, in Algeria, Dr. Zerhouni continued his academic career at the Johns Hopkins University and Hospital (United States) in 1975 where he is currentlyrose to the rank of professor of Radiology and Biomedical engineering and senior adviser for Johns Hopkins Medicine.engineering. He served as Chair of the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vice Dean for Research and Executive Vice Dean of the School of Medicine from 1996 to 2002 before his appointment as Director of the National Institutes of Health of the United States of America from 2002 to 2008. Dr. Zerhouni was received as member of the USU.S. National Academy of Sciences’Sciences' Institute of Medicine in 2000. He was recently appointed as Chair of Innovation at the College de France, and elected member of the French Academy of Medicine in 2010.2010 and received the Transatlantic Innovation Leadership award in December 2011. He is the author of over 200 scientific publications and 8 patents. In February 2009, Sanofi-AventisSanofi named Dr. Zerhouni Scientific Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and to the Senior Vice-President Research & Development. Since January 1, 2011, Dr. Zerhouni isHe was appointed President Global Research & Development and serveshas served on the Executive Committee of Sanofi-Aventis.Sanofi, since January 2011. He has just been received as member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering.

                    

            Dr. Zerhouni is a citizen of the United States of America.

                    

            As of December 31, 2010,2012, none of the members of the Executive Committee had anytheir principal business activities outside of sanofi-aventis.Sanofi.

                    

            The Executive Committee is assisted by a broadly based Management Committee representingthe Global Leadership Team, which represents the principal servicesfunctions of the Group. The Management CommitteeGlobal Leadership Team is made up of the members of the Executive Committee and 1338 additional senior managers. Of the 21 members of the Management Committee, 4 are women, representing approximately 19% of the total.


            B. Compensation

            Compensation and pension arrangements for corporate officers

                    

            Christopher Viehbacher has held the office of Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi since December 1, 2008. He was an outside appointment and has never had an employment contract with Sanofi distinct from his current office. The compensation of the Chief Executive Officer is determined by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee with reference to compensation paid to the chief executive officers of leadingmajor global pharmaceutical companies and leadingof major companies in the CAC 40 stock market index. The Chief Executive Officer receives fixed compensation, benefits in kind, and variable compensation. In addition, he may be granted stock options and performance shares. The overall compensation package is set by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. InSince 2009, in accordance with the AFEP-MEDEF


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            corporate governance code, stock options and, when applicable, performance shares granted to the Chief Executive Officer arehave been subject to performance conditions (for a more detailed description of the performance conditions see below under “— Christopher Viehbacher” for the compensation payable, stock options granted and performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher).conditions.

                    

            Jean-François DehecqSerge Weinberg has held the office of non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors from January 1, 2010 untilsince May 17, 2010 when Serge Weinberg took2010. He was an outside appointment and has never had an employment contract with Sanofi distinct from his current office. The Chairman of the Board also chairs the Strategy Committee and the Appointments and Governance Committee. In accordance with the Internal Rules of theour Board Charter and in close collaboration with the Senior Management, he represents the Company in high-level dealings with governmental bodies and with the Group’sGroup's key partners, both nationally and internationally; he plays a roleinternationally, and participates in the defining of the major strategic choices of the Group especially as regards mergers, acquisitions and alliances. He maintains regular contact withThe Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer so thatkeep each is keptother fully informed of their actions. The compensation of the other’s actions.

            Serge Weinberg received attendance fees for the period prior to his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors on May 17, 2010, and since then has receivedconsists solely of fixed compensation and certain benefits in kind but no variable compensation, stock options, performance shares or attendance fees. Jean-François Dehecq received fixed compensation, certain benefits in kind and excludes any variable compensation.compensation, any awards of stock options and performance shares and any directors' attendance fees.

                    

            The overall compensation package ofpolicy for the Chairmancorporate officers is setestablished by the Board of Directors onupon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee.

                    

            The Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officercorporate officers do not receive directors' attendance fees in connection with their rolecapacity as directors or members of Board committees of sanofi-aventis. Likewise, the Chairman of the Boarddirectors. Consequently, Christopher Viehbacher does not receive directors' attendance fees in connection with his chairmanshipcapacity as a member of the Strategy Committee. Similarly, Serge Weinberg does not receive directors' attendance fees in his capacity as chairman of the Appointments and Governance Committee or as chairman of the Strategy Committee.

                    The AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code (hereafter referred to as the "AFEP-MEDEF Code") and the recommendations of theAutorité des marchés financiers (the French market regulator, hereafter referred to as "AMF"), require precise disclosures about the implementation of the recommendations and, if applicable, explanations of the reasons why any of them may not have been implemented. Currently, as reported "— C. Board practices —", there is no divergence from the AFEP-MEDEF Code related to compensation.

            Serge Weinberg

              Compensation awarded to Serge Weinberg

            (in euros)  2010   2009 
            Compensation payable for the year (details provided in the table below)   480,158     6,215  
            Value of stock subscription options awarded during the year   N/A     N/A  
            Value of performance shares awarded during the year   N/A     N/A  

            Total

               480,158     6,215  

            (in euros)
             2012
             2011
             2010
             
              
            Compensation payable for the year (details provided in the table below)  708,115  709,463  480,158 
            Value of stock subscription options awarded during the year  N/A  N/A  N/A 
            Value of performance shares awarded during the year  N/A  N/A  N/A 
              
            Total  708,115  709,463  480,158 
              

              Compensation payable and paid to Serge Weinberg

                2010   2009 
            (in euros)  Payable   Paid   Payable   Paid 
            Fixed compensation(1)   439,748     439,748     0     0  
            Variable compensation   N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A  
            Exceptional compensation   N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A  
            Attendance fees   35,625     6,215     6,215     0  
            Benefits in kind   4,785     4,785     0     0  

            Total

               480,158     450,748     6,215     0  

             
             2012
             2011
             2010
             

             
            (in euros)
             Payable
             Paid
             Payable
             Paid
             Payable
             Paid
             
              
            Fixed compensation (1)  700,000  700,000  700,000  700,000  439,748  439,748 
            Variable compensation  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A 
            Exceptional compensation  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A 
            Attendance fees (2)  N/A  N/A  N/A  35,625  35,625  6,125 
            Benefits in kind  8,115  8,115  9,463  9,463  4,785  4,785 
              
            Total  708,115  708,115  709,463  745,088  480,158  450,748 
              

            The amounts reported are gross amounts before taxes.

            (1)

            Fixed compensation payable in respect of a given year is paid during that year.

            On

            (1)
            Fixed compensation payable in respect of a given year is paid during that year.
            (2)
            Attendance fees paid to Serge Weinberg were owed to him from December 15, 2009 until May 17, 2010, i.e. until he became Chairman of the Board. Pursuant to the compensation policy applicable to corporate officers, he has not received directors' attendance fees since his appointment as Chairman of the Board of our Company.

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                    Serge Weinberg took office as Chairman of the Board of Directors on May 17, 2010.

                    On March 5, 2012, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors set the terms of the compensation of Serge Weinberg.

                    

            For 2010,2012, his fixed compensation was setmaintained at an annual rate of €700,000. Serge Weinberg does

                    He did not receive any variable compensation, stock options, or performance shares. For 2010, the fixed compensation of Serge Weinberg as non-executive Chairman was paid on apro rata basis.He did not receive attendance fees.

                    

            Attendance fees relate to the period starting December 15, 2009 and ending May 17, 2010 prior to Serge Weinberg becoming Chairman. Consequently, in line with the Company’s compensation policy applicable to the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, Serge Weinberg no longer receives any attendance fees as a Director since his appointment as Chairman of the Board.

            The amount reported for benefits in kind relates principally to a company car.

                    

            Serge Weinberg does not benefit from the sanofi-aventisSanofi top-up pension plan which covers Christopher Viehbacher.plan.

                    On March 5, 2013, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors set the terms of the compensation of Serge Weinberg. For 2013, his fixed compensation is maintained at an annual rate of €700,000. He will not receive any variable compensation, stock options, or performance shares. He will not receive attendance fees.

            Christopher Viehbacher

                    

            Christopher Viehbacher took office as Chief Executive Officer on December 1, 2008.

              Compensation, options and shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher

            (in euros)  2010   2009 
            Compensation payable for the year (details provided in the table below)   3,605,729     3,669,973  
            Value of stock subscription options awarded during the year(1)   2,499,750     1,237,500  
            Value of performance shares awarded during the year (2)   887     2,221,700  

            Total

               6,106,366     7,129,173  

            (1)

            Valued at date of grant using the Black & Scholes method.

            (2)

            Valued at date of grant. The value is the difference between the quoted market price of the share on the award date and the dividends to be paid over the next three years. Christopher Viehbacher waived the 2010 allocation.

            (in euros)
             2012
             2011
             2010
             
              
            Compensation payable for the year (details provided in the table below)  3,522,051  3,488,287  3,605,729 
            Value of stock subscription options awarded during the year (1)  2,020,800  2,364,000  2,499,750 
            Value of performance shares awarded during the year (2)  1,938,300  1,282,500  887 
              
            Total  7,481,151  7,134,787  6,106,366 
              
            (1)
            Valued at date of grant using the Black & Scholes method assuming fulfillment of the performance conditions.
            (2)
            Valued at date of grant assuming fulfillment of the performance conditions. The value is the difference between the quoted market price of the share on the date of grant and the dividends to be paid over the next three years. Christopher Viehbacher waived the 2010 allocation.

            Compensation payable and paid to Christopher Viehbacher

             
             2012
             2011
             2010
             

             
            (in euros)
             Payable
             Paid
             Payable
             Paid
             Payable
             Paid
             
              
            Fixed compensation (1)  1,250,000  1,250,000  1,200,000  1,200,000  1,200,000  1,200,000 
            Variable compensation (2)  2,268,000  2,280,000  2,280,000  2,400,000  2,400,000  2,400,000 
            Exceptional compensation (3)  0  0  0  0  0  0 
            Attendance fees  0  0  0  0  0  0 
            Benefits in kind  4,051  4,051  8,287  8,287  5,729  5,729 
              
            Total  3,522,051  3,534,051  3,488,287  3,608,287  3,605,729  3,605,729 
              

            The amounts reported are gross amounts before taxes.

            (1)
            Fixed compensation payable in respect of a given year is paid during that year.
            (2)
            Variable compensation in respect of a given year is determined and paid at the start of the following year
            (3)
            Exceptional compensation corresponds to a benefit payable upon his starting to hold office.

                    

                2010   2009 
            (in euros)  Payable   Paid   Payable   Paid 
            Fixed compensation(1)   1,200,000     1,200,000     1,200,000     1,200,000  
            Variable compensation(2)   2,400,000     2,400,000     2,400,000     0  
            Exceptional compensation(3)   0     0     0     2,200,000  
            Attendance fees   0     0     0     0  
            Benefits in kind   5,729     5,729     69,973     69,973  

            Total

               3,605,729     3,605,729     3,669,973     3,469,973  

            Theamounts reported are gross amounts before taxes.

            (1)

            Fixed compensation payable in respect of a given year is paid during that year.

            (2)

            Variable compensation in respect of a given year is determined and paid at the startAt its meeting on March 5, 2012, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors established the terms of the following year

            (3)

            Exceptional compensation corresponds to a benefit payable upon his starting to hold office.

            The fixed compensation ofpackage for Christopher Viehbacher for 2009 and 2010the financial year 2012. His fixed annual compensation was €1,200,000.set at €1,260,000 as from March 5, 2012 i.e. the total fixed compensation


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            for 2012 amounted to €1,250,000. This represents an increase of 5% compared to the level of fixed compensation set by the Board in 2008 at the time Christopher Viehbacher was recruited.

                    

            In 2009 and 2010, theThe variable compensation of Christopher Viehbacher could have represented between 0% and 200% of his fixed compensation and was based half on quantitative criteria and half on qualitative criteria.compensation. In the event of exceptional performance, it could have exceeded 200% of thehis fixed compensation.

                    His variable compensation with respect to 2012 has been established on the basis of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Such criteria include:

              achievement of financial targets compared to our budget;

              research and development results;

              development of the Group strategic plan for 2015-2020;

              organizational structure of the Group and succession planning for key posts in the Group;

              workforce motivation and Group image.

                    The variable compensation structure acts as an incentive for the attainment of financial targets, while also taking into account sustainable growth centered on continuing operations and increasingly on developing countries, and at the same time fostering human capital and encouraging a specific focus on employment policies.

            The quantitative        In general, the performance criteria included trends in our net sales relativeapply not only to variable compensation but also to the objectivesvesting of stock options and performance shares in compliance with our targets, which are ambitious.

                    For reasons of confidentiality, the precise targets set by usfor the quantitative and by our competitors (factor 2), trendsqualitative criteria, even though they have been properly established in our current operating income (operating income before restructuring, impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangibles, gains/losses on disposals, and litigation) relative toa precise manner, cannot be publicly disclosed. In evaluating these criteria, the objectives set by us and by our competitors (factor 3), and trends in our adjusted earnings per share excluding selected items (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used until the end of 2009) (factor 5).

            These criteria were assessed by reference to the performancesperformance of the leadingmajor global pharmaceutical companies.companies was taken into account.

                    

            The qualitative criteria relatedBoard of Directors, pursuant to leadership and strategic choices, adaptation of our structures to the industry’s environment, reconfiguration of our research efforts, commitment in terms of organic and external growth, and the quality of investor communications.

            Taking into account the above mentioned criteria and taking into account the performance of the Company and the contribution of Christopher Viehbacher during 2010, the Board of Directors2012, fixed his variable compensation for 20102012 at €2,400,000,2,268,000 euros, i.e.200%180% of the fixed portion of his compensation. His 2010Christopher Viehbacher's 2012 variable compensation is to be paid in 2011.2013.

                    

            The amount reported for benefits in kind relates to a company car.

                    At its meeting on March 5, 2013, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors established the terms of the compensation package for Christopher Viehbacher for 2013. His fixed compensation for 2013 is maintained at €1,260,000.

                    His variable compensation with respect to 2013 has been established on the basis of quantitative and qualitative criteria. These criteria include:

              achievement of financial targets relative to our budget;

              improved performance in research and development;

              organizational structure of the Group and succession planning for key posts in the Group;

              corporate social responsibility.

            Table of Contents

              Stock options awarded to Christopher Viehbacher in 20102012

            Origin
             Date of
            Board
            grant

             Nature of
            options

             Value
            (in €)

             Number
            of options
            awarded in
            2012

             Exercise
            price
            (in €)

             Exercise
            period

             
              
            Sanofi  03/05/2012 Subscription
            options
              2,020,800 240,000  56,44  03/06/2016
            03/05/2022
             
              

                    

            Origin  Date of
            Board
            grant
               Nature of the
            options
               

            Value

            (in €)

               Number
            of options
            awarded in
            2010
               

            Exercise
            price

            (in €)

               Exercise
            period
             
            Sanofi -aventis   03/01/10     
             
            Subscription
            options
              
              
               2,499,750     275,000     54.12     
             
            03/03/2014
            02/28/2020
              
              

            On March 1, 2010, the Board of Directors granted 275,000 stock5, 2012, 240,000 share subscription options were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. All of his stock options are subjectIn compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the entire award is contingent upon both internal criteria based upon Business Net Income and Return on Assets ("ROA"), and external criteria based on Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") in comparison to a performance condition. reference set of pharmaceutical companies. These criteria were selected because they align medium-term equity-based compensation on the strategy adopted by the Company.

                    This award is broken down as follows:

              -
              The performance criterion based on Business Net Income covers 40% of the award and refers to the ratio, at constant exchange rates, between actual Business Net Income and the Business Net Income specified in the budget. The targets have been revised upwards. If the ratio is less than 95%, the corresponding options will lapse.

              -
              The ROA-based criterion covers 40% of the award. The schedule includes a target ROA, below which the performance will be penalized by the lapsing of some or all of the options.

              -
              The TSR-based criterion covers 20% of the award. The overall return to shareholders is evaluated both on the value of Sanofi shares (the increase in the share price) and the value distributed to shareholders (dividends), i.e. the two sources of a return on investment in Sanofi shares. Our TSR is compared with a reference set comprised of 12 companies, i.e. Sanofi, Abbott, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Bayer. The number of options exercisable depends upon our position in comparison to the TSR for the other companies of this panel.

              -
              In addition to the three conditions set forth above, an implicit condition must be fulfilled each financial year precedingexists in the form of the exercise period (2010, 2011, 2012price, as well as the condition of continuing employment.

              -
              In order to reinforce the medium-term aspects of equity-based compensation, performance will henceforth be measured over three financial years.

                    Although for reasons of confidentiality the quantitative measures for the internal criteria cannot be publicly disclosed, even though they have been properly established in a precise manner, the targets and 2013), and requires the ratiolevel of business net income (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used untilachievement for the internal criteria will be publicly disclosed at the end of 2009) to net sales to be at

            least 18% (see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Sources of Revenues and Expenses — Business Net Income”). The Board of Directors, upon the advice of the Compensation Committee, determined that these performance criteria were met for 2009 and 2010.measurement period.

                    

            Using the Black & Scholes method, each option in theawarded on March 1, 2010 grant5, 2012 was valued at €9.09,€8.42, valuing the total benefit at €2,499,750.€2,020,800.

                    The Board of Directors has decided to limit the number of options that could be awarded to Christopher Viehbacher to 10% of the total limit approved by the Shareholders' General Meeting held on May 6, 2011 (1% of our share capital). The number of options awarded to Christopher Viehbacher in 2012 represents 1.81% of the total limit approved by the Shareholders' General Meeting held on May 6, 2011 (1% of our share capital) and 29.48% of the total award to all beneficiaries on March 5, 2012.


            Table of Contents

              Stock options held by Christopher Viehbacher

            Origin
             Date of
            Board
            grant

             Nature of
            options

             Value
            (in €)

             Number
            of options
            awarded

             Exercise
            price
            (in €)

             Exercise
            period

             
              
            sanofi-aventis
              
              03/02/09 Subscription
            options
              1,237,500 250,000 45.09  03/04/2013
            03/01/2019
             
            sanofi-aventis
              
              03/01/10 Subscription
            options
              2,499,750 275,000 54.12  03/03/2014
            02/28/2020
             
            sanofi-aventis
              
              03/09/11 Subscription
            options
              2,364,000 300,000 50.48  03/10/2015
            03/09/2021
             
            Sanofi
              
              03/05/12 Subscription
            options
              2,020,800 240,000 56.44  03/06/2016
            03/05/2022
             
              

                    In 2011, as part of its commitment to transparency, Sanofi undertook to publish in its annual report the level of attainment determined by the Board of Directors for performance conditions applicable to future equity-based compensation plans awarded to Christopher Viehbacher and the other members of the Executive Committee. The Board considers that disclosing the level of attainment allows our shareholders to better understand the demanding nature of the performance conditions. The 2011 stock option plan and the 2011 performance share plan are the first plans for which the Board of Directors determined the level of fulfillment of the performance conditions.

            Origin  Date of
            Board
            grant
               Nature of the
            options
               Value
            (in €)
               Number
            of options
            awarded
               Exercise
            price
            (in €)
               Exercise
            period
             
            Sanofi -aventis   03/02/09     
             
            Subscription
            options
              
              
               1,237,500     250,000     45.09     
             
            03/04/2013
            03/01/2019
              
              
            Sanofi -aventis   03/01/10     
             
            Subscription
            options
              
              
               2,499,750     275,000     54.12     

             

            03/03/2014

            02/28/2020

              

              

                    

            On March 2, 2009, 250,000 stock subscription options were granted to Christopher Viehbacher: 200,000 in accordance with what had been contemplatedintended on the announcement of his appointment in September 2008, and 50,000 more as part ofjoining the 2009 stock option plan.Group, 250,000 subscription options were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. All of his stockthese options arewere subject to a performance condition. The performance condition, mustwhich had to be fulfilled for each financial year preceding the exercise period (2009,vesting of the shares (i.e. 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012), and requires thewas based on a ratio of adjusted net income excluding selected items (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used until the end of 2009) to net sales to beof at least 18%.

                    On February 6, 2013, the Board of Directors determined that the conditions had been met and that the 250,000 options would be exercisable subject to meeting the condition of continuing employment.

                    On March 9, 2011, 300,000 subscription options were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. In compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the entire award is contingent upon both internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets ("ROA"), and external criteria based on Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") in comparison to a reference set of twelve pharmaceutical companies.

                    For the first period (consisting of fiscal years 2011 and 2012) which related to 50% of the March 9, 2011 grant, the performance was as follows:

              -
              The performance criterion based on Business Net Income (which covered 40% of the award) was fulfilled, reaching 106% of the target;

              -
              The ROA-based criterion (which covered 40% of the award) was fulfilled, being 1.7 basis points above the target;

              -
              The TSR-based criterion (which covered 20% of the award) was fulfilled, Sanofi ranking 5th among the panel of 12 peers.

                    The Board of Directors, uponin its meeting of February 6, 2013, determined that the adviceglobal performance rate for the first period was greater than 100% and therefore, since the performance condition had been fulfilled, 50% of the Compensation Committee, determined that these performancestock subscription options granted would be exercisable at the end of the four-year vesting period subject to meeting the condition of continuing employment.

                    On March 5, 2013, 240,000 share subscription options were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. In compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the entire award is contingent upon both internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets ("ROA"), and external criteria based on Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") in comparison to a reference set of eleven pharmaceutical companies. These criteria were metmaintained because they align medium-term equity-based compensation with the strategy adopted by the Company.


            Table of Contents

                    This award is broken down as follows:

              -
              The performance criterion based on Business Net Income covers 40% of the award and refers to the ratio, at constant exchange rates, between actual Business Net Income and the Business Net Income specified in the budget. If the ratio is less than 95%, the corresponding options will lapse.

              -
              The ROA-based criterion covers 40% of the award. The schedule includes a target ROA, below which the performance will be penalized by the lapsing of some or all of the options.

              -
              The TSR-based criterion covers 20% of the award. The overall return to shareholders is evaluated both on the value of Sanofi shares (the increase in the share price) and the value distributed to shareholders (dividends), i.e. the two sources of return on investment in Sanofi shares. Our TSR is compared with a reference set comprised of eleven companies, i.e. Sanofi, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Bayer. The number of options exercisable depends upon our position in comparison to the TSR for 2009the other companies of this panel.

              -
              In addition to the three conditions set forth above, an implicit condition exists in the form of the exercise price, as well as the condition of continuing employment.

              -
              Performance will be measured over three financial years.

                    The targets and 2010.the level of achievement for the internal criteria will be disclosed publicly at the end of the performance measurement period.

                    Christopher Viehbacher did not exercise any stock options in 2012.

            The        As of the date of publication of this document, the total number of unexercised options held by Christopher Viehbacher represented 0.098% of the share capital as at December 31, 2012.

              Performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher in 2012

            Origin
             Date of
            Board
            award

             Value (in €)
             Number
            of performance
            shares awarded in
            2012

             Acquisition date
             Availability date
             
            Sanofi  03/05/12  1,938,300 42,000 03/06/2015 03/06/2017
             

                    On March 5, 2012, 42,000 performance shares were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. In compliance with the Chief Executive OfficerAFEP-MEDEF Code, the entire award is contingent upon both internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets ("ROA"), and external criteria based upon Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") in 2010 represent 0.8%comparison to a reference set of pharmaceutical companies. These criteria were selected because they align medium-term equity-based compensation with the strategy adopted by the Company. Each performance share awarded on March 5, 2012, was valued at €46.15, valuing the total benefit at € €1,938,300.

                    This award is broken down as follows:

              -
              The performance criterion based on Business Net Income covers 40% of the maximum total grant approvedaward and refers to the ratio, at constant exchange rates, between actual Business Net Income and the Business Net Income specified in the budget. The targets have been revised upwards and if the ratio is less than 95%, the corresponding performance shares will lapse.

              -
              The ROA-based criterion covers 40% of the award. The schedule includes a target ROA, below which the performance will be penalized by the lapsing of part or all of the performance shares.

              -
              The TSR-based criterion covers 20% of the award. The overall return to shareholders is evaluated both on the value of Sanofi shares (the increase in the share price) and the value distributed to shareholders (dividends), i.e. the two sources of return on investment in Sanofi shares. Our TSR is compared with a reference set comprised of twelve companies, i.e. Sanofi, Abbott, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Bayer. The number of options exercisable depends upon our position in comparison to the TSR for the other companies of this panel.

            Table of Contents

              -
              In order to reinforce the medium-term aspects of the equity-based compensation, performance will henceforth be measured over three financial years.

                    Although for reasons of confidentiality, the quantitative measures for the internal criteria cannot be publicly disclosed, even though they have been properly established in a precise manner, the targets and the level of achievement for the internal criteria will be publicly disclosed at the Shareholders’ Annualend of the performance measurement period.

                    The number of shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher in 2012 represents 0.31% of the total limit approved by the Shareholders' General Meeting ofheld on April 17, 2009 (2.5%(1% of our share capital) and 3.38%0.89% of the total grant madeaward to all beneficiaries on March 5, 2012. The Board of Directors has decided to limit the number of performance shares that could be awarded to Christopher Viehbacher to 5% of the total limit approved by Shareholders' General Meeting held on May 4, 2012 (1.2% of our share capital).

              Performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher

            Origin
             Date of
            Board
            award

             Value
            (in €)

             Number
            of performance
            shares awarded

             Acquisition date
             Availability date
             
            sanofi-aventis  03/02/09 2,221,700 65,000 03/03/2011 03/04/2013
            sanofi-aventis  03/09/11 1,282,500 30,000 03/10/2013 03/10/2015
            Sanofi  03/05/12 1,938,300 42,000 03/06/2015 03/06/2017
             

                    On March 9, 2011, 30,000 performance shares were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. In compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the entire award is contingent upon both internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets ("ROA"), and external criteria based on Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") in comparison to a reference set of twelve pharmaceutical companies.

                    The performance measure covered fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and the performance was as follows:

              -
              The performance criterion based on Business Net Income (which covered 40% of the award) was fulfilled, reaching 106% of the target;

              -
              The ROA-based criterion (which covered 40% of the award) was fulfilled, being 1.7 basis points above the target;

              -
              The TSR-based criterion (which covered 20% of the award) has been fulfilled, Sanofi ranking 5th among the panel of 12 peers.

                    The Board of Directors, in its meeting of February 6, 2013, determined that the global performance rate was greater than 100% and therefore, since the performance condition had been fulfilled, 100% of the performance shares granted would vest subject to meeting the condition of continuing employment.

                    Taking into account the number of shares acquired at the outset of his mandate as well as the lock-up obligations applicable to shares obtained on exercise of stock options, or disposition of performance shares, the Board of Directors has decided not to require Christopher Viehbacher to acquire any further shares at his own expense.

                    Under Share 2010, the Group's global restricted share plan benefiting each Group employee with at least three months' service, 20 restricted shares were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher on October 27, 2010. This award is not included in the schedule above as Christopher Viehbacher subsequently renounced this award.

                    On March 5, 2013, 45,000 performance shares were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. In compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the entire award is contingent upon both internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets ("ROA"), and external criteria based on Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") in comparison to a reference set of eleven pharmaceutical companies. These criteria were maintained because they align medium-term equity-based compensation with the strategy adopted by the Company.


            Table of Contents

                    This award is broken down as follows:

              -
              The performance criterion based on Business Net Income covers 40% of the award and refers to the ratio, at constant exchange rates, between actual Business Net Income and the Business Net Income specified in the budget. If the ratio is less than 95%, the corresponding performance shares will lapse.

              -
              The ROA-based criterion covers 40% of the award. The schedule includes a target ROA, below which the performance will be penalized by the lapsing of part or all of the beneficiariesperformance shares.

              -
              The TSR-based criterion covers 20% of the award. The overall return to shareholders is evaluated both on March 1, 2010.the value of Sanofi shares (the increase in the share price) and the value distributed to shareholders (dividends), i.e. the two sources of return on investment in Sanofi shares. Our TSR is compared with a reference set comprised of eleven companies, i.e. Sanofi, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Bayer. The number of options exercisable depends upon our position in comparison to the TSR for the other companies of this panel.

              -
              Performance will be measured over three financial years.

                    The targets and the level of achievement of the internal criteria will be disclosed publicly at the end of the performance measurement period.

                    In making the 2013 award, the Board of Directors had to determine whether to make these awards contingent upon future share purchases. Taking into account the number of shares acquired at the outset of his mandate and the lock-up obligations applicable to shares obtained on exercise of stock options or disposition of performance shares as well as share purchases made spontaneously by Christopher Viehbacher, the Board of Directors decided not to require him to acquire any further shares at his own expense.

            As of the date of this annual report, the total number of outstanding options held byperformance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher represented 0.04%represents 0.009% of theour share capital as of December 31, 2010.2012.

            Christopher Viehbacher did not exercise any stock options in 2009 or 2010. None of his stock option plans is currently exercisable.

            Performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher in 2010

            Origin  Date of
            Board
            award
               Number
            of performance
            shares awarded in
            2010
               Value
            (in €)
               Acquisition date   Availability date 
            Sanofi-aventis   10/27/10     20     887     10/27/2012     10/28/2014  

            Like all Group employees with at least three months’ service, Christopher Viehbacher was awarded 20 shares as part of Share 2010, a global restricted share plan.

            Performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher

            At year end 2010 and as of the date of this annual report, Christopher Viehbacher had been awarded:

            Origin  Date of
            Board
            award
               Number
            of performance
            shares awarded
               Value
            (in €)
               Acquisition date   Availability date 
            Sanofi-aventis   03/01/10     65,000     2,221,700     03/03/2011     03/04/2013  

            On March 2, 2009, in accordance with what had been contemplated on the announcement of his appointment in September 2008, 65,000 performance shares were awarded to Christopher Viehbacher. All of his performance shares are subject to a performance condition. The performance condition must be fulfilled each financial year preceding the vesting of the shares (2009 and 2010), and requires the ratio of adjusted net income excluding selected items (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used until the end of 2009) to net sales to be at least 18%. The value of each performance share amounts €34.18, valuing the total benefit at €2,221,700.

            On February 24, 2011, the Board of Directors, acting on the recommendations of the Compensation Committee, determined that the conditions to the March 2, 2009 grant had been met. As a result the performance conditions have been fulfilled.

            The March 2, 2009 grant of performance shares will vest on March 3, 2011, and will remain subject to a mandatory lock-up period.

            The shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher in 2009 represent 0.49% of the maximum total grant approved at the Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting of April 17, 2009 (1% of our share capital) and 5.44% of the total grant made to all of the beneficiaries on March 2, 2009.

              Performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher which became available in 2010.2012

                    

            No performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher became available in 2010.2012.

            Performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher

            As of the date of this annual report, the number of performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher represented 0.005% of the share capital as of December 31, 2010.

              Pension arrangements for Christopher Viehbacher

                    

            Christopher Viehbacher is covered by the sanofi-aventisSanofi top-up defined benefit pension plan.plan (which has been called the Sanofi plan since the Company changed its name). The sanofi-aventis plan is offered to all executivesemployees of sanofi-aventisSanofi and its French subsidiaries who meet the eligibility criteria specified in the plan rules, extended to corporate officers, including currently Christopher Viehbacher.rules. This plan was set up on October 1, 2008 as the final stage in the process of harmonizing the status of personnel across the French subsidiaries.

                    The rules of this plan were reviewed on January 1, 2012 in order to apply the 2010 French pension reforms and the French Social Security Financing Act for 2012 (whichinter aliareflected the increase in the statutory retirement age for a full pension). This plan also includes the Merial SAS, Genzyme SAS and Gensyme Polyclonals SAS subsidiaries, for which the eligibility criteria and pension rights calculation take into account length of service from January 1, 2012 at the earliest.

            This top-up defined-benefit pension plan is offered to executives (within the meaning of the AGIRC regime —Association Générale des Institutions de Retraite des Cadres, a confederation of executive pension funds) of sanofi-aventisSanofi and its French subsidiaries who meet the eligibility criteria specified in the plan rules; the benefit is contingent upon the plan member ending his or her career within the Group. The plan is reserved for executives with at least ten years’years' service whose annual base compensation has for ten years exceeded four times the French social security ceiling, and is wholly funded by the Company.

                    

            Based on the assumptions used in the actuarial valuation of this plan, approximately 460550 executives are potentially eligible for this plan, almost all of them active executives.employees.


            Table of Contents

                    

            The top-up pension, which may not exceed 37.50% of final salary, is in the form of a life annuity, and is transferable as a survivor’ssurvivor's pension. The annuity is based on the arithmetical average of the three highest years’years' average annual gross compensation (fixed plus variable) paid during the five years (not necessarily consecutive) preceding final cessation of employment. This reference compensation is capped at 60 times the French social security ceiling (“PASS”("PASS") applicable in the year in which the rights vest. The annuity varies according to length of service (capped at 25 years) and supplements the compulsory industry schemes, subject to a cap on the total pension from all sources equal to 52% of the final level of compensation.

                    

            The admission of Christopher Viehbacher to this plan was approved by the Shareholders’Shareholders' General Meeting of April 17, 2009.

            Jean-François Dehecq

                    

            Compensation, optionsThe decision to admit Christopher Viehbacher to the top-up defined benefit pension plan and shares awarded to Jean-François Dehecq

            (in euros)  2010   2009 
            Compensation payable for the year (details provided in the table below)   4,710,599     2,279,995  
            Value of stock subscription options awarded during the year   0     0  
            Value of performance shares awarded during the year   0     0  

            Total

               4,710,599     2,279,995  

            Compensation payable and paid to Jean-François Dehecq

                2010   2009 
            (in euros)  Payable   Paid   Payable   Paid 
            Fixed compensation(1)   541,665     541,665     1,300,000     1,300,000  
            Variable compensation(2)   368,062     1,343,062     975,000     975,000  
            Exceptional compensation   3,799,032     3,799,032     0     0  
            Attendance fees   0     0     0     0  
            Benefits in kind   1,840     1,840     4,995     4,995  

            Total

               4,710,599     5,685,599     2,279,995     2,279,995  

            The amounts reported are gross amounts before taxes.

            (1)

            Fixed compensation payable in respect of a given year is paid during that year.

            (2)

            Generally, variable compensation in respect of a given year is determined and paidaward him ten years' service at the start of the following year. As an exception, variable compensation for 2010 was determined and paid in 2010, when Jean-François Dehecq left office.

            For 2010, the fixed compensation andoutset of his mandate, must be seen within the terms and conditionshistorical context. These commitments were part of the variable compensation of Jean-François Dehecq were maintained on apro rata basisconditions for the remainderhiring of his term as ChairmanChristopher Viehbacher negotiated before he accepted the position of the Board of Directors, i.e. until May 2010.

            For 2010, the variable compensation of Jean-François Dehecq was based 25% on a quantitative criterion and 75% on qualitative criteria.

            The quantitative criterion used was linked to adjusted earnings per share excluding selected items (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used until the end of 2009).

            The qualitative criteria were essentially based on the support provided to the Chief Executive Officer leadership of Sanofi, and hence before there could be any conflict of interest. These commitments were intended to replace the Board of Directors, input on the Group’s global strategy, and representation of the high-level interests ofpension plan which he had to renounce in order to join the Group.

            The variable compensation could have represented between 60% and 75% of Having conducted his fixed compensation.

            Taking into account the abovementioned criteria, the performance of the Company and the input of the Chairman of the Board of Directors during 2010, the Board of Directors set the variable compensation of Jean-François Dehecq for 2010 at €368,062.50, i.e., 75% of the fixed portion of his compensation pro rated through May 17, 2010. His variable compensationcareer in different countries, Christopher Viehbacher was paid in 2010.

            The amount reported for benefits in relatesunable to a company car.

            No stock options and no shares were granted in 2010. However, under the rules plan, he keeps the benefits of the share subscription options previously awarded.

            Pension arrangements for Jean-François Dehecq

            Jean-François Dehecq was covered by the Sanofi-Synthélabo top-up defined-benefit pension plan established in 2002 (and amended January 1, 2008) offered to executives of sanofi-aventis and its French

            subsidiaries who meet the eligibility criteria specified in the plan rules, the benefitrequirements of which is contingent upon the plan member ending his or her career within the Group. The plan is wholly funded by the Company.

            Based on the assumptions used in the actuarial valuation of this plan, 91 executives are beneficiaries or potentially eligible for this plan.

            Effective October 1, 2008, this plan was closed to any new eligible executive following the harmonization of the top-up defined-benefit pension plans of the French subsidiaries of the Aventis Group (including the Vaccine Division) and the Sanofi-Synthélabo Group, which merged in 2005. Nevertheless, it was replaced by the substantially similar “sanofi-aventis” plan. It is offered to all executives (within the meaning of the AGIRC regime —Association Générale des Institutions de Retraite des Cadres, a confederation of executive pension funds) of sanofi-aventis and its French subsidiaries, extended to corporate officers, including Christopher Viehbacher (see above).

            The top-up pension, which may not exceed 37.50% of final salary, is in the form of a life annuity, and is transferable as a survivor’s pension. The annuity is based on the arithmetical average of the three highest years’ average annual gross compensation (fixed plus variable) paid during the five years (not necessarily consecutive) preceding final cessation of employment. This reference compensation is capped at 60 times the French social security ceiling (“PASS”) applicable in the year in which the rights vest. The annuity varies according to length of service (capped at 25 years) and supplements the compulsory industry schemes subject to a cap equal to 52% of final salary on the total pension from all sources.

            In accordance with the generally applicable rules of the French compulsory pension schemes (social security, ARRCO and AGIRC) and the rules of the Sanofi-Synthélabo top-up defined benefit plan, Jean-François Dehecq requested the liquidation of his pension plans on May 17, 2010, with benefits commencing June 1, 2010. Between June 1 and December 31, 2010, the gross annual pension that he received from the top-up defined benefit plan amounted to €454,387, which would amount on a full year basis to an annual gross pension of €778,944.

            Severance arrangements for Jean-François Dehecq

            Jean-François Dehecq’s termination benefit was approved at successive Shareholders’ Annual General Meetings, most recently that of May 14, 2008. Payment of the termination benefit, which was equivalent to 20 months of his last total compensation (fixed plus variable), was contingent upon fulfillment of two out of three performance criteria.

            The first criterion was that the sanofi-aventis share price had outperformed the CAC 40 index since he first took office as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on February 15, 1988.

            The two other criteria, fulfillment of which would be assessed over the three financial years preceding his ceasing to hold office, were:

            the average of the ratios of adjusted net income excluding selected items (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used until the end of 2009) to net sales for each financial year had to be at least 15%.

            the average of the ratios of operating cash flow before changesexist in working capital to net sales for each financial year had to be at least 18%.France.

            Payment of the termination benefit was not limited to non-voluntary departure linked to a change in control or strategy, but also covered retirement. This commitment was approved before the adoption of the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code. Following the liquidation of his pension plans in May 2010, sanofi-aventis executed its contractual obligations in favor of Jean-François Dehecq.

            On May 17, 2010, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, and in accordance with the provisions of the general meeting of May 14, 2008, the Board of Directors acknowledged that the conditions for awarding Jean-François Dehecq a termination benefit equivalent to 20 months of his last total compensation (fixed plus variable) had been fulfilled. The Board of Directors authorized termination benefit to be paid in full. This termination benefit, amounting to €3,799,032, was paid in May 2010.

            These provisions exclude all other termination benefits for any reason whatsoever.

            Commitments in favor of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer in office as of December 31, 2010.2012

            Executive director
            Contract of
            employment

            Top-up pension
            plan

            Compensation or benefits
            payable or potentially
            payable on termination
            of office

            Compensation
            payable under
            non-competition
            clause

             
            Serge Weinberg No No No No
            Christopher Viehbacher No Yes Yes No
             

                    

            In the event of his removal from office as Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Viehbacher would receive a termination benefit equivalent to 24 months of total compensation on the basis of his fixed compensation effective on the date he ceases to hold office and the last variable compensation received prior to that date, subject to the performance criteria described below.

                    

            In accordance with article L. 225-42-1 of the French Commercial Code, payment of the termination benefit would be contingent upon fulfillment of two of the three performance criteria, assessed over the three financial years preceding his ceasing to hold office or, if he leaves office prior to the end of the 2011 financial year, the most recently ended financial years.office.

                    

            The three criteria are:

              the average of the ratios of adjusted net income excluding selected items (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used until the end of 2009) to net sales for each financial year must be at least 15%;



            the average of the ratios of operating cash flow before changes in working capital to net sales for each financial year must be at least 18%;



            the average of the growth rates for the Group’sGroup's activities, measured for each financial year in terms of net sales on a comparable basis, must be at least equal to the average of the growth rates of the Pharmaceutical and Vaccines activities of the top 12 global pharmaceutical companies, measured for each financial year in terms of net sales adjusted for the principal effects of exchange rates and changes in scope of consolidation.

                    

            The terms for the termination benefit entitlement of Christopher Viehbacher were approved by the Shareholders’Shareholders' Annual General Meeting of April 17, 2009.

            Any activation of this termination benefit will be carried out in compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code,Code,i.e. only if the departure is non-voluntary and linked to a change in control or strategy.


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                    This termination benefit was negotiated at the time of the recruitment of Christopher Viehbacher, and hence at a time when there was no conflict of interest. Moreover, the terms and conditions of this termination benefit comply with the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

            Lock-up periodobligation for shares obtained on exercise of stock options by, or disposition of performance shares by the Chief Executive Officer

                    

            Until he ceases to hold office, the Chief Executive Officer will be required to retain, in the form of sanofi-aventisSanofi shares, 50% of any capital gains (net of taxes and social contributions) obtained by the exercise of stock options or upon disposition of performance shares awarded by sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. He must hold these shares asin registered shares.form.

                    

            As called for byIn compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code, theCode and our Board Charter, of the sanofi-aventis Board of Directors forbids the Chief Executive OfficerChristopher Viehbacher has undertaken to refrain from contracting anyentering into speculative or hedging instruments in respect of his own interests,transactions, and, asso far as sanofi-aventisSanofi is aware, no such instruments have been contracted.

            Compensation and pension payments for directorsDirectors other than the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer

              Attendance fees

                    

            The table below shows amounts paid to each member of the sanofi-aventisSanofi Board of Directors in respect of 20092011 and 2010,2012, including those whose term of office ended during the year.

            these years.

            Attendance fees in respect of 2009,2011, the amount of which was set by the Board meeting of March 1, 2010,5, 2012, were paid in 2010.2012.

                    

            Attendance fees in respect of 2010,2012, the amount of which was set by the Board meeting of February 24, 2011,March 5, 2013, will be paid in 2011.2013.

                    

            For 2010,2012, the basic annual attendance fee was set at €15,000, apportioned on a time basis for directorsDirectors who assumed or left office during the year.

                    

            The variable portion of the fee is linked to actual attendance by directorsDirectors in accordance with the principles described below:

            directors

              Directors resident in France receive €5,000 per Board or Committee meeting attended, except for Audit Committee meetings for which the fee is €7,500 per meeting;

            directors

            Directors resident outside France receive €7,000 per Board meeting attended, and €7,500 per Committee meeting attended;



            the chairman of the Compensation Committee receives €7,500 per Committee meeting;



            the chairman of the Audit Committee, who is resident outside France, receives €10,000 per Committee meeting.

                    

            The attendance fee payable to a Director who participates by conference call or by videoconference is equivalent to half of the attendance fee received by a French Director who attends in person.

                    

            As an exception, some dual meetings give entitlement to a single attendance fee :fee:

            If

              if on the day of a Shareholders’Shareholders' General Meeting, the Board of Directors meets both before and after the Meeting, only one attendance fee is paid for both.

            Ifboth;

            if a Director participates in a meeting of the Compensation Committee and in a meeting of the Appointments and Governance Committee the same day, only one attendance fee is paid for both.

            Table of Contents

                    

            If necessary,The Shareholders' Annual General Meeting of May 6, 2011 approved a reduction coefficient is appliedproposal to this scale in order to keepincrease the maximum amount of annual attendance fees within the total attendance fee entitlement.to €1,500,000.

            (in euro) 2010  2009 
            Name Attendance fees
            in respect of 2010
            to be paid in 2011
              

            Pensions
            paid in

            2010

              Total
            theoretical
            compensation
            (6)
              Total
            effective
            compensation
            (7)
              

            Attendance fees
            in respect of 2009

            to be paid in 2010

              

            Pensions
            paid in

            2009

              Total
            theoretical
            compensation
            (8)
              Total
            effective
            compensation
            (9)
             
               fixed  variable              fixed  Variable             
            Uwe Bicker  15,000    98,500        113,500    105,848   15,000    71,000        86,000    85,519  
            Jean-Marc Bruel(1)  5,625   47,500   141,380    194,505    190,923    15,000    90,000    376,189    481,189    480,601  
            Robert Castaigne  15,000    107,500       122,500    114,241   15000    107,500        122,500    121,814  
            Patrick de La Chevardière(2)  7,500   15,000       22,500    20,983   15,000    27,500        42,500    42,262  
            Thierry Desmarest  15,000    92,500       107,500    100,253   15,000    62,500        77,500    77,066  
            Lord Douro  15,000    116,000        131,000    122,168   15,000    79,000        94,000    93,474  
            Jean-René Fourtou  15,000    97,500   1,618,818   1,731,318    1,723,733    15,000    62,500    1,602,013    1,679,513    1,679,079  
            Claudie Haigneré  15,000    65,000       80,000    74,607   15,000    60,000        75,000    74,580  
            Igor Landau  15,000    42,500   2,216,308   2,273,808    2,269,931    15,000    47,500    2,193,300    2,255,800    2,255,450  
            Christian Mulliez  15,000    42,500       57,500    53,623   15,000    47,500        62,500    62,150  
            Lindsay Owen-Jones  15,000    62,500       77,500    72,275   15,000    47,500        62,500    62,150  
            Klaus Pohle  15,000    143,500       158,500    147,814   15,000    141,000        156,000    155,127  
            Carole Piwnica(3)  0    0        0    0   0    0        0    0  
            Gunter Thielen(4)  0    0       0    0   12,500    22,000        34,500    34, 307  
            Gérard Van Kemmel  15,000    142,500       157,500    146,882   15,000    127,500        142,500    141,702  
            Serge Weinberg (5)  5,625   30,000       35,625    33,223   1,250    5,000        6,250    6,215  
            Total  183,750    1,103,000    3,976,506    5,263,256    5,176,504    208,750    998,000    4,171,502    5,378,252    5,371,496  

            Total attendance fees (theoretical)

              1,286,750                1,206,750              

            Total attendance fees (effective)

              1,199,997               1,199,994              

            (1)

            Left office May 17, 2010. Compensation from January 1, 2010 to May 17, 2010

            (2)

            Left office July 1, 2010.

            (3)

            Assumed office December 15, 2010.

            (4)

            Left office November 24, 2009.

            (5)

            Assumed office December 16, 2009. Compensation until May 17, 2010.

            (6)

            Before reducing pro rata by 0.93%

            (7)

            After reducing pro rata by 0.93%.

            (8)

            Before reducing pro rata by 0.56 %.

            (9)

            After reducing pro rata by 0.56 %.

            (in euro)
             2012
             2011
             
              
            Name
             Attendance fees
            in respect of 2012
            to be paid in 2013

             Pensions
            paid in
            2012

             Total
            compensation

             Attendance fees
            in respect of 2011
            to be paid in 2012

             Pensions
            paid in
            2011

             Total
            compensation

             
              
             
             fixed
             variable
              
              
             fixed
             variable
              
              
             
              

            Laurent Attal (1)

              10,000  40,000     50,000  0  0     0 
              

            Uwe Bicker

              15,000  89,000     104,000  15,000  71,000     86,000 
              

            Robert Castaigne

              15,000  90,000     105,000  15,000  103,750     118,750 
              

            Thierry Desmarest

              15,000  75,000     90,000  15,000  75,000     90,000 
              

            Lord Douro

              15,000  104,000     119,000  15,000  86,500     101,500 
              

            Jean-René Fourtou

              15,000  85,000  1,676,787  1,776,787  15,000  75,000  1,640,304  1,730,304 
              

            Claudie Haigneré

              15,000  65,000     80,000  15,000  65,000     80,000 
              

            Igor Landau

              15,000  35,000  2,295,672  2,345,672  15,000  37,500  2,245,724  2,298,224 
              

            Suet-Fern Lee (2)

              15,000  64,000     79,000  10,000  35,500     45,500 
              

            Christian Mulliez

              15,000  77,500     92,500  15,000  55,000     70,000 
              

            Lindsay Owen-Jones (3)

              6,250  20,000     26,250  15,000  42,500     57,500 
              

            Carole Piwnica

              15,000  93,750     108,750  15,000  55,000     70,000 
              

            Klaus Pohle

              15,000  131,500     146,500  15,000  135,250     150,250 
              

            Gérard Van Kemmel

              15,000  125,000     140,000  15,000  138,750     153,750 
              

            Total

              196,250  1,094,750  3,972,459  5,263,459  190,000  975,750  3,886,028  5,051,778 
              

            Total attendance fees

              1,291,000        1,165,750       

             

             
            (1)
            Assumed office May 4, 2012.
            (2)
            Assumed office May 6, 2011.
            (3)
            Left office May 4, 2012.

            Pensions

                    

            The amount recognized in 20102012 in respect of corporate pension plans for directors with current or past executive responsibilities at sanofi-aventisSanofi (or companies whose obligations have been assumed by sanofi-aventis)Sanofi) was €2.4€4.3 million.

                    

            As retirees, Jean-Marc Bruel, Jean-René Fourtou and Igor Landau are covered by the “GRCD”"GRCD" top-up pension plan instituted in 1977 for senior executives of Rhône-Poulenc. This plan was amended in 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2003, and currently applies to 2 active executives, 3 early retirees and 2628 retired executives.executives (including one survivor's pension). At its meeting of February 11, 2008, the Board of Directors decided to close this plan to new entrants. Christopher Viehbacher does not benefit from this top-up pension plan.

            Compensation of senior managementSenior Management

                    

            The compensation of the other Executive Committee members is based on an analysisestablished upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee taking into consideration the practices of major global pharmaceutical companies and the recommendation of the Compensation Committee.companies.

                    

            In addition to fixed compensation, these key executivesthey receive variable compensation, the amount of which is determined by the actual performance and growthas a function of trends in the business areas for which he or she isthey are responsible. Variable compensation generally represents 60% to 110% of their fixed compensation.


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            TheseIn addition to cash compensation, packagesExecutive Committee members may be supplemented by the granting of stockawarded share subscription or purchase options andand/or performance shares (see “Item"Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — E. Share Ownership”Ownership" for details of the related plans).

                    

            In 2010,With respect to 2012, the total gross compensation before social charges paid to orand accrued for thein respect of members of ourthe Executive Committee in office in 2010, including(including the Chief Executive Officer,Officer) amounted to €12.3 million. Fixed€14.9 million, including €6.3 million in fixed compensation.

                    In 2011, the Board of Directors made significant changes to its equity compensation represented €5.6 millionpolicy. In order to limit the dilutive effect on shareholders, the Board of Directors determined to primarily award performance shares, except for a limited group of senior managers who may continue to receive options. The members of the Executive Committee are included in this limited group. Furthermore, whoever the beneficiary is, any award of options or performance shares will henceforth be fully contingent upon the performance targets being achieved over several financial years, as well as a condition of still being an employee when the option is exercised or the performance share is delivered.

                    On March 5, 2012, 445,500 share subscription options were awarded to members of the Executive Committee (including 240,000 options awarded to Christopher Viehbacher). The entire award was contingent upon the same internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets (ROA) as Christopher Viehbacher, but excluding the TSR-based criterion. Consequently, the weighting of the two criteria is different, with each representing 50% of the grant.

                    The quantitative measures of performance are the same as for the award of Christopher Viehbacher. Although for reasons of confidentiality, the quantitative measures for the internal criteria cannot be publicly disclosed, even though they have been properly established in a precise manner, the targets and the level of achievement for the internal criteria will be publicly disclosed at the end of the performance measurement period.

                    As of December 31, 2012 a total of 2,998,000 options had been awarded to members of the Executive Committee (existing plans or plans ending in 2012). As of the same date, members of the Executive Committee held 2,898,000 unexercised options. These figures include the unexercised options awarded to Christopher Viehbacher, who is also a member of the Executive Committee.

                    

            Origin Date of
            shareholder
            authorization
              Date of Board
            grant
              Grant to
            Executive
            Committee
            Members
              Start date
            of exercise
            period
              

            Expiration
            date

            (2)

              Purchase
            price
            (in €)
              Number
            exercised
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            canceled
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            outstanding
             
            Sanofi-Aventis  05/31/07    12/13/07    520,000    12/14/11    12/13/17    62.33    0    0    520,000  
            Sanofi-Aventis  05/31/07    03/02/09    650,000    03/04/13    03/01/19    45.09    0    50,000    600,000  
            Sanofi-Aventis  04/17/09    03/01/10    805,000    03/03/14    02/28/20    54.12    0    50,000    755,000  

            In 2010, 805,000 stockThe table below summarizes the options were grantedawarded to the nine members of our Executive Committee (including the 275,000 stock options granted to Christopher Viehbacher). On March 1, 2010, the Board of Directors decided upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee to subject all the stock options granted to the Chief Executive Officer and half of the stock options granted to the otherindividuals who were members of the Executive Committee to a performance condition. The performance condition must be fulfilled for each financial year precedingat the exercise period (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013), and requires the ratio of business net income (which was a non-GAAP financial measure used until the end of 2009) to net sales to be at least 18% (see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Business Net Income”). The Board of Directors, upon the advicetime of the Compensation Committee, determined that these performance criteria were met for 2009 and 2010.

            As of December 31, 2010, 2,671,777 options had been granted toaward. For more information on the members of our Executive Committee. As of the same date, 2,353,762 options granted to the members of our Executive Committee were outstanding. These figures include the options granted to Christopher Viehbacher, who is a member of our Executive Committee. The exercise date and other basic characteristics of such options are set out insee the table “—"— E. Share Ownership — Existing Options Plans as of December 31, 2010”2012" below.

            Origin
             Date of
            shareholder
            authorization

             Date of
            Board
            grant

             Grant to
            Executive
            Committee
            Members (1)

             Start date
            of exercise
            period

             Expiration
            date

             Exercise
            price
            (in €)

             Number
            exercised
            as of
            12/31/2012

             Number
            canceled
            as of
            12/31/2012

             Number
            outstanding

             
              

            sanofi-aventis

              05/31/07  12/13/07  520,000  12/14/11  12/13/17  62.33  0  0  520,000 

            sanofi-aventis

              05/31/07  03/02/09  650,000  03/04/13  03/01/19  45.09  0  50,000  600,000 

            sanofi-aventis

              04/17/09  03/01/10  805,000  03/03/14  02/28/20  54.12  0  50,000  755,000 

            sanofi-aventis

              04/17/09  03/09/11  577,500  03/10/15  03/09/21  50.48  0  0  577,500 

            Sanofi

              05/06/11  03/05/12  445,500  03/06/16  03/05/22  56.44  0  0  445,500 

             

             
            (1)
            Includes the Chief Executive Officer as of the date of grant. The number is subject to performance conditions

                    During 2012, 70,000 share subscription options were exercised by members of the Executive Committee (Sanofi-Synthélabo subscription option plan of December 10, 2003, i.e. before the creation of the Executive Committee, with an exercise price of €55.74).

            In 2010, 20 restricted        On March 5, 2012, 137,900 performance shares (including 42,000 performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher) were awarded to members of the Executive Committee. The entire award was contingent upon the same internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets (ROA) as Christopher Viehbacher, but


            Table of Contents

            excluding the TSR-based criterion. Consequently, the weighting of each criterion is different, with each criterion representing 50% of the grant.

                    The quantitative measures of performance are the same as for the award of Christopher Viehbacher. Although for reasons of confidentiality, the quantitative measures for the internal criteria cannot be publicly disclosed, even though they have been properly established in a precise manner, the targets and the level of achievement for the internal criteria will be publicly disclosed at the end of the performance measurement period.

                    As of December 31, 2012, a total of 287,900 performance shares had been awarded to members of the Executive Committee (existing plans or plans ending in 2012). As of the same date, 223,400 performance shares were in the process of vesting. These figures include the performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher, who is also a member of the Executive Committee.

                    The table below summarizes the performance shares awarded to individuals who were members of the Executive Committee at the time of the award. For more information on the characteristics of such performance shares see the table "— E. Share Ownership — Existing Restricted Shares Plans as of December 31, 2012" below.

            Origin
             Date of
            shareholder
            authorization

             Date of Board
            Decision

             Grant to
            Executive
            Committee
            Members (1)

             Date of
            award

             Vesting
            date

             Availability
            date

             Number
            transferred
            as of
            12/31/2012

             Number
            of rights
            canceled
            as of
            12/31/2012

             Number
            outstanding

             
              

            sanofi-aventis

              5/31/07  03/02/09  65,000  03/02/09  03/03/11  03/04/13  65,000  0  0 

            sanofi-aventis

              4/17/09  03/09/11  85,500  03/09/11  03/10/13  03/10/15  0  0  85,500 

            Sanofi

              4/17/09  03/05/12  137,900  03/05/12  03/06/15  03/06/17  0  0  137,900 

             

             
            (1)
            Includes the Chief Executive Officer as of the date of grant. The number is subject to performance conditions

                    On March 5, 2013, 402,000 share subscription options and 120,600 performance shares were awarded to any employee with at least three months’ service, including the members of ourthe Executive Committee (including 240,000 options and 45,000 performance shares awarded to Christopher Viehbacher). The entire award is contingent upon the same internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets (ROA) as Christopher Viehbacher, but excluding the TSR-based criterion. Consequently, the weighting of the two criteria is different, with each representing 50% of the grant.

                    The quantitative measures of performance are the same as for the award of Christopher Viehbacher. Although for reasons of confidentiality, the quantitative measures for the internal criteria cannot be publicly disclosed, even though they have been properly established in a precise manner, the targets and the level of achievement for the internal criteria will be publicly disclosed at the end of the performance measurement period.

                    As part of Share 2010, a global restricted share plan. Allits commitment to transparency, Sanofi has undertaken to publish in its annual report the level of attainment determined by the Board of Directors for performance conditions applicable to future equity-based compensation plans awarded to Christopher Viehbacher and the other members of the Executive Committee. The Board considers that disclosing the level of attainment allows our shareholders to better understand the demanding nature of the performance conditions. For disclosures about the level of attainment of the various equity-based compensation plans, see "— B. Compensation — Compensation and pension arrangements for corporate officers — Christopher Viehbacher", bearing in mind that the TSR-based criterion only applies to the Chief Executive Committee subsequently renounced deliveryOfficer and that the criteria based on Business Net Income and the ROA each apply to 50% of these restricted shares.the grant.

                    

            Under French law, directorsDirectors may not receive options solely as compensation for service on our Board, and thus our Company may grant options only to those directorsDirectors who are also our officers.

                    

            Because some of our non-executive directorsDirectors were formerly officers or executive officers of our Company or its predecessor companies, some of our non-executive directorsDirectors hold sanofi-aventisSanofi stock options.

                    

            We do not have separate profit-sharing plans for key executives. As employees, they are able to participate in our voluntary and statutory profit-sharing schemes on the same terms as our other employees. These plans are described below under “—"— Employees — Profit-sharing schemes."


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            The total amount accrued and recognized in the income statement for the year endedas of December 31, 20102012 in respect of corporate pension plans for (i) directors with current or past executive responsibilities at sanofi-aventisSanofi or at companies whose obligations have been assumed by sanofi-aventisSanofi and (ii) members of the Executive Committee was €58.7 million.

            This total amount accrued€162.0 million, including €9.1 million recognized in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 20092012.

                    This total amount accrued as of December 31, 2012 included €140.3€83.5 million for members of the Executive Committee collectively.

            collectively of which €6.0 million were recognized in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2012.


            C. Board Practices

                    

            Neither we nor our subsidiaries have entered into service contracts with members of our Board of Directors providing for benefits upon termination of employment. With respect to Christopher Viehbacher, see also “—"— B. Compensation — Christopher Viehbacher”Viehbacher" above.

                    

            Sanofi-aventisThe AFEP-MEDEF Code requires us to specifically report on the application of its recommendations and, if applicable, explain why any of them have not been applied. Sanofi follows the guidelines contained in the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance codeCode as amended. Currently our departures from this Code are as follows:

              The limitations on the powers of the Chief Executive Officer are not contained in our Board Charter but in a decision of our Board dated July 28, 2009 (see "— A. Directors and senior management — Limitations on the powers of the Chief Executive Officer set by the Board"). Because the publication and decision-making processes are the same, this departure is technical and has no practical repercussions.

              The Committees do not each have their own charter separate from the Board Charter. The Board Charter, which has been adopted by the Board of Directors, gives a global vision of the functioning of the Board and of its committees. Indeed, combining the rules that apply to the Board of Directors and those that apply to its committees creates a single, coherent governing document validated by the entire Board.

              The Board of Directors does not consider that being a Board member for more than 12 consecutive years is of itself sufficient to disqualify a director from being regarded as independent. This is only one of a number of criteria that must be evaluated on a case by case basis, and not once for all. It is only after reviewing all the factors that a director can be determined as being independent or non-independent. While length of service may in certain circumstances be associated with a loss of independence, in other circumstances it may enhance the capacity of a director to question senior management and give greater independence of mind.

              The annual assessment of the Board of Directors and of its committees covers their functioning as collective bodies and does not evaluate each director individually. The issue of competency and individual contribution to the activities of the Board and its committees is addressed when a director is up for reappointment as a board or committee member. The Board of Directors does not intend to further formalize this individual assessment, since this could undermine the climate of confidence. Indeed, the rule of collective responsibility is the cornerstone of the French corporate legal system and does not prejudice the rights of our shareholders.

                    During 2012, the Board of Directors met eight times, with an overall attendance rate among Board members of over 95%. This attendance rate includes participation by conference call, though only a limited number of Directors participated in this way. The individual attendance rates varied between 71% and 100%.

                    The following persons attended meetings of the Board of Directors in 2012:

              the Directors;

              the Secretary to the Board;

              five employee representatives who attend Board meetings without voting rights, pursuant to the agreement implemented with the European Works Council signed on February 24, 2005;

              and frequent attendance of: the Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer, the President Global Operations, and the Chief Strategy Officer.

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                    The agenda for each meeting of the Board is prepared by the Secretary after consultation with the Chairman, taking account of the agendas for the meetings of the specialist Committees and the suggestions of the directors.

                    Approximately one week prior to each meeting of the Board of Directors, the Directors each receive a file containing the agenda, the minutes for the prior meeting, and documentation relating to the agenda.

                    The minutes for each meeting are expressly approved at the next meeting of the Board of Directors.

                    In compliance with our Board Charter, certain issues, are examined in advance by the various Committees according to their areas of competence; these issues are then submitted for a decision by the Board of Directors.

                    In 2012, the main activities of the Board of Directors related to the following issues:

              the review of the individual company and consolidated financial statements for the financial year 2011, the review of the individual company and consolidated financial statements for the first half and the consolidated financial statements for the first three quarters of 2012, as well as the review of the draft press releases and presentations to analysts with respect to the publication of such financial statements;

              an update as to the financing of the acquisition of Genzyme;

              the examination of documents relating to management forecasts and the financial arrangements adopted with respect to Group subsidiaries over the financial year 2011, the forecasts for the full year 2012 and the budget for 2013;

              regulated agreements;

              the delegation of authority to the Chief Executive Officer to issue bonds, and the renewal of the share repurchase program;

              reviews of the Board of Directors' Management Report, the Chairman's Report and the reports of the statutory auditors;

              the recording of the amount of the share capital, the reduction in the share capital through the cancellation of treasury shares and the corresponding amendments to the Articles of Association;

              the determination of the 2011 variable compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, the determination of the 2012 fixed and variable compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, an update of the 2011 and 2012 fixed and variable compensation of the members of the Executive Committee and the determination of the 2012 fixed compensation of the Chairman of the Board. During the presentation of the report of the Compensation Committee on the compensation of corporate officers, the Board of Directors deliberated in their absence: the Board of Directors in the first place discussed the compensation of the Chairman in his absence, and then discussed the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer with the Chairman present but with the Chief Executive Officer still absent;

              the allocation of Directors' attendance fees for the year 2011;

              the adoption of equity-based compensation plans, consisting of share subscription option plans and restricted share awards, in respect of 2012;

              the composition of the Board, the recording of the non-renewal of the mandate of a Director, the proposed renewal of the mandate of Directors at the Shareholders' General Meeting in 2012, the independence of the Directors, the appointment of a new Director, the appointment of a new member of the Audit Committee, the renewal of the chairmanship of the Audit Committee following the renewal of his mandate as a Director, and the review of the composition of the Committees in view of the new composition of the Board;

              a presentation on Corporate Social Responsibility, on the USA region, on the Consumer Health Care strategy and on industrial affairs;

              Company policy on equal pay and opportunities;

              the notice of meeting for the General Meeting of Shareholders and of Holders of Participating Shares (Series issued in 1983, 1984 and 1987 and Series A participating shares issued in 1989), the adoption of

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                the draft resolutions, the report of the Board of Directors on the resolutions, and the special reports on the share subscription options and on the restricted shares awarded;

              the evaluation of the Board and its Committees.

            Board Committees

            Since 1999, our Board of Directors has been assisted in its deliberations and decisions by specialist committees. Members of these committees are chosen by the Board from among its members, based on their experience.

                    The members of these Committees are selected from among the Directors based on their experience and are appointed by the Board of Directors.

                    The Committees are responsible for the preparation of certain items on the agenda of the Board of Directors. The decisions of the Committees are adopted by a simple majority with the chairman of the Committee having a casting vote. Minutes are established and approved by the Committee members.

                    The chairmen of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Appointments and Governance Committee are appointed by the Board of Directors.

                    The chairman of each specialist Committee reports to the Board as to the work of the Committee in question, so that the Board is fully informed whenever it adopts a decision.

                    The Board of Directors works in close collaboration with the specialist Committees, with a view to ensuring that it carries on its work with maximum transparency and efficiency at all times.

            Audit Committee

                    

            At December 31, 2010,2012, this Committee was composed of:

              Klaus Pohle, Chairman;

              Robert Castaigne;

              Christian Mulliez (since May 4, 2012);

              Carole Piwnica;

              Gérard Van Kemmel.

                    Christian Mulliez was appointed as a member of the Audit Committee comprised:by the Board of Directors during its meeting of May 4, 2012, following the Shareholders' General Meeting held on the same day.

                    Before this appointment, during its meeting of March 5, 2012, the Audit Committee examined the experience of Christian Mulliez as Vice President, General Manager Administration and Finance of L'Oréal and graduate of theEcole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC). The Audit Committee concluded that Christian Mulliez has the necessary knowledge and experience in finance and accounting, in particular with respect to IFRS standards and internal controls, to be a financial expert. On February 23, 2012 the Appointments and Governance Committee examined the independence of its members and concluded that Christian Mulliez was not an independent Director under the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

                    

            Klaus Pohle, Chairman;

            Robert Castaigne; and

            Gérard Van Kemmel.

            Two of the threeFour members of the Audit Committee are classified as independent Directors as this term is generally employedpursuant to the criteria adopted by the Board. All its members, includingBoard of Directors, i.e. Robert Castaigne, are independent within the terms of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.Carole Piwnica, Klaus Pohle and Gérard Van Kemmel. In addition, all threeof the members, including Christian Mulliez, fulfill the conditions required to be classified as independent under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

                    All five members of this committeethe Committee have financial or accounting expertise as a resultconsequence of their trainingeducation and work experienceprofessional experience. Furthermore, Robert Castaigne, Christian Mulliez, Klaus Pohle and qualify both asGérard Van


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            Kemmel are deemed to be financial experts underpursuant to the definition in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the definition in Article L. 823-19 of the French standardsCommercial Code. See "Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert".

                    The Audit Committee met eight times in 2012, including prior to the meetings of the Board of Directors during which the financial statements were approved. In addition to the statutory auditors, the principal financial officers, the Senior Vice President Audit and Evaluation of Internal Control and other members of senior management of the Group attended meetings of the Audit Committee.

                    The meetings of the Audit Committee take place at least two days prior to any meetings of the Board of Directors during which the annual or interim financial statements are to be examined.

                    The members of the Audit Committee have a very good attendance record for meetings, with an overall attendance rate among members of 94%. Individual attendance rates varied between 75% and 100%.

                    The statutory auditors attended all of the meetings of the Audit Committee; they presented their views as to the annual and half yearly financial experts withinstatements at the termsCommittee meetings of February 3, and July 23, 2012, respectively.

                    In 2012, the main activities of the Audit Committee related to:

              the preliminary review of the individual company and consolidated financial statements for the financial year 2011, the review of the individual company and consolidated financial statements for the first half and of the consolidated financial statements for the first three quarters of 2012, as well as a review of the press releases and analysts presentations relating to the publication of such financial statements;

              the financial position of the Group, its indebtedness and liquidity;

              investigation and evaluation of internal control for 2011, as certified by the statutory auditors pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and French legislation. See “Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert.” The Committee must be composedan examination of at least three Directors; neither the Chairman nor 2011 Annual Report on Form 20-F;

              reporting on guarantees;

              the Chief Executive Officer may be members. At least two-thirdsreview of the draft resolution to the May 4, 2012 Shareholders' General Meeting on the dividend;

              the principal risks facing the Company, including audit and evaluation of internal control, financial monitoring of research and development, implementation of shared services in Europe, update on the compliance program, risk management (quality and consent decree), impairment testing of goodwill, pharmacovigilance, update on retirement funds and actuarial assumptions, review of tax litigation and other litigation (meetings of January 25, April 24, May 25, July 23, October 22, and December 13, 2012);

              the conclusions of Group management as to internal control procedures, the 2011 Board of Directors' Management Report and Chairman's Report, including the description of risk factors contained in the FrenchDocument de Référence;

              the purchase price allocation and restructuring of Genzyme;

              reporting on capital expenditures, reporting on internal audit activities, review of business profitability;

              the budget for audit-related services and non-audit services, the 2012 audit plan, and statutory auditors' fees, the renewal of the mandate of one of the statutory auditors and of its members must be independent,deputy;

              the expertise in financial and accounting matters of Christian Mulliez with a Director belongingview to another company the audit committee of which includes a sanofi-aventis Director may not be appointedhis appointment to the Audit Committee.

            The roles of the Audit Committee are to review:

            the process for the preparation of financial information;

            the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management systems;

            the audit of the parent company financial statements and consolidated financial statements by the statutory auditors; and

            the independence of the statutory auditors.

            The role of the Committee is not so much to examine the financial statements in detail as to monitor the process of preparing them and to assess the validity of elective accounting treatments used for significant transactions.

            In fulfilling its role, the Committee interviews the statutory auditors and the officers responsible for finance, accounting and treasury management. It is possible for such interviews to take place without the Chief Executive Officer being present if the Committee sees fit.        The Committee may also visit or interview managers of operational entitiesdid not have recourse to external consultants in furtherance of its role, having given prior notice to the Chairman of the Board and to the Chief Executive Officer.

            The Committee interviews the person responsible for internal audit, and gives its opinion on the organization of the internal audit function. The Committee receives the internal audit reports or a periodic summary of these reports.

            The Committee reviews the scope of consolidation and, as the case may be, the reasons why companies are included in or excluded from such scope.

            The Committee has authority to consult external experts at the Company’s expense, after first informing the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors, and shall report on its use of such authority to the Board of Directors.

            The examination of the financial statements by the Audit Committee is accompanied by a presentation by the statutory auditors highlighting key issues not only regarding the financial results but also the elective accounting treatments used, along with a presentation by the Chief Financial Officer describing the Group’s risk exposure and significant off balance sheet commitments.

            In addition, the Committee:

            directs the selection process for the statutory auditors when their mandates are due for renewal, submits the results of this process to the Board of Directors, and issues a recommendation;

            is informed of the fees paid to the statutory auditors, ensures that the signatory partners are rotated, and oversees compliance with other rules relating to auditor independence;

            with the statutory auditors, assesses any factors that may compromise the auditors’ independence and any measures taken to mitigate such risk; the Committee ensures in particular that the amount of fees paid by the Company and the Group, or the percentage such fees represent of the auditors’ firms or networks, are not likely to compromise the auditors’ independence;

            approves in advance any request for the statutory auditors to provide services that are incidental or complementary to the audit of the financial statements, in accordance with applicable law;

            ensures that internal early warning procedures relating to accounting, internal accounting controls and audit are in place and applied; and

            ensures that independent Directors receive no compensation other than attendance fees.

            During 2010, the Audit Committee met seven times.

            2012.

            Compensation Committee

                    

            At December 31, 2010,2012, this Committee was composed of:

              Gérard Van Kemmel, Chairman;



            Thierry Desmarest;


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              Jean-René Fourtou;



            Claudie Haigneré; and



            Christian Mulliez (since May 4, 2012).

                    

            Lindsay Owen-Jones,.

            The whose mandate as Director expired at the close of the May 4, 2012 Shareholders' General Meeting, also left the Compensation Committee is composedCommittee. At the end of fivethe Board members, three of whom are independent. A majority of its members must be independent. No executive Directors may be members and a Director belonging to another companymeeting which followed the compensation committee of which includes a sanofi-aventis Director may not be appointed toShareholders' General Meeting, Christian Mulliez joined the Compensation Committee.

                    

            The rolesOf the five members of the Compensation Committee, are:three are deemed to be independent.

                    

            to make recommendations and proposals to the Board about the compensation, pension and welfare plans, top-up pension plans, benefits in kind and other pecuniary benefits of the executive directors of sanofi-aventis, and about the granting of restricted shares, performance shares and stock options;

            to define the methods used to set the variable portion of the compensation of the executive directors, and check that these methods are applied;

            to formulate general policy on the granting of restricted shares, performance shares, and stock options, and to determine the frequency of grants for each category of grantee;

            to review the system for allocating attendance fees among Directors; and

            to advise the Chief Executive Officer on the compensation of key senior executives.

            The Committee also assists in the preparation of the sections of the Company’s French reference document that describe the Company’s policy with respect to the granting of purchase or subscription options, restricted shares or performance shares, and executive compensation.

            The Committee has authority to consult external experts at the Company’s expense, after first informing the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors, and shall report on its use of such authority to the Board of Directors.

            The Committee is informed of the compensation policy applicable to the key senior executives other than the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. On such occasions, the Committee meets in the presence of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer.

            The Compensation Committee met fourthree times in 2010.2012.

                    The members of the Compensation Committee have an excellent attendance record for meetings, with an overall attendance rate among members of 100%.

                    In 2012, the main activities of the Compensation Committee related to:

              the fixed and variable compensation of corporate officers and senior management, and the establishment of the amount of Directors' attendance fees;

              the governance chapter of the 2011Document de Référence, which contains disclosures about compensation;

              the policy for equity-based compensation, including both share subscription options and performance shares, which was discussed at several meetings;

              the review of the draft resolution to be presented to the shareholders in 2012 requesting renewal of the delegation of authority granted to the Board to award performance shares;

              an update on the 2011 and 2012 fixed and variable compensation of the members of the Executive Committee;

              the expenses of Directors and corporate officers;

              presentation on Say on Pay;

              employee share ownership policy;

              long-term variable compensation policy;

              short-term compensation policy for the Chief Executive Officer.

                    The Committee did not have recourse to external consultants in 2012.

                    When the Committee discusses the compensation policy for members of senior management who are not corporate officers, i.e. the members of the Executive Committee, the Committee invites the members of senior management who are corporate officers to attend.

            Appointments and Governance Committee

                    

            At December 31, 2010,2012, this Committee was composed of:

              Serge Weinberg, Chairman;



            Thierry Desmarest;



            Lord Douro;



            Jean-René Fourtou;



            Claudie Haigneré;

            Lindsay Owen-Jones; and

            Gérard Van Kemmel.

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            TheLindsay Owen-Jones, whose mandate as Director expired at the close of the May 4, 2012 Shareholders' General Meeting, also left the Appointments and Governance Committee is composed of seven Board members, four of whom are independent. A majority of its members must be independent.Committee.

                    

            The rolesOf the six members of the Appointments and Governance Committee, are:four are deemed to be independent.

                    

            to recommend suitable candidates to the Board for appointment as Directors or executive officers, taking into account the desired composition of the Board in light of the composition of and changes in the Company’s shareholder base, the experience and skills needed for the Board’s missions, gender balance of the Board;

            to establish corporate governance rules for the Company, and to oversee the application of those rules;

            to ensure that there is adequate succession planning for the Company’s executive bodies, in particular through the establishment of a succession plan for the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer so that replacement solutions may be proposed in the event of an unexpected vacancy;

            to oversee compliance with ethical standards within the Company and in its dealings with third parties;

            to organize a procedure for the selection of future independent Directors and to carry out studies of potential candidates prior to any contact therewith;

            to determine whether each Director qualifies as being independent, both on his or her initial appointment and annually prior to publication of the French reference document, and report its conclusions to the Board of Directors; the Committee may set independence criteria based on those set out in the AFEP-MEDEF code;

            to debate the skills and/or financial expertise of Directors nominated to the Audit Committee and report its conclusions to the Board of Directors;

            to propose methods for evaluating the operating procedures of the Board and its Committees and oversee the application of these methods; and

            to examine the Chairman’s report on corporate governance.

            The Committee has authority to consult external experts at the Company’s expense, after first informing the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors, and shall report on its use of such authority to the Board of Directors.

            The Appointments and Governance Committee met four timestwice in 2010.2012.

                    The members of the Appointments and Governance Committee have an excellent attendance record for meetings, with an overall attendance rate among members of 100%.

                    In 2012, the main activities of the Appointments and Governance Committee related to:

              the review of the Board of Directors Management Report, Chairman's Report, and the chapter of the 2011Document de Référence containing disclosures about governance;

              the independence of the Directors;

              proposals about re-election and appointment of Directors;

              the review of the independence of the proposed new Director, the appointment of a fifth member of the Audit Committee, update on the composition of the Committees after the May 4, 2012 Shareholders' General Meeting;

              update on the composition of the Board of Directors;

              the organization of the Group.

                    The Committee did not have recourse to external consultants in 2012.

            Strategy Committee

                    

            At December 31, 2010,2012, this Committee was composed of:

              Serge Weinberg, Chairman;



            Christopher Viehbacher;



            Laurent Attal (since May 4, 2012);

            Uwe Bicker;



            Thierry Desmarest;



            Lord Douro;



            Jean-René Fourtou; and

            .

                    

            Lindsay Owen-Jones,.

            The Strategy Committee is composed of seven Board members, three of whom are independent. The Committee is composed whose mandate as Director expired at the close of the ChairmanMay 4, 2012 Shareholders' General Meeting, also left the Strategy Committee. At the end of the Board meeting which followed the Chief Executive Officer and at least three other Directors.Shareholders' General Meeting, Laurent Attal joined the Strategy Committee.

                    

            TheOf the seven members of the Strategy Committee, is tasked with assessing major strategic options with a viewthree are deemed to the development of the Company’s business.be independent.

                    

            It briefsIn 2012, the Board of Directors on issues of major strategic interest, such as:

            acquisition, merger and alliance opportunities;

            divestment opportunities;

            development priorities;

            financial and stock market strategies, and compliance with key financial ratios;

            potential diversification opportunities; and

            more generally, any course of action judged essential to the Company’s future.

            The Strategy Committee met six times, four times in 2010.restrictive sessions and twice in expanded sessions.

                    The members of the Strategy Committee have an excellent attendance record for meetings, with an overall attendance rate among members of 100%.

            The committee worked        As in 2011, the work of the Committee covered, in particular, on the business plan, external growth opportunities, research and development and proposed acquisitions. Several meetings also covered the Oncologydevelopment of a strategic plan for 2015-2020, analysis of the risk from generics, macro trends in the market, and Diabetes divisions.the outlook for each of the growth platforms.


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                    The Committee did not have recourse to external consultants in 2012.


            D. Employees

            Number of Employees

                    

            As of December 31, 2010, sanofi-aventisIn 2012, Sanofi employed 101,575111,974 people worldwide.worldwide, 1,745 fewer than in 2011. The tables below give a breakdown of employees by geographic area and function as of December 31, 2010. Central and Eastern European countries are included in Other Europe.

            2012.

            Employees by geographic area

                As of December 31, 
                2010   %   2009   %   2008   % 
            France   25,896     25.5%     27,694     26.4%     28,223     28.7%  
            Other Europe   28,919     28.5%     30,202     28.8%     25,292     25.8%  
            United States   12,954     12.7%     14,517     13.8%     15,228     15.5%  
            Japan   3,153     3.1%     3,198     3.1%     3,121     3.2%  
            Other countries   30,653     30.2%     29,256     27.9%     26,349     26.8%  

            Total

               101,575     100%     104,867     100%     98,213     100%  

             
             As of December 31,
             
             
             2012
             %
             2011
             %
             2010
             %
             

            Europe

              56,265 50.2%  58,339 51.3%  54,815 54.0%

            North America

              18,994 17.0%  20,233 17.8%  15,106 14.9%

            Other countries

              36,715 32.8%  35,147 30.9%  31,654 31.1%
             

            Total

              111,974 100%  113,719 100%  101,575 100%

             

            Employees by function

                As of December 31, 
                2010   %   2009   %   2008   % 
            Sales   32,686     32.2%     34,292     32.7%     33,507     34.1%  
            Research and Development   16,983     16.7%     19,132     18.3%     18,976     19.3%  
            Production   37,504     36.9%     36,849     35.1%     31,903     32.5%  
            Marketing and Support Functions   14,402     14.2%     14,594     13.9%     13,827     14.1%  

            Total

               101,575     100%     104,867     100%     98,213     100%  

             
             As of December 31,
             
             
             2012
             %
             2011
             %
             2010
             %
             

            Sales

              32,270 28.8%  32,874 28.9%  32,686 32.2%

            Research and Development

              17,066 15.2%  18,823 16.6%  16,983 16.7%

            Production

              45,035 40.2%  44,415 39.0%  37,504 36.9%

            Marketing and Support Functions

              17,603 15.7%  17,607 15.5%  14,402 14.2%
             

            Total

              111,974 100%  113,719 100%  101,575 100%

             

            Industrial Relations

                    In all countries where Sanofi operates, we strive to combine economic and social performance — which we believe are inseparable.

            Industrial        Sanofi's social responsibility is based on the basic principles of the Group's Social Charter, which outlines the rights and duties of all Group employees. The Social Charter addresses Sanofi's key commitments towards its workforce: equal opportunity for all people without discrimination, the right to health and safety, respect for privacy, the right to information and professional training, social protection for employees and their families, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, and respect for the principles contained in the Global Compact on labor relations within sanofi-aventisand ILO treaties governing the physical and emotional well-being and safety of children.

                    The Group's social relations are foundedbased on respect and dialogue. In this spirit, the Company's management and employee representatives and management meet frequentlyregularly to exchange views, negotiate, sign agreements and ensure thesethat agreements are being implemented. During 2010,


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                    Social dialogue takes place in different ways from one country to the forums for dialogue with our employees that exist in most of the countries where we operate were kept regularly informed about the Group’s progress and about the transformation program initiatednext, as necessitated by management in 2009.

            At the European level, the sanofi-aventis European Works Council has 40 members and 40 alternates, representing employees from the 27 European Union member states where we operate. During 2010, the European Works Council members received training about the Council’s role and prerogatives in light of changes in the legislative framework.

            The Council met in March, April, September and October 2010 to give the employee representatives regular updates about developments in the Group’s various entities (R&D, Industrial Affairs, Commercial Operations, Vaccines, and Support Functions). These developments reflect the adaptations needed for us to remain competitive internationally, to migrate our research and industrial facilities towards biotechnologies, and to adjust our sales forces in response tospecific local regulatory constraints (such as exclusion from reimbursement or price regulation) and to generic competition for some of our flagship products.

            These plenary meetings were supplemented by additional meetings with the officers of the European Works Council, providing a more frequent and specific forum for exchanges with the Councilcircumstances. Depending on the latest developments in the Group.

            We also conducted negotiations throughout the year with employee representatives in each European country affected by the changes. These meetings provided an opportunity for uscase, social dialogue relating to explain the changes (commercial operations in Germany, Spain, Italyinformation, consultation and France; divestments of sites in England and France; site closures, etc), and to establish employee support measures best suited to local circumstances (internal retraining, outplacement, voluntary redundancy, early retirement, etc). The objective is to inform employee representativesnegotiation processes may take place at the earliest possible stage so that their views and proposals cannational, regional or company level. It may be taken into account.

            In order to adapt to the changing U.S. market, including the expected loss of patent exclusivityorganized on a number of major products and increased generic competition, sanofi-aventis made further adjustments to its U.S. workforce in 2010. In October 2010, the Group announced a reorganization of its operational units to rescale and reposition pharmaceutical operations according to the needs of the drug portfolio. Close to one quarter of the workforce was concerned, representing about 1,700 persons mainly in commercial operations. Sanofi-aventis put in place departure conditions for these persons including both financial aspects and outplacement support.

            In the rest of the world, we continued to implement an action plan in the Philippines, prepared in response to an employee relations survey conducted in 2009, and also initiated similar surveys in other countries, such as Taiwan and Japan.

            The French Group Works Council, consisting of 25 members and 25 alternates plus trade union representatives, met in February, April, July, October and December 2010. During these meetings, the Council was updated on our activities and financial position, on employment trends within the Group in France, and on the status of our transformation program (reorganization of our R&D, Chemicals, and Commercial Operations in France, site divestment, etc) and other ongoing projects (such as the integration of companies acquired in France).

            In 2010, five amendments to healthcare and welfare agreements were signed, along with an agreement on a 3% uplift to the minimum guaranteed annual salary.

            A further five amendments to collective compensation agreements were signed in order to extend them to the employees of Oenobiol and Fovea, acquired in 2009.

            In addition, specific agreements were signed at sites operated by individual Group companies (sanofi-aventis Recherche et Développement, Sanofi Winthrop Industrie, Sanofi Chimie, Sanofi-aventis France, sanofi pasteur and sanofi-aventis groupe), for example on the adoption of chemical industry classification at entity level.

            In line with our ongoing policies on the employment of seniors and the prevention of psychosocial risks, a number of initiatives were taken in France during 2010:

            Employment of seniors: the Group action plan is being rolled out at entity level (R&D, Industrial Affairs, Vaccines, etc), including the introduction by Human Resources of a voluntary career development interview with employees aged over 45 (potentially involving some 12,000 people).

            Prevention of psychosocial risks: the Group-wide agreement signed in December 2009 is beinginterprofessional or sectorial basis, or both. Social dialogue may be informal or it may be implemented through a broad rangespecific formal body, or a combination of initiatives at our 37 sites across France, including trainingboth methods. Whatever the situation, Sanofi encourages employees to voice their opinions, help create a stimulating work environment and awareness programs for management, staff,take part in decisions aiming to improve the way we work. These efforts reflect one of the principles of the Social Charter whereby the improvement of working conditions and Health and Safety Committees. In addition, we will be setting up a “Stress Observatory” at Group level early in 2011.the Group's necessary adaptation to its environment go hand-in-hand.

            Finally, negotiations were conducted throughout 2010 on issues such as ergonomics, training, strategic workforce planning, and employment; these will continue in 2011.

              Profit-sharing Schemes, Employee Savings Schemes and Employee Share Ownership

            Profit-sharing Schemes

                    

            All employees of our French companies belong to voluntary and statutory profit-sharing schemes.

            Voluntary Scheme (Intéressement des salariés)

                    

            These are collective schemes that are optional for the employer and contingent upon performance. The aim is to give employees an interest in the growth of the business and improvements in its performance.

                    

            The amount distributed by our French companies during 20102012 in respect of voluntary profit-sharing for the year ended December 31, 20092011 represented 4.3%5.2% of total payroll.

                    

            In June 2008, sanofi-aventis signed2011, Sanofi entered into a three-year Group-wide agreement, effective from the 20082011 financial year, and applicable to all French companies more than 50% owned by sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. Under the agreement, payments under the Group voluntary profit-sharing scheme are linkeddepend on the most favorable criterion between growth of growth platforms turnover compared to growth in our adjustedthe previous year's turnover (with constant exchange rate and perimeter) and the level of business net income excluding selected items (which wasincome. For each criterion, a non-GAAP financial measure used untilschedule allows to determine the endpercentage of 2009). The current agreement willtotal payroll to be renegotiated in 2011.

            distributed.

            Statutory Scheme (Participation des salariés aux résultats de l’entreprisel'entreprise)

                    

            The scheme is a French legal obligation for companies with more than 50 employees that made a profit in the previous financial year.

                    

            The amount distributed by our French companies during 20102012 in respect of the statutory scheme for the year ended December 31, 20092011 represented 6.8%5.7% of total payroll.

                    

            In November 2007, sanofi-aventis signedSanofi entered into a new Group-wide agreement for an indefinite period, covering all the employees of our French companies.

                    

            An amendment to this agreement was signed in April 2009, primarily to bringalign the agreement into line withon a change in French legislation (Law 2008-1258 of December 3, 2008) designedin order to protect against erosion in purchasing power, under which each qualifying employee can elect to receive some or all of his or her profit-sharing bonus without regard to the normally applicable mandatory lock-up period.

            Distribution Formula

                    

            In order to favor lower-paid employees, the voluntary and statutory profit-sharing agreements entered into since 2005 split the benefit between those entitled as follows:

              60% on the basis of presence during the year; and

              40% on the basis of annual salary, up to a limit of three times the Social Security ceiling.

            -60% on the basis of presence during the year; and

            -40% on the basis of annual salary, up to a limit of three times the Social Security ceiling.

            Table of Contents

            Employee Savings Schemes and Collective Retirement Savings Plan

            The employee savings arrangements operated by sanofi-aventisSanofi are based on a Group savings scheme (Plan Epargne Groupe) and a collective retirement savings plan (Plan Epargne pour la Retraite Collectif). These schemes reinvest the sums derived from the statutory and voluntary profit-sharing schemes (compulsory investments), and voluntary contributions by employees.

                    

            Since June 1, 2008, all of these arrangements have been open to all the employees of our French companies.

            In June 2010, 78.4%2012, 77% of the employees who benefited from the profit-sharing schemes had opted to invest in the collective retirement savings plan.

                    

            In 2010, €114.72012, €122.9 million and €55.5€57.6 million were invested in the Group savings scheme and the collective retirement savings plan respectively through the voluntary and statutory schemes for 2009,2010, and through top-up contributions.

            Employee Share Ownership

                    

            At December 31, 2010,2012, shares held by employees of sanofi-aventisSanofi and of related companies and by former employees under Group employee savings schemes amounted to 1.44%1.31% of the share capital.


            E. Share Ownership

            Senior Management

                    

            Members of the Executive Committee hold shares of our Company amounting in the aggregate to less than 1% of the Company’sour share capital.

                    

            At December 31, 2010,2011, a total of 2,671,7772,998,000 options had been granted to the members of the Executive Committee (plans existing or closed in 2010)2012) and 2,353,7622,898,000 unexercised options to subscribe for or to purchase sanofi-aventisSanofi shares were held by the members of the Executive Committee.

                    In 2012, 70,000 options were exercised by members of the Executive Committee (December 10, 2003 Sanofi-Synthélabo subscription option plan, i.e. before the creation of the Executive Committee, with an exercise price of €55.74).

                    At December 31, 2012, a total of 287,900 performance shares had been awarded to the members of the Executive Committee (plans existing or closed in 2012) and 223,400 unvested performance shares were held by the members of the Executive Committee.

                    These figures include the options granted to Christopher Viehbacher, who is a member of the Executive Committee. The terms of these options and performance shares are summarized in the tables below.

            In 2010, 710 stock options were exercised by members of the Executive Committee.

            Existing Option Plans as of December 31, 20102012

                    

            As of December 31, 2010,2012, a total of 82,270,92851,022,011 options were outstanding, including 5,847,276291,537 options to purchase sanofi-aventisSanofi shares and 76,423,65250,730,474 options to subscribe for sanofi-aventisSanofi shares. Out of this total, 55,663,45334,622,756 were immediately exercisable, including 5,847,276291,537 options to purchase shares and 49,816,17734,331,219 options to subscribe for shares.

                    

            Equity-based compensation, consisting of share subscription option plans and performance share plans, aims to align the employees' objectives on those of the shareholders and to reinforce the link between employees and the Group. Under French law, this falls within the powers of the Board of Directors. Stock options (which may be options to subscribe for shares or options to purchase shares) are granted to employees the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer by the Board of Directors on the basis of recommendations from the Compensation Committee.

                    

            Granting options is a way of recognizing the beneficiary’sbeneficiary's contribution to the Group’sGroup's development, and also of securing his or her future commitment to the Group.


            Table of Contents

                    

            For each plan, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors assess whether it should take the form of options to subscribe for shares or options to purchase shares, based on criteria that are primarily financial.

                    

            A list of beneficiaries is submittedproposed by the Senior Management to the Compensation Committee, which reviews the list and then submits it to the Board of Directors, which grants the options. The Board of Directors also sets the terms for the exercise of the options (including the exercise price) and the lock-up period. The exercise price never incorporates a discount, and must be at least equal to the average of the quoted market prices on the 20 trading days preceding the date of grant by the Board. Stock option plans generally specify a vesting period of four years and a total duration of ten years.

                    

            In accordance with2011, the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code, all grants of options to the Chief Executive Officer are subject to performance conditions. The Board of Directors also appliesmade significant changes to its equity-based compensation policy. In order to limit the dilutive effect on shareholders, the Board of Directors determined to primarily award performance shares, except for a limited group of senior managers who may continue to receive options. Furthermore, whoever the beneficiary is, any award of options or performance shares will henceforth be fully contingent upon the performance targets being met over several financial years.

                    On March 5, 2012, 574,050 share subscription options were awarded to 55 beneficiaries (excluding 240,000 options awarded to Christopher Viehbacher). Each option entitles the grantee to the subscription of one share, in the aggregate representing 0.04% of our share capital before dilution.

                    The entire award was contingent upon two of the same internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets (ROA) as Christopher Viehbacher, but excluding the TSR-based criterion. Consequently, the weighting of each criterion is different, each representing 50% of the grant. The quantitative measures of performance are the same as for the award of Christopher Viehbacher.

                    The percentage of options awarded to Christopher Viehbacher in 2012 represents 1.81% of the total limit approved by the Shareholders' General Meeting held on May 6, 2011 (1% of our share capital) and 29.48% of the total award to all beneficiaries on March 5, 2012.

                    Not all employees are able to benefit from awards of performance shares, but a new agreement on the voluntary scheme (intéressement des salariés) was concluded in June 2011 to ensure that all employees have an interest in the performance of the business.

                    In addition, pursuant to the French Law of July 28, 2011, all employees in France of the French subsidiaries of the Group benefited from a profit-sharing bonus amounting to €620 gross in July 2012. In total, Sanofi paid out €18.3 million in this regard (including social contributions).

                    On March 5, 2013, the Board of Directors awarded 548,725 share subscription options to 57 beneficiaries (excluding 240,000 options awarded to Christopher Viehbacher). Each option entitles the grantee to the subscription of one share, in the aggregate representing 0.04% of our share capital before dilution.

                    The entire award was contingent upon two of the same internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets (ROA) as Christopher Viehbacher, but excluding the TSR-based criterion. Consequently, the weighting of each criterion is different, each representing 50% of the grant.

                    As part of its commitment to transparency, Sanofi has undertaken to publish in its annual report the level of attainment determined by the Board of Directors for the performance conditions applicable to future equity-based compensation plans awarded to Christopher Viehbacher and the other beneficiaries. (see “—members of the Executive Committee. The Board considers that disclosing the level of attainment allows our shareholders to better understand the demanding nature of the performance conditions. For disclosures about the level of attainment of the various equity-based compensation plans, see "— B. Compensation — Compensation and pension arrangements for corporate officers”).

            At its meeting of March 1, 2010,officers — Christopher Viehbacher", bearing in addition tomind that the 275,000 stock options granted to Christopher Viehbacher, the Board of Directors granted 5,727 beneficiaries a total of 7,846,355 options to subscribe for one sanofi-aventis share each (representing 0.6% of our share capital before dilution). Half the stock options granted to the members of the Executive Committee and all the stock options granted to Christopher Viehbacher are subject to a performance condition. The performance condition must be fulfilled for each financial year preceding the exercise period (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013), and requires the ratio of business net income to net sales to be at least 18% (see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Business Net Income”).

            Options grantedTSR-based criterion only applies to the Chief Executive Officer in 2010 represented 0.8%and that the criteria based on Business Net Income and the ROA each apply to 50% of the maximum total grant approved at the Shareholders’ Annual General Meetinggrant.


            Table of April 17, 2009 (2.5% of our share capital) and 3.38% of the total grant made to all of the beneficiaries on March 1, 2010.Contents

            Share Purchase Option Plans

            Origin Date of
            shareholder
            authorization
              Date of Board
            grant
              Number of
            options
            initially
            granted
              - to
            corporate
            officers (1)
              - to the 10
            employees
            granted
            the most
            options (2)
              Start date
            of exercise
            period
              Expiration
            date
              Purchase
            price
            (in €)
              Number
            exercised
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            canceled
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            outstanding
             
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990    12/15/1993    364,000    130,000    104,000    12/15/1998    12/15/2013    6.36    352,600    5,200    6,200  
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990    10/18/1994    330,200    0    200,200    10/18/1999    10/18/2014    6.01    319,300    0    10,900  
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990    1/12/1996    208,000    0    52,000    1/12/2001    1/12/2016    8.56    188,730    0    19,270  
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990    4/05/1996    228,800    0    67,600    4/05/2001    4/05/2016    10.85    194,130    0    34,670  
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990    10/14/1997    262,080    0    165,360    10/14/2002    10/14/2017    19.73    227,638    5,200    29,242  
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990    6/25/1998    296,400    148,200    117,000    6/26/2003    6/25/2018    28.38    285,880    0    10,520  
            Synthélabo  6/23/1998    3/30/1999    716,040    0    176,800    3/31/2004    3/30/2019    38.08    390,135    5,720    320,185  
            Sanofi-Synthélabo  5/18/1999    5/24/2000    4,292,000    310,000    325,000    5/25/2004    5/24/2010    43.25    4,003,464    288,536    0  
            Sanofi-Synthélabo  5/18/1999    5/10/2001    2,936,500    145,000    286,000    5/11/2005    5/10/2011    64.50    275,061    125,900    2,535,539  
            Sanofi-Synthélabo  5/18/1999    5/22/2002    3,111,850    145,000    268,000    5/23/2006    5/22/2012    69.94    61,000    149,600    2,880,750  

            (1)

            Comprises the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Executive Officer or equivalent officers as of the date of grant.

            (2)

            Employed as of the date of grant.

            Origin
             Date of shareholder authorization
             Date of Board grant
             Number of options initially granted
             - to corporate officers (1)
             - to the 10 employees granted the most options (2)
             Start date of exercise period
             Expiration date
             Purchase price (in €)
             Number exercised as of 12/31/2012
             Number canceled as of 12/31/2012
             Number outstanding
             
              
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990  10/18/1994  330,200  0  200,200  10/18/1999  10/18/2014  6.01  325,000  0  5,200 
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990  1/12/1996  208,000  0  52,000  1/12/2001  1/12/2016  8.56  199,130  0  8,870 
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990  4/05/1996  228,800  0  67,600  4/05/2001  4/05/2016  10.85  210,300  0  18,500 
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990  10/14/1997  262,080  0  165,360  10/14/2002  10/14/2017  19.73  233,438  5,200  23,442 
            Synthélabo  6/28/1990  6/25/1998  296,400  148,200  117,000  6/26/2003  6/25/2018  28.38  292,900  0  3,500 
            Synthélabo  6/23/1998  3/30/1999  716,040  0  176,800  3/31/2004  3/30/2019  38.08  478,295  5,720  232,025 
            Sanofi-Synthélabo  5/18/1999  5/22/2002  3,111,850  145,000  268,000  5/23/2006  5/22/2012  69.94  61,000  3,050,850  0 
              
            (1)
            Comprises the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Executive Officer or equivalent officers as of the date of grant.
            (2)
            Employed as of the date of grant.

            Share Subscription Option Plans

            Origin
             Date of shareholder authorization
             Date of grant
             Number of options initially granted
             - to corporate officers (1)
             - to the 10 employees granted the most options (2)
             Start date of exercise period
             Expiration date
             Subscription price (in €)
             Number exercised as of 12/31/2012
             Number canceled as of 12/31/2012
             Number outstanding
             
              
            Aventis  5/24/2000  3/06/2002  1,173,913  1,173,913  0  3/07/2005  3/06/2012  69.82  0  1,173,913  0 
            Aventis  5/14/2002  11/12/2002  11,775,414  352,174  741,100  11/13/2005  11/12/2012  51.34  8,844,395  2,931,019  0 
            Aventis  5/14/2002  12/02/2003  12,012,414  352,174  715,000  12/03/2006  12/02/2013  40.48  8,379,556  1,782,670  1,850,188 
            Sanofi-Synthélabo  5/18/1999  12/10/2003  4,217,700  240,000  393,000  12/11/2007  12/10/2013  55.74  2,630,340  227,500  1,359,860 
            sanofi-aventis  5/31/2005  5/31/2005  15,228,505  400,000  550,000  6/01/2009  5/31/2015  70.38  201,864  2,129,105  12,897,536 
            sanofi-aventis  5/31/2005  12/14/2006  11,772,050  450,000  585,000  12/15/2010  12/14/2016  66.91  1,031,435  1,149,310  9,591,305 
            sanofi-aventis  5/31/2007  12/13/2007  11,988,975  325,000  625,000  12/14/2011  12/13/2017  62.33  2,318,000  1,038,645  8,632,330 
            sanofi-aventis  5/31/2007  3/02/2009  7,736,480  250,000  655,000  03/04/2013  3/01/2019  45.09  18,755  574,265  7,143,460 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/2009  3/01/2010  7,316,355  0  665,000  3/03/2014  02/28/2020  54.12  440  473,670  6,842,245 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/2009  3/01/2010  805,000  275,000  805,000  3/03/2014  02/28/2020  54.12  0  50,000  755,000 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/2009  3/09/2011  574,500  0  395,000  3/10/2015  3/09/2021  50.48  0  30,000  544,500 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/2009  3/09/2011  300,000  300,000  0  3/10/2015  3/09/2021  50.48  0  0  300,000 
            Sanofi  5/06/2011  3/05/2012  574,050  0  274,500  3/06/2016  3/05/2022  56,44  0  0  574,050 
            Sanofi  5/06/2011  3/05/2012  240,000  240,000  0  3/06/2016  3/05/2022  56,44  0  0  240,000 
              
            (1)
            Comprised the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Executive Officer, or equivalent officers as of the date of grant.
            (2)
            Employed as of the date of grant.

                    

            Origin Date of
            shareholder
            authorization
              Date of
            grant
              Number
            of options
            initially
            granted
              - to
            corporate
            officers (1)
              - to the 10
            employees
            granted
            the most
            options (2)
              Start date
            of
            exercise
            period
              Expiration
            date
              Subscription
            price
            (in €)
              Number
            exercised
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            canceled
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            outstanding
             
            Aventis  5/26/1999    05/11/1999    877,766    0    86,430    05/11/2003    05/11/2010    49.65    586,122    291,644    0  
            Aventis  5/24/2000    11/14/2000    13,966,871    1,526,087    1,435,000    11/15/2003    11/14/2010    67.93    1,272,007    12,694,864    0  
            Aventis  5/24/2000    3/29/2001    612,196    0    206,000    3/30/2004    3/29/2011    68.94    28,476    36,964    546,756  
            Aventis  5/24/2000    11/07/2001    13,374,051    1,068,261    875,200    11/08/2004    11/07/2011    71.39    880,241    2,977,475    9, 516,335  
            Aventis  5/24/2000    3/06/2002    1,173,913    1,173,913    0    3/07/2005    3/06/2012    69.82    0    7    1,173,906  
            Aventis  5/14/2002    11/12/2002    11,775,414    352,174    741,100    11/13/2005    11/12/2012    51.34    4,643,971    1,881,231    5,250,212  
            Aventis  5/14/2002    12/02/2003    12,012,414    352,174    715,000    12/03/2006    12/02/2013    40.48    5,046,091    1,692,290    5,274,033  
            Sanofi-Synthélabo  5/18/1999    12/10/2003    4,217,700    240,000    393,000    12/11/2007    12/10/2013    55.74    188,780    212,150    3,816,770  
            Sanofi-aventis  5/31/2005    5/31/2005    15,228,505    400,000    550,000    6/01/2009    5/31/2015    70.38    6,500    1,859,580    13,362,425  
            Sanofi-aventis  5/31/2005    12/14/2006    11,772,050    450,000    585,000    12/15/2010    12/14/2016    66.91    0    896,310    10,875,740  
            Sanofi-aventis  5/31/2007    12/13/2007    11,988,975    325,000    625,000    12/14/2011    12/13/2017    62.33    0    749,780    11,239,195  
            Sanofi-aventis  5/31/2007    03/02/2009    7,736,480    250,000    655,000    03/04/2013    03/01/2019    45.09    620    313,915    7,421,945  
            Sanofi-aventis  4/17/2009    03/01/2010    7,316,355    0    665,000    03/01/2014    28/02/2020    54.12    0    125,020    7,191,335  
            Sanofi-aventis  4/17/2009    03/01/2010    805,000    275,000    805,000    03/01/2014    29/02/2020    54.12    0    50,000    755,000  

            (1)

            Comprises the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Executive Officer, or equivalent officers as of the date of grant.

            (2)

            Employed as of the date of grant.

            The main characteristics of our stock options are also described in Note D.15.8 to our consolidated financial statements, included in Item 18 of this annual report.

            Awards ofExisting Restricted SharesShare Plans as of December 31, 20102012

                    

            Since 2009, the Board of Directors has awarded restricted shares to certain employees in order to give them a direct stake in the Company’sCompany's future and performances via trends in the share price, as a partial substitute for the granting of stock options.

                    

            Restricted shares are awarded to employees on the basis of a list submitted to the Compensation Committee. This Committee which then submits thethis list to the Board of Directors, which awards the shares. The Board of Directors sets the vesting conditions for the award, and any lock-up conditions for the shares.

            In 2010,2011, the Board of Directors approved bothmade significant changes to its equity-based compensation policy. In order to limit the dilutive effect on shareholders, the Board of Directors determined to primarily award performance shares, except for a targeted plan onlimited group of senior managers who may continue to receive options. Furthermore, whoever the beneficiary is, any award of options or performance shares will henceforth be fully contingent upon the performance targets being achieved over several financial years.


            Table of Contents

                    On March 1, 2010 along the lines of the 2009 plan and a global plan open to all employees with at least three months’ service on October 27, 2010 (Share 2010, described below).

            At its meeting of March 1, 2010,5, 2012, the Board of Directors set up two plans:plans in addition to the award made to the Chief Executive Officer:

              a French plan awarding 531,725 restricted1,525,100 performance shares to 2,2622,545 beneficiaries, subject to a vesting period of twothree years followed by a lock-up period of two years; and



            an international plan awarding 699,5243,127,160 restricted shares to 3,3335,042 beneficiaries, subject to a vesting period of four years.

                    The entire award was contingent upon two of the same internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets (ROA) as Christopher Viehbacher, but excluding the TSR-based criterion. Consequently, the weighting of each criterion is different, each representing 50% of the grant. The quantatitive measures of performance are the same as for the award of Christopher Viehbacher.

            No        The 2012 awards represent a dilution of 0.35% of our share capital before dilution as of December 31, 2012.

                    Not all employees are able to benefit from awards of performance shares, were awardedbut a new agreement on the voluntary scheme (intéressement des salariés) was concluded in June 2011 to ensure that all employees have an interest in the performance of the business.

                    In addition, pursuant to the membersFrench Act of July 28, 2011, all employees in France of the Executive Committee, including Christopher Viehbacher, underFrench subsidiaries of the March 2010 plans.Group benefited from a profit-sharing bonus amounting to €620 gross in July 2012. In total, Sanofi paid out €18.3 million in this regard (including social contributions).

                    

            At its meeting of October 27, 2010, in accordance with French legislation on earnings from employment enacted on December 3, 2008,On March 5, 2013, the Board of Directors set up Share 2010, the Group’s first global restricted share plan. This plan awarded 20 restricted shares to each Group employee with at least three months’ service at the date of the meeting, subject to a presence condition. Share 2010 was deployed in 95 countries, in two separate plans:

              a French plan awarding 556,480 restricted1,411,910 performance shares to 27,8242,542 beneficiaries, subject to a vesting period of twothree years followed by a lock-up period of two years, and.

            years; and

            an Internationalinternational plan awarding 1,544,8602,838,795 restricted shares to 77,2435,119 beneficiaries, subject to a vesting period of four years.

                    The entire award was subject to two of the same internal criteria based on Business Net Income and Return on Assets (ROA) as Christopher Viehbacher, but excluding the TSR-based criterion. Consequently, the weighting of each criterion is different, each representing 50% of the grant.

            Under        As part of its commitment to transparency, Sanofi has undertaken to publish in its annual report the termslevel of Share 2010,attainment determined by the Board of Directors for the performance conditions applicable to future equity-based compensation plans awarded to Christopher Viehbacher and the other members of the Executive Committee (including Christopher Viehbacher) were beneficiariesCommittee. The Board considers that disclosing the level of attainment allows our shareholders to better understand the demanding nature of the plan, but they subsequently renounced deliveryperformance conditions. For disclosures about the level of attainment of the shares.

            The award of restricted sharesvarious equity-based compensation plans, see "— B. Compensation — Compensation and pension arrangements for corporate officers — Christopher Viehbacher", bearing in 2010 represents a dilution of about 0.25%mind that the TSR-based criterion only applies to the Chief Executive Officer and that the criteria based on Business Net Income and the ROA apply to 50% of the share capital asgrant each.


            Table of December 31, 2010 before dilution.Contents

            Restricted Share Plans

            Origin
             Date of shareholder authorization
             Date of award
             Number of shares initially awarded
             - to corporate officers (1)
             - to the 10 employees awarded the most shares (2)
             Date of award (3)
             Vesting date
             Availability date
             Number transferred as of 12/31/2012
             Number of rights canceled as of 12/31/2012
             Number outstanding
             
              
            sanofi-aventis  5/31/07  3/02/09  590,060  65,000  13,900  3/02/09  3/03/11  3/04/13  585,782  4,278  0 
            sanofi-aventis  5/31/07  3/02/09  604,004  0  13,200  3/02/09  3/04/13  3/04/13  2,564  59,071  542,369 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/09  3/01/10  531,725  0  12,600  3/01/10  3/02/12  3/03/14  523,767  7,958  0 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/09  3/01/10  699,524  0  16,530  3/01/10  3/02/14  3/03/14  2,686  65,294  631,544 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/09  10/27/10  556,480  20  200  10/27/10  10/27/12  10/28/14  533,200  23,280  0 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/09  10/27/10  1,544,860  0  200  10/27/10  10/27/14  10/28/14  1,080  72,800  1,470,980 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/09  3/09/11  1,366,040  0  71,000  3/09/11  3/10/13  3/10/15  200  18,050  1,347,790 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/09  3/09/11  1,934,610  0  103,300  3/09/11  3/10/15  3/10/15  12,000  116,160  1,806,450 
            sanofi-aventis  4/17/09  3/09/11  30,000  30,000  0  3/09/11  3/10/13  3/10/15  0  0  30,000 
            Sanofi  4/17/09  3/05/12  1,525,100  0  126,700  3/05/2012  3/06/15  3/06/17  100  4,980  1,520,020 
            Sanofi  4/17/09  3/05/12  3,127,160  0  96,300  3/05/2012  3/06/16  3/06/16  0  104,260  3,022,900 
            Sanofi  4/17/09  3/05/12  42,000  42,000  0  3/05/2012  3/06/15  3/06/17  0  0  42,000 
              
            (1)
            Comprises the Chief Executive Officer as of the date of grant.
            (2)
            Employed as of the date of grant.
            (3)
            Subject to vesting conditions.

                    

            Origin Date of
            shareholder
            authorization
              Date of
            award
              Number
            of
            shares
            initially
            awarded
              - to
            corporate
            officers (1)
              - to the 10
            employees
            awarded
            the most
            shares (2)
              Date of
            award
              Vesting
            date
              Availability
            date
              Number
            transferred
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            of rights
            canceled
            as of
            12/31/2010
              Number
            outstanding
             
            Sanofi-aventis  5/31/07    03/02/09    590,060    65,000    13,900    03/02/09    03/03/11    03/04/13    0    3,126    586,934  
            Sanofi-aventis  5/31/07    03/02/09    604,004    0    13,200    03/02/09    03/04/13    03/04/13    0    32,571    571,433  
            Sanofi-aventis  4/17/09    3/01/10    531,725    0    12 600    3/01/10    03/02/12    03/03/14    0    2,788    528,937  
            Sanofi-aventis  4/17/09    3/01/10    699,524    0    16 530    3/01/10    03/02/14    03/03/14    0    20,200    679,324  
            Sanofi-aventis  4/17/09    10/27/10    556,480    20    200    10/27/10    10/27/12    10/28/14    0    540    555,940  
            Sanofi-aventis  4/17/09    10/27/10    1,544,860    0    200    10/27/10    10/27/14    10/28/14    0    340    1,544,520  

            (1)

            Comprises the Chief Executive Officer as of the date of grant.

            (2)

            Employed as of the date of grant.

            As of December 31, 2010,2012, a total of 4,467,08810,414,053 restricted shares were outstanding, as the vesting period of each planthe plans had not yet expired.

            Shares Owned by Members of the Board of Directors

                    

            As of December 31, 2010,2012, members of our Board of Directors held in the aggregate 50,497113,080 shares, or under 1% of the share capital and of the voting rights, excluding the beneficial ownership of 72,186,832 shares held by Total as of such date which may be attributed to Thierry Desmarest (who disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares) and excluding the beneficial ownership of 118,227,307 shares held by L’OréL'Oréal as of such date which may be attributed to Lindsay Owen-JonesLaurent Attal or Christian Mulliez (who disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares).

            Transactions in Shares by Members of the Board of Directors and comparable persons in 20102012

              On February 11, 2010, Serge Weinberg bought 90023, 2012, Suet-Fern Lee, Director, acquired 500 shares at a price of €52.51€56.42 per share and 600share;

              On March 2, 2012, Lord Douro, Director, acquired 1,000 shares at a price of €52.35.

              €57.35 per share;

              On March 2, 2010, Uwe Bicker,May 21, 2012, Christian Mulliez, Director, bought 300acquired 32 shares at a price of €54.67€54.05 per share.

              share by electing to receive his dividend in shares for the units he holds in the Sanofi Group Employee Savings Plan (FCPE Actions Sanofi);

              On March 9, 2010,May 29, 2012, Serge Weinberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors, acquired 70 shares at a price of €54.65 per share;

              On June 25, 2012, Laurent Attal, Director, acquired 500 shares at a price of €57.87 per share;

              On July 27, 2012, Hanspeter Spek, President Global Operations, exercised 63,000 options to subscribe for shares at a price of €55.74 and sold the resulting 63,000 shares at a price of €64.3265;

              On July 27, 2012, Karen Linehan, Senior Vice PresidentVice-President Legal Affairs and General Counsel, exercised 7107,000 options to purchase 710subscribe for shares at a price of €43.25 per share€55.74 and sold 710the resulting 7,000 shares at a price of €56.25€64.16 per share (Plan Sanofi-Synthélabo of May 24, 2000).

              share; and

              On March 11, 2010, Lord Douro,November 13, 2012, Thierry Desmarest, Director, bought 450500 shares at a price of £50.80€67.42 per share.


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              Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

              A. Major Shareholders

                      

              A. Major Shareholders

              The table below shows the ownership of our shares as of January 31, 2011,2013, indicating the beneficial owners of our shares. To the best of our knowledge and on the basis of the notifications received as disclosed below, except as described belowfor L'Oréal, no other shareholder currently holds more than 5% of our share capital or voting rights.

                  Total number of issued
              shares
                 

              Number of actual
              voting rights

              (excluding own shares) (3)

                 Theoretical number of
              voting rights
              (including own shares) (4)
               
                  Number   %   Number   %   Number   % 

              L’Oréal

                 118,227,307     9.02     236,454,614     15.61     236,454,614     15.55  

              Total

                 67,710,891     5.16     134,719,904     8.89     134,719,904     8.86  

              Treasury shares(1)

                 6,072,712     0.46               6,072,712     0.40  

              Employees(2)

                 18,682,750     1.43     35,229,250     2.33     35,229,250     2.32  
              Public   1,100,311,216     83.93     1,108,344,542     73.17     1,108,344,542     72.87  

              Total

                 1,311,004,876     100     1,514,748,310     100     1,520,821,022     100  

              (1)Includes net position of share repurchases under the Group’s liquidity contract which amounted to 15,000 as of December 31, 2010. Amounts held under this contract vary over time
              (2)Shares held via the sanofi-aventis Group Employee Savings Plan.
              (3)Based on the total number of voting rights as of January 31, 2011.
              (4)Based on the total number of voting rights as of January 31, 2011 as published in accordance with article 223-11 and seq. of the General Regulations of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (i.e., calculated before suspension of the voting rights of treasury shares).

               
               Total number of
              issued shares

               Number of actual
              voting rights
              (excluding own shares) (3)

               Theoretical number
              of voting rights
              (including own shares) (4)

               
                
               
               Number
               %
               Number
               %
               Number
               %
               
                
              L'Oréal  118,227,307  8.91  236,454,614  16.13  236,454,614  16.10 
              Treasury shares (1)  3,193,787  0.24      3,193,787  0.22 
              Employees (2)  17,191,116  1.30  34,062,116  2.32  34,062,116  2.32 
              Public  1,187,958,233  89.55  1,195,268,262  81.55  1,195,268,262  81.36 
                
              Total  1,326,570,443  100  1,465,784,992  100  1,468,978,779  100 
                
              (1)
              Includes net position of share repurchases under the Group's liquidity contract which amounted to 46,000 as of January 31, 2013. Amounts held under this contract vary over time.
              (2)
              Shares held via the Sanofi Group Employee Savings Plan.
              (3)
              Based on the total number of voting rights as of January 31, 2013.
              (4)
              Based on the total number of voting rights as of January 31, 2013 as published in accordance with article 223-11 and seq. of the General Regulations of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (i.e., calculated before suspension of the voting rights of treasury shares).

              Ourstatuts(Articles (Articles of Association) provide for double voting rights for shares held in registered form for at least two years. All of our shareholders may benefit from double voting rights if these conditions are met, and no shareholder benefits from specific voting rights. For more information relating to our shares, see “Item"Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association."

                      

              L’OréL'Oréal and Total areis the only two entitiesentity known to hold more than 5% of the outstanding sanofi-aventisSanofi ordinary shares. These entitiesL'Oréal reduced their holdingsits holding from 2007 to 20102011 after no significant changes in 2006 and 2005. At year end 2006, their respective holdings were 10.52% and 13.13%year-end 2007, its holding was 8.66% of our share capital compared to 9.02% and 5.51%8.91% on December 31, 2010.2012.

                      

              On May 17, 2010, our shareholderFebruary 16, 2012, Total declared, following a loss of double voting rights resulting from the conversion of its shares into bearer shares, that it had passed below the legal threshold of 10%5% of our voting rights.

                      Total also declared that, following sales of shares on the stock market and conversion of shares into bearer shares with a view to selling them, it had passed below the thresholds of 3%, 2%, 1% of our share capital (declarations of January 19, 2012, May 10, 2012, and July 30, 2012), and of 5%, 3%, 2% and 1% of our voting rights (declarations of February 16, 2012, June 11, 2012, July 2, 2012, and August 7, 2012) and as a result of its share sales, andlast declaration held as of the declaration date shares representing 5.88%0.56% of our share capital and 9.78%0.5% of our voting rights.

              rights (declaration of August 7, 2012). Total subsequently announced that it had sold the remainder of its shareholding in Sanofi during September 2012.

              In accordance with ourstatuts, shareholders are required to notify us once they have passed the threshold of 1% of our share capital or our voting rights and each time they cross an incremental 1% threshold (see “Item"Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Requirements for Holdings Exceeding Certain Percentages”Percentages").

                      

              For the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, we were informed that the following share ownership declaration thresholds had been passed:

                      

              Amundi declared that, it had passed successively above and below the thresholds of 3% and 4% of our share capital as a result of holdings through its mutual funds, (fonds communs de placement), and asit had passed above the threshold of its last declarations held 2.99%3% of ourthe share capital (declaration of November 5, 2010) and 2.88% of our voting rightsFebruary 8, 2012), then passed successively above (declaration of May 26, 2010).

              BNP Paribas Asset Management declared that it had passed successively aboveJuly 19, 2012) and below the threshold of 1%3% of our share capital as a result of holdings through its mutual funds (fonds communs de placement),voting rights, and as of its last declaration held 0.98%3.16% of our share capital and 0.84%2.98% of our voting rights (declaration of December 21, 2012).


              Table of Contents

                      BNP Paribas declared that, through its mutual funds, it had successively passed above (declaration of April 27, 2010).

              Crédit Agricole S.A declared that the Crédit Agricole group had passed above2012) and below (declaration of May 22, 2012) the threshold of 1% of our share capital and as of its last declaration held 1.04%0.95% of our share capital and 0.89%0.80% of our voting rights (declaration of May 21, 2010)22, 2012).

                      

              Crédit SuisseThe Caisse des dépôts et consignations declared that it had passed successively above and below the thresholds of 1% and 3% of our share capital, and as of its last declaration held 1.24% of our share capital (declaration of December 16, 2010).

              Dodge & Cox declared that it had passed above the threshold of 3% of our share capital and as of its last declaration held 3.01% of our share capital and 2.59% of our voting rights (declaration of October 13, 2010).

              Franklin Ressources declared that it had passed above the threshold of 2% of our share capital, and as of its last declaration held 2.01% of our share capital and 1.72% of our voting rights (declaration of May 20, 2010).

              L’Oréal, as a result of a share cancellation by sanofi-aventis, declared that it had passively passed above the threshold of 9% of our share capital, and as of its last declaration held 9.02% of our share capital (declaration of May 12, 2010).

              Natixis Asset Management declared that it had passed successively above and below the threshold of 2% of our share capital and as of its last declaration held 1.99% of our share capital and 1.74% of our voting rights (declaration of December 22, 2010)January 20, 2012).

                      

              TotalCrédit Suisse declared that as a result of share sales itthe Crédit Suisse Group had passed successively belowabove the thresholdsthreshold of 7% and 6%1% of our share capital (declaration of April 13, 2010)January 5, 2012), then successively above and below the thresholds of 12%2% and 1% of our share capital and as of its last declaration held 1.34% of our capital (declaration of July 24, 2012).

                      Franklin Resources, Inc. declared that it had successively passed below (declaration of January 6, 2012), 11%above (declaration of April 24, 2012) and 10%again below (declaration of November 13, 2012) the threshold of 2% of our share capital, then above (declaration of May 9, 2012) and below (declaration of August 24, 2012) the threshold of 2% of our voting rights and as of its last declaration held 5.88%1.98% of our share capital and 9.78%1.79% of our voting rights (declaration of May 20, 2010)November 13, 2012).

                      

              Since January 1, 2011 we have been informed that the following share ownership declaration thresholds have been passed:

              AmundiL'Oréal declared that, as a resultdue to the reduction of share purchasesthe number of our voting rights, it had passively passed successively above and below the threshold of 3%16% of our share capitalvoting rights and as of its last declaration held 2.98%16.01% of our share capitalvoting rights (declaration of January 10, 2011)July 16, 2012).

                      

              Crédit SuisseNatixis Asset Management declared that on several occasions it had passed successively above and below the threshold of 1% or our share capital and as a of its last declaration held 1.02%2% of our share capital (declaration of February 3, 2011)

              Total declared that it had passed below the threshold of 9% of voting rights as a result of its share sales,21, 2012) and as of its last declaration held 5.30%1.98% of our share capital and 8.97% of our voting rights (declaration of January 18, 2011)December 4, 2012).

                      

              Individual shareholders (including employees of sanofi-aventisSanofi and its subsidiaries, as well as retired employees holding shares via the sanofi-aventis Group Employee Savings Plan), hold approximately 7%8.7% of our share capital. Institutional shareholders (excluding L’Oréal and Total)L'Oréal) hold approximately 73%78.3% of our share capital. Such shareholders are primarily American (26.1%(27.9%), French (18.6%(16.3%) and British (10.1%(14.1%). German institutions hold 3.2%3.0% of our share capital, Swiss institutions hold 1.9%2.2%, institutions from other European countries hold 7.6%8.5% and Canadian institutions hold 1.1%1.4% of our share capital. Other international institutional investors (excluding those from Europe and the United States) hold approximately 4.3%4.9% of our share capital. In France, our home country, we have 8,64214,887 identified holdersshareholders of record. In the United States, our host country, we have 4962 identified shareholders of record and 12,42411,322 identified ADS holders of record.

                      

              (source:(source: a survey conducted by Euroclear France as of December 31, 2010,2012, and internal information).


              Shareholders’Shareholders' Agreement

                      

              We are unaware of any shareholders’shareholders' agreement currently in force.


              B. Related Party Transactions

                      

              In the ordinary course of business, we purchase or provide materials, supplies and services from or to numerous companies throughout the world. Members of our Board of Directors are affiliated with some of these companies. We conduct our transactions with such companies on an arm’s-lengtharm's-length basis and do not consider the amounts involved in such transactions to be material.

                      

              On September 17, 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired the interest held by Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck) in Merial Limited (Merial) and Merial is nowhas been a wholly-owned subsidiary of sanofi-aventis.Sanofi since that date. As per the terms of the agreement signed on July 29, 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi also had an option, following the closing of the Merck/Schering-Plough merger, to combine the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health business with Merial to form an animal health joint venture that would be equally owned by the new Merck and sanofi-aventis.Sanofi. On March 8, 2010, sanofi-aventis did in fact exerciseSanofi exercised its contractual right to combine the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health business with Merial. In additionOn March 22, 2011, Merck and Sanofi jointly announced the mutual termination of their agreement to execution of final agreements, formation of theform a new animal health joint venture remains subjectventure. As a result, Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough continue to approval byoperate as separate businesses.


              Table of Contents

              Consequently, the assets and liabilities of Merial, which previously were classified in Sanofi's balance sheet as assets or liabilities held for sale or exchange, have been reclassified to the relevant competition authorities and other closing conditionsbalance sheet line items with no restatement of comparative periods. At the same time, results from the Merial business were included in continuing operations for all the periods reported (for more information on these and other impacts of the termination of the agreement on Sanofi's financial statements, see Notes D.1D.2 and D.8.1D.8.2 to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report).

                      

              On October 2, 2010, in order to fund a significant part of its proposed acquisition of Genzyme Corporation, sanofi-aventisSanofi executed a Facilities Agreement (the “Facilities Agreement”"Facilities Agreement", described at “Item"Item 10. Additional Information — C. Material Contracts”Contracts" herein) with J.P. Morgan plc, Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking and BNP Paribas for unsecured term loan facilities of up to US $15,000,000,000.

              Because Robert Castaigne serves on the boards of both Société Générale and sanofi-aventis, sanofi-aventisSanofi, Sanofi submitted the Facilities Agreement and certain non-material ancillary agreements, as well as a subsequent amendment, to the prior approval of its Board of Directors with Robert Castaigne abstaining from the vote.

              Other than In April 2011, $4,000,000,000 were borrowed by Sanofi under the Facilities Agreement to partially fund the acquisition of Genzyme; these agreements,amounts were fully reimbursed during 2010 and through the datecourse of this annual report, we have not been involved in, and we do not currently anticipate becoming involved in, any transactions with related parties that are material to us or to any of our related parties and that are unusual in their nature or conditions. We have not made any outstanding loans to or for the benefit of:

              enterprises that, directly or indirectly, control or are controlled by, or are under common control with us;

              enterprises or associates in which we have significant influence or that have significant influence over us;

              shareholders beneficially owning2011. The Facilities Agreement expired as a 10.0% or greater interest in our voting power;

              any member of our Executive Committee or Board of Directors or close membersconsequence of such individuals’ families; orreimbursement.

                      On February 21, 2012, Sanofi European Treasury Center (SETC), a 100% subsidiary of the Sanofi Group, was incorporated under the laws of Belgium, with the purpose of providing financing and some financial services to Group subsidiaries. In addition, cash management agreements exist between Sanofi and certain of its subsidiaries.

              enterprises        The Sanofi parent company transferred the Genzyme Corporation shares acquired in which persons described above own, directly or indirectly,April 2011 to Aventis, Inc. on June 28, 2012. This transfer consisted of two principal operations:

                recapitalization by the Sanofi parent company of its subsidiary Genzyme Corporation by incorporation of two loans totaling $16.1 billion into share capital;

                sale of Genzyme Corporation to a substantial interest in the voting power or over which persons described above are able to exert significant influence.

              wholly owned subsidiary, Aventis, Inc., for a total price of $19.2 billion. Aventis, Inc. financed this acquisition mainly by using its available cash resources, by increasing its share capital and by long-term intragroup financing ($15.6 billion).


              C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

                      

              N/A


              Table of Contents


              Item 8. Financial Information

              A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information

                      

              Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 20082010 are included at Item 18 ofin this annual report.report at "Item 18. Financial Statements."

              Dividends on Ordinary Shares

                      

              We paid annual dividends for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 20092011 and our shareholders will be asked to approve the payment of an annual dividend of €2.50€2.77 per share for the 20102012 fiscal year at our next annual shareholders’shareholders' meeting. If approved, this dividend is scheduled towill be paid on June 16, 2011.May 14, 2013.

                      

              We expect that we will continue to pay regular dividends based on our financial condition and results of operations. The proposed 20102012 dividend equates to a distribution of 35.4%45% of our business earnings per share. For information on the non-GAAP financial measure, “business"business earnings per share”share", see “Item"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Business Net Income." The proposed dividend distribution will subject Sanofi to a 3% additional corporate tax charge on the amount distributed.

                      

              The following table sets forth information with respect to the dividends paid by our Company in respect of the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 20092011 fiscal years and the dividend that will be proposed for approval by our shareholders in respect of the 20102012 fiscal year at our May 6, 2011 shareholders’3, 2013 shareholders' meeting.

               
               2012 (1)
               2011
               2010
               2009
               2008
               
                
              Net Dividend per Share (in €)  2.77  2.65  2.50  2.40  2.20 
              Net Dividend per Share (in $) (2)  3.65  3.43  3.34  3.46  3.06 
                
              (1)
              Proposal, subject to shareholder approval.
              (2)
              Based on the relevant year-end exchange rate.

                      

                  2010 (1)   2009   2008   2007   2006 
              Net Dividend per Share (in €)   2.50     2.40     2.20     2.07     1.75  
              Net Dividend per Share (in $)(2)   3.34     3.46     3.06     3.02     2.31  

              (1)

              Proposal, subject to shareholder approval.

              (2)

              Based on the relevant year-end exchange rate.

              The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends will be determined by majority vote of the holders of our shares at an ordinary general meeting, following the recommendation of our Board of Directors. Any declaration will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our shareholders. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will pay dividends in the future on a continuous and regular basis. Under French law, we are required to pay dividends approved by an ordinary general meeting of shareholders within nine months following the meeting at which they are approved.

              Annual Payments on Participating Share Series A (“PSSA”)Disclosure pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction & Syria Human Rights Act (ITRA)

                      

              The table below sets forth, forSanofi conducts limited business relating to human and animal health products with Iran contributing well under 1% of the years indicated,Group's consolidated net sales in 2012. Although these activities are compliant with applicable law and not financially material to the amountGroup, the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of dividends paid per PSSA (see “Item 9. The Offer2012 (the "Act") requires us to include the following disclosures in this report. Sales consisted of bulk and Listing” for further detail). Inbranded pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health supplies. U.S. affiliates, or foreign affiliates controlled by U.S. affiliates, are either not involved in these activities or operate under humanitarian licenses issued by the United States,U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the PSSAs existGroup has not knowingly conducted a transaction or dealing with a person or entity designated in U.S. Executive Orders No. 13224 and 13382. Limited business not exceeding €10.2 million in gross revenues has been conducted by foreign subsidiaries not requiring an OFAC license with entities such as public hospitals or distributors tied to the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Agriculture. It is estimated that this activity contributed no more than €3.7 million to net profits. A representative office in Tehran incurs incidental expenses from state-owned utilities. Otherwise, no business has been transacted with the Government of Iran as defined in the formAct. The Group does not believe any of American Depositary Shares issued by The Bankits activities to be sanctionable under the Iran Sanctions Act or the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of New York Mellon, formerly known as The Bank of New York, as depositary, each representing one-quarter of a PSSA (“PSSA-ADSs”). The PSSAs are generally entitled to receive an annual payment determined according to a specific formula and subject to certain conditions.

              The annual payments on the PSSAs are equal to the sum of a fixed portion (€1.14 per PPSA) and a variable portion equal to the greater of 704%2010. In light of the dividend per ordinary share or 150%nature of an amount calculated pursuantthe products concerned, Sanofi does not currently intend to a formula which takes into account changescease its commercial operations in consolidated sales and consolidated net income.Iran.


              Such amounts have been translated in each case into dollars and adjusted for the one-to-four ratioTable of PSSAs to PSSA-ADSs. Annual payments paid to holders of PSSA-ADSs will generally be exempt from French withholding tax.Contents

              In 2010, the annual payment per PSSA in respect of 2009 was equal to €18.0477.

                  2009   2008   2007   2006   2005 
              Annual payment per PSSA  18.0477    16.6390    15.7234    13.4695    12.9929  
              Annual payment per PSSA-ADS  $5.7708    $6.0204    $5.8550    $4.5877    $4.1438  

              Information on Legal or Arbitration Proceedings

                      

              Our principal legal proceedings are described inThis Item 8 incorporates by reference the disclosures found at Note D.22 to the consolidated financial statements includedfound at Item 18 of this annual report, which we incorporate herein by reference, and are further updated below to reflectreport; material developments throughupdates thereto as of the date of this document.annual report are found below under the heading "— Updates to Note D.22".

                      

              WeSanofi and its affiliates are also involved from timein litigation, arbitration and other legal proceedings. These proceedings typically are related to time in a number of legal proceedings incidental to the normal conduct of our business, including proceedings involving product liability claims, intellectual property rights (particularly claims byagainst generic product manufacturerscompanies seeking to limit the patent protection of sanofi-aventisSanofi products), compliancecompetition law and trade practices, commercial claims, employment and wrongful discharge claims, tax assessment claims, waste disposal and pollution claims, and claims under warranties or indemnification arrangements relating to business divestitures. As a result, the Group may become subject to substantial liabilities that may not be covered by insurance and could affect our business and reputation. While we do not currently believe that any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, litigation is inherently unpredictable. As a consequence, we may in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on results of operations, cash flows and/or our reputation.


              Patents

              • Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin)Plavix® Patent Litigation

              (Update to the caption “Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) Patent Litigation” at Note D.22.b) to our consolidated financial statements included herein at Item 18.)        United States.

              On February 9, 2011, sanofi-aventis    Sanofi and Sun Pharmaceuticals filed a stipulation beforeBristol-Myers Squibb sought damages from Apotex, in reparation of harm caused by that company's "at risk" marketing and sale of an infringing generic version of Plavix® in 2006. In October 2010, the U.S. District Court awarded Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb damages in the amount of New Jersey, whereby Sun Pharmaceuticals agreed not to launchU.S.$442,209,362, plus U.S.$107,930,857 in pre-judgment interest, as well as costs and post-judgment interests as set by statute. Apotex secured the amount of the award by cash deposit and filed a generic oxaliplatinbefore February 17, 2011.notice of appeal. On February 14,October 18, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a mandate, in connection with its December 2010 decision, transferring jurisdiction of the case toupheld the U.S. District Court ruling regarding the amount of damages but did not uphold the District Court decision regarding the pre-judgment interest. Sanofi's and Bristol-Myers Squibb's petition for rehearing en banc with respect to the Court of Appeals decision concerning pre-judgment interest was denied on January 13, 2012. The order of payment of the damages was issued in February 2012. On February 7, 2012 Sanofi collected its share of the Plavix® patent infringement damage award, post-judgment interest and awarded litigation costs (totaling U.S.$272,828,073.10).

                      Canada.    On April 22, 2009, Apotex filed an impeachment action against Sanofi in the Federal Court of Canada alleging the invalidity of Sanofi's Canadian Patent No. 1,336,777 (the '777 Patent) claiming clopidogrel bisulfate. On June 8, 2009, Sanofi filed its defense to the impeachment action and filed a suit against Apotex for infringement of the '777 Patent. The actions were combined and the trial was completed in June 2011. In December 2011, the Federal Court issued a decision that the '777 Patent is invalid, and subsequently generic companies entered the market with generic clopidogrel products. Sanofi filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal in 2012, which is still pending.

              • Apotex Settlement Claim

                      On November 13, 2008, Apotex filed a complaint before a state court in New Jersey against Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb claiming the payment of a U.S.$60 million break-up fee, pursuant to the terms of the initial settlement agreement of March 2006 relating to the U.S. Plavix® patent litigation. On April 8, 2011, the New Jersey state court granted Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb a motion for summary judgment that was reversed in November 2012.

                      In January 2011, Apotex filed a lawsuit in Florida State Court, Broward County, alleging breach of contract relating to the parties' March 2006 proposed settlement agreement. Sanofi was granted a motion for summary judgment in 2012, removing Sanofi from the case. BMS's summary judgment motion was denied. Apotex appealed the summary judgment as to Sanofi in December 2012.


              Table of Contents

              • Allegra® Patent Litigation

                      Japan.    In late 2010, Takata Seiyaku Co. Ltd. ("Takata") and Sawai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. ("Sawai") filed patent invalidation actions at the Japan Patent Office ("JPO") against two fexofenadine hydrochloride (the active ingredient in Allegra®) method of treatment patents. In December 2011, the JPO found all claims in both patents invalid and Sanofi appealed. In July 2012, during the appeal process, Sanofi entered into settlement agreements with Takata and Sawai. As a result of the settlement agreements, Takata and Sawai withdrew their legal challenges to the validity of the '954 and '697 patents. This caused the validity of these two patents to be reinstated by the JPO.

                      In August 2012, Elmed Eisai Co., Ltd. ("Eisai"), Kobayashi Kako Co., Ltd. ("Kobayashi"), and Taisho Pharm. Ind., Ltd. ("Taisho") obtained approvals to manufacture and market generic fexofenadine hydrochloride products in Japan, despite the existence and validity of the two fexofenadine hydrochloride patents. In August and September 2012, patent invalidation actions against those two patents were filed at the JPO by Eisai, Daiko Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Kyorin Rimedio Co. Ltd., Nihon Generic Co., Ltd., Nihon Pharmaceutical Industry Co. Ltd., Nippon Chemiphar Co., Ltd., Nissin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shiono Chemical Co. Ltd., Teva Pharma Japan Inc., and Yoshindo Inc. The invalidation actions are in preliminary stages.

                      In October 2012, Sanofi filed patent infringement lawsuits against Eisai, Taisho and Kobayashi. Those lawsuits are in an early stage. In December 2012, the previously approved generic fexofenadine hydrochloride products of Eisai and Kobayashi were added to Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) price list. Since February 2013, Allegra® as a prescription medicine has been subject to generic competition in this country.

              • Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) Patent Litigation

                      United States.    In February 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.Jersey granted Sanofi's request for a preliminary injunction prohibiting Sun Pharmaceuticals from launching an unauthorized generic product of oxaliplatin. On FebruarySeptember 16, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey ruled in favor of Sanofi, requiring that Sun's unauthorized generic oxaliplatin remain off the U.S. market until August 9, 2012. Sun's appeal of the District Court's ruling was dismissed in September 2012.

              • Synvisc-One® Patent Litigation

                      In April 2011, Genzyme filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against generic manufacturers Seikagaku Corporation (Seikagaku), Zimmer Holdings, Inc., Zimmer, Inc. and Zimmer U.S., Inc. (collectively, "Zimmer") for the infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,399,351 (the '351 patent) and U.S. Patent No. 7,931,030 (the '030 patent), upon Seikagaku's and Zimmer's launch of generic versions of Synvisc-One® in the United States.

                      On December 30, 2011, the U.S. District Court granted, sanofi-aventis’ requestin part, Genzyme's Motion for a preliminary injunction, preventing Sun Pharmaceuticalsenjoining Seikagaku and Zimmer from launchingselling generic versions of Synvisc-One®, pending a decision in the infringement action, except on limited and specific pricing conditions. In August 2012, a federal jury in Massachusetts found that Seikagaku Corp's recently approved product Gel-One®, distributed in the US by Zimmer, did not infringe the '030 patent. The jury also found that the '030 patent claims were invalid due to obviousness. A motion for judgment as a matter of law and a motion for new trial were filed in September 2012.

              • Co-Aprovel® Patent Infringement Actions in Europe

                      Sanofi has been involved since early 2012 in a number of legal proceedings involving generic companies that attempted to launch or launched generic versions of Sanofi's Co-Aprovel® in several European countries including, United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Norway. Sanofi filed for and was granted preliminary injunctions (PI) against several generic companies based on Sanofi's Supplemental Protection Certificate (SPC) covering Co-Aprovel®. However, Sanofi was not granted PIs against three generic companies, Sandoz, Mylan and Arrow, in France. Sanofi appealed this decision in August 2012. Sanofi followed its PI actions with main infringement suits against some of the generic companies. A few of the generic companies have filed revocation actions seeking to revoke Sanofi's Co-Aprovel® SPC. Some of these revocation actions were denied


              Table of Contents

              (Italy), others have been suspended (United Kingdom, Belgium), in France, theTribunal de Grande Instance of Paris held the SPC and the patent invalid at the end of February 2013. Sanofi and BMS have appealed that decision.


              Regulatory Claims

              • Lovenox® Regulatory Litigation

                      In July 2010, Sanofi learned that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a generic oxaliplatin untilenoxaparin ANDA filed by Sandoz. Sanofi subsequently filed suit against the District Court resolves all issues pertaining to the settlement agreement, under which Sun Pharmaceuticals was obliged to desist from selling its unauthorized generic oxaliplatin productFDA in the U.S. from June 30,District Court for the District of Columbia and requested preliminary injunctive relief against the FDA. In August 2010, the U.S. District Court denied this request. As a result of this ruling, the generic version of enoxaparin can continue to August 9, 2012.

              be marketed in the United States. On February 7, 2012, the Court ruled in favor of the FDA regarding the approval of the Sandoz enoxaparin ANDA.


              B. Significant ChangesGovernment Investigations

                      

              In additionFrom time to time, subsidiaries of Sanofi are subject to governmental investigations and information requests from regulatory authorities inquiring as to the information included elsewherepractices of Sanofi with respect to the sales, marketing, and promotion of its products.

                      For example, Sanofi is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice in its respective investigations into the promotion of Seprafilm® and Sculptra®, and settled in December 2012 all claims arising out of an investigation into sampling of its former product Hyalgan®. In that respect, Sanofi U.S. paid U.S.$109 million to the settling parties and expects to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

                      In June 2012, Sanofi U.S. became aware that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating disclosures to the FDA regarding the variability of response to Plavix®. Sanofi U.S. is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice in this annual report, we bringmatter.

                      In France, Sanofi is involved in a claim before the French Antitrust Authority (Autorité de la Concurrence) concerning allegations brought by Teva Santé that Sanofi's communications and promotional practices inhibited the entry on the market of Plavix® generics.

                      In Germany, following a criminal complaint filed by Sanofi against one of its distributors, a criminal investigation was initiated against three current and two retired Sanofi employees in connection with the alleged sale in Germany of medications originally destined for humanitarian aid outside of the European Union. The criminal proceedings are ongoing.

                      Sanofi has received information that improper payments may have been made in connection with the sale of pharmaceutical products in two small markets within the Emerging Markets region. Sanofi currently is assessing whether these payments were made and, if so, whether they fall within the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In connection with its review, Sanofi has provided information to your attention the following developments sinceU.S. Department of Justice and the endU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is cooperating with these agencies.


              Glossary of 2010.Terminology

                      A number of technical terms which may be used above in Item 8 are defined below for the convenience of the reader.

                      ANDA or Abbreviated New Drug Application (United States):    An application by a drug manufacturer to receive authority from the U.S. FDA to market a generic version of another company's approved product, by demonstrating that the purportedly generic version has the same properties (bioequivalence) as the original approved product. As a result of data exclusivity, the ANDA may be filed only several years after the initial market authorization of the original product.

                      Summary judgment:    A judgment granted on a claim or defense about which there is no genuine issue of material fact and upon which the movant is entitled to prevail as a matter of law. This procedural device allows the speedy disposition of a controversy without the need for trial.


              Table of Contents


              Updates to Note D.22

              • GenzymeRhodia Retained Liabilities

              On February 16, 2011, sanofi-aventis and its wholly owned subsidary, GC Merger Corp., signed an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Genzyme Corporation, pursuant to which, among other things, sanofi-aventis and GC Merger Corp. agreed to amend their initial tender offer dated October 4, 2010 to reflect the terms5, 2013, Rhodia's motion for reconsideration of the Agreement and PlanSao Paolo's Court of Merger andAppeal's decision (of September 2011) was rejected by anen banc decision of the same Court. Rhodia may still initiate some recourse against this decision to increase the offered purchase price to (i) $74.00 in cash per shareBrazilian Supreme Court.


                  B. Significant Changes

                      N/A


              Table of Genzyme common stock, and (ii) one contingent value right per share of Genzyme common stock to be issued by sanofi-aventis. The Agreement and Plan of Merger and the related CVR Agreement are described at “Item 10.C. Material Contracts” herein.

              Contents


              Item 9.    The Offer and Listing

              A.    Offer and Listing Details

                      

              We have one class of shares. Each American Depositary Share, or ADS, represents one-half of one share. The ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, which are issued by TheJPMorgan Chase Bank, of New York.N.A..

                      

              Our shares trade on the Eurolist marketCompartment A of NYSE Euronext Paris, (Compartment A)or Euronext Paris, and our ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange. There can be no assurancesExchange, or NYSE.

                      In April 2011, in connection with our acquisition of Genzyme, we issued contingent value rights ("CVRs") under a CVR agreement entered into by and between us and the American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as totrustee (see Item 10.C. Material Contracts — The Contingent Value Rights Agreement). Our CVRs trade on the establishment or continuity of a public market for our shares or ADSs.NASDAQ Global Market.

                Trading History

                      

              The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low quotedmarket prices of our shares on the Eurolist market of NYSE Euronext Paris and our ADSs on the New York Stock ExchangeNYSE (source: Bloomberg).

               
               Shares, as traded on Euronext Paris
               ADSs, as traded on the NYSE
               
                
              Calendar period
               High
               Low
               High
               Low
               
                
               
               (price per share in €)
               (price per ADS in $)
               
                
              Monthly             

              February 2013

                74.20  65.91  49.70  44.50 

              January 2013

                74.29  71.50  49.56  47.43 

              December 2012

                72.38  68.43  47.97  44.82 

              November 2012

                69.95  66.46  45.26  42.20 

              October 2012

                69.86  65.63  45.72  42.52 

              September 2012

                69.46  64.52  44.97  40.52 

              2012

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              First quarter

                59.56  54.86  39.19  34.92 

              Second quarter

                59.74  53.20  39.33  33.03 

              Third quarter

                69.46  59.45  44.97  36.53 

              Fourth quarter

                72.38  65.63  47.97  42.20 

              Full Year

                72.38  53.20  47.97  33.03 

              2011

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              First quarter

                52.23  46.04  36.29  31.45 

              Second quarter

                56.50  49.64  40.75  35.34 

              Third quarter

                56.82  42.85  40.58  30.98 

              Fourth quarter

                56.75  47.00  37.66  31.61 

              Full Year

                56.82  42.85  40.75  30.98 

              Table of Contents

               
               Shares, as traded on Euronext Paris
               ADSs, as traded on the NYSE
               
                
              Calendar period
               High
               Low
               High
               Low
               
                
               
               (price per share in €)
               (price per ADS in $)
               
                
              2010             

              Full Year

                58.90  44.01  41.59  28.01 

              2009

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Full Year

                56.78  38.43  40.80  24.59 

              2008

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Full Year

                66.90  36.055  49.04  23.95 
                

                      

                  NYSE Euronext       NYSE 
              Calendar period  High   Low       High   Low 
                  (price per share in €)       (price per ADS in $) 

              Monthly

                         

              February 2011 (through February 25)

                 51.90     48.60        35.48     33.41  

              January 2011

                 52.23     48.11        35.42     31.45  

              December 2010

                 49.84     46.48        33.32     30.64  

              November 2010

                 51.41     46.23        36.31     30.05  

              October 2010

                 50.67     47.51        35.51     32.74  

              September 2010

                 50.90     45.13        34.10     29.55  

              August 2010

                 46.63     44.11        30.77     28.03  

              2010

                         

              First quarter

                 58.90     51.68        41.59     34.90  

              Second quarter

                 55.85     45.21        37.72     28.01  

              Third quarter

                 50.90     44.01        34.10     28.03  

              Fourth quarter

                 51.41     46.23        36.31     30.05  

              Full Year

                 58.90     44.01        41.59     28.01  

              2009

                         

              First quarter

                 49.93     38.43        32.80     24.59  

              Second quarter

                 48.67     39.32        33.83     25.57  

              Third quarter

                 51.68     40.91        38.00     28.60  

              Fourth quarter

                 56.78     48.35        40.80     35.83  

              Full Year

                 56.78     38.43        40.80     24.59  

              2008

                         

              Full Year

                 66.90     36.055        49.04     23.95  

              2007

                         

              Full Year

                 71.95     56.20        48.30     37.90  

              2006

                         

              Full Year

                 79.85     64.85        50.05     41.65  
              Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar will affect any comparisons of euro share prices and U.S. ADS prices.


              B.    Plan of Distribution

                      

              N/A


              C.    Markets

                Shares and ADSs

                      

              Our shares are listed on the Euronext Paris Market (Compartment A) under the symbol “SAN”"SAN" and our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE under the symbol “SNY”"SNY". At

                      As of the date of this annual report, our shares are included in a large number of indices, including the “CAC"CAC 40 Index,”Index", the principal French index published by Euronext Paris. This index contains 40 stocks selected among the top 100 companies based on free-float capitalization and the most active stocks listed on the Euronext Paris Market.market. The CAC 40 Index indicates trends onin the French stock market as a whole and is one of the most widely followed stock price indices in France. Our shares are also included in the S&P Global 100 Index, the Dow Jones EuroSTOXX 50, the Dow Jones STOXX 50, the FTS Eurofirst 100, the FTS Eurofirst 80 and the MSCI Pan-Euro Index, among other indices.

                CVRs

                      

              The Euronext Paris Market

              The Euronext Paris Market is a regulated market operated and managed by Euronext Paris, a market operator (entreprise de marché) responsible for the admission of securities and the supervision of trading in listed securities on Euronext Paris. Euronext Paris publishes a daily official price list that includes price information on listed securities. The Euronext Paris Market is divided into three capitalization compartments: “A” for issuers with a market capitalization over €1 billion, “B” for issuers with a market capitalization between €1 billion and €150 million, and “C” for issuers with a market capitalization under €150 million.

              TradingOur CVRs trade on the Euronext ParisNASDAQ Global Market

              Securities admitted to trading on the Euronext Paris Market are officially traded through authorized financial institutions that are members of Euronext Paris. Euronext Paris places securities admitted to trading on the Euronext Paris Market in one of two categories (continuous (“continu”) or fixing), depending on whether they belong to certain indices or compartments and/or on their historical and expected trading volume. Our shares trade in the category known ascontinu, which includes the most actively traded securities. Securities belonging to thecontinu category are traded on each trading day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Paris time), with a pre-opening session from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and a post-closing session from 5:30 p.m. to 5:35 p.m. (during which pre-opening and post-closing sessions trades are recorded but not executed until the opening auction at 9:00 a.m. and the closing auction at 5:35 p.m., respectively). In addition, from 5:35 p.m. to 5:40 p.m., trading can take place at the closing auction price. Trading in a share belonging to thecontinu category after 5:40 p.m. until the beginning of the pre-opening session of the following trading day may take place at a price that must be within a range of plus or minus 1% of the closing auction price.

              Euronext Paris may temporarily interrupt trading in a security admitted to trading on the Euronext Paris Market if matching a bid or ask offer recorded in the system would inevitably result in a price beyond a certain threshold, determined on the basis of a percentage fluctuation above or below a set reference price. With respect to equity securities included in the CAC 40 Index and trading in thecontinu category, once trading has commenced, volatility interruptions for a reservation period of 2 minutes (subject to extension by Euronext Paris) are possible if the price fluctuates by more than 3% above or below the relevant reference price. Euronext Paris may also suspend trading of a security admitted to trading on the Euronext Paris Market in certain circumstances including at the request of the issuer or the occurrence of unusual trading activity in a security. In addition, in exceptional cases, including, for example, upon announcement of a takeover bid, the French market regulator (Autorité des marchés financiers or “AMF”) may also require Euronext Paris to suspend trading.

              Trades of securities admitted to trading on the Euronext Paris Market are settled on a cash basis on the third trading day following the trade. For certain liquid securities, market intermediaries which are members of Euronext Paris are also permitted to offer investors the opportunity to place orders through a deferred settlement service (Ordres Stipulés à Règlement-Livraison Différés — OSRD). The deferred settlement service is only available for trades in securities that have both a total market capitalization of at least €1 billion and a daily

              average volume of trades of at least €1 million. Investors can elect on or before the determination date (jour de liquidation), which is the fourth trading day before the end of the month, either to settle by the last trading day of the month or to postpone the settlement decision to the determination date of the following month. At the date of this annual report, our shares are currently eligible for the deferred settlement service.

              Equity securities traded on a deferred settlement basis are considered to have been transferred only after they have been recorded in the purchaser’s account. Under French securities regulations, if the sale takes place before, but during the month of, a dividend payment date, the purchaser’s account will be credited with an amount equal to the dividend paid.

              Prior to any transfer of securities listed on the Euronext Paris Market held in registered form, the securities must be converted into bearer form and accordingly recorded in an account maintained by an accredited intermediary with Euroclear France S.A., a registered central security depositary. Transactions in securities are initiated by the owner giving the instruction (through an agent, if appropriate) to the relevant accredited intermediary. Trades of securities listed on the Euronext Paris Market are cleared through LCH.Clearnet and settled through Euroclear France S.A. using a continuous net settlement system. A fee or commission is payable to the accredited intermediary or other agent involved in the transaction.

              Participating Shares Series A

              Further to a public offer to exchange ordinary shares for PSSAs in 1993, a tender offer to purchase for cash all of the outstanding PSSA-ADSs in 1995 and repurchases in private transactions since that date, there are only 3,271 PSSAs outstanding as of December 31, 2010. In view of the small number of PSSAs that remain outstanding, at some time in the future, sanofi-aventis intends to terminate the Deposit Agreement for the PSSA-ADSs and apply to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to terminate registration of the PSSAs and the PSSA-ADSs under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

              We are not aware of any non-U.S. trading market for our Participating Shares Series A. In the United States, the PSSAs exist in the form of American Depositary Shares issued by The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly known as the Bank of New York, as depositary, each representing one-quarter of a PSSA. We are not aware of any U.S. trading market for the PSSA-ADSs since their suspension from trading on the NYSE on May 18, 1995, and their subsequent removal from listing on the NYSE on July 31, 1995. Prior to their delisting, the PSSA-ADSs traded on the NYSE under the symbol RP PrA."GCVRZ".

                Trading Practices and Tradingby Sanofi in our own Shares

                      

              Under French law, a company may not issue shares to itself, but it may purchase its own shares in the limited cases described at “Item"Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Trading in Our Own Shares.

              "


              D.    Selling Shareholders

                      

              N/A


              E.    Dilution

                      

              N/A


              F.    Expenses of the Issue

                      

              N/A


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              Item 10. Additional Information

              A. Share Capital

                      

              N/A


              B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

              General

              Our Company is asociété anonyme, a form of limited liability company, organized under the laws of France.

              In this section, we summarize material information concerning our share capital, together with material provisions of applicable French law and ourstatuts, an English translation of which has been filed as an exhibit to this annual report. For a description of certain provisions of ourstatutsrelating to our Board of Directors and statutory auditors, see “Item"Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees." You may obtain copies of ourstatutsin French from thegreffe(Clerk) of theRegistre du Commerce et des Sociétés de Paris(Registry (Registry of Commerce and Companies of Paris, France, registration number: 395 030 844). Please refer to that full document for additional details.

              Ourstatutsspecify that our corporate affairs are governed by:

                applicable laws and regulations (in particular, Title II of the French Commercial Code); and

              thestatutsthemselves.



              thestatuts themselves.

              Article 3 of ourstatuts specifies that the Company’sCompany's corporate objects,purpose, in France and abroad, are:is:

              Acquiring

                acquiring interests and holdings, in any form whatsoever, in any company or enterprise, in existence or to be created, connected directly or indirectly with the health and fine chemistry sectors, human and animal therapeutics, nutrition and bio-industry;

                      

              in the following areas :areas:

              Purchase

                purchase and sale of all raw materials and products necessary for these activities;

              Research,

              research, study and development of new products, techniques and processes;

              Manufacture

              manufacture and sale of all chemical, biological, dietary and hygienichygiene products;

              Obtaining

              obtaining or acquiring all intellectual property rights related to results obtained and, in particular, filing all patents, trademarks and models, processes or inventions;

              Operating

              operating directly or indirectly, purchasing, and transferring — for free or for consideration — pledging or securing all intellectual property rights, particularly all patents, trademarks and models, processes or inventions;

              Obtaining,

              obtaining, operating, holding and granting all licenses; and

              Within

              within the framework of a group-wide policy and subject to compliance with the relevant legislation, participating in treasury management transactions, whether as lead company or otherwise, in the form of centralized currency risk management or intra-group netting, or any other form permitted under the relevant laws and regulations;

                      

              And,and, more generally:

              All

                all commercial, industrial, real or personal property, financial or other transactions, connected directly or indirectly, totally or partially, with the activities described above and with all similar or related activities or having any other purposes likely to encourage or develop the company’sCompany's activities.

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              Directors

              Transactions in Which Directors Are Materially Interested

                      

              Under French law, any agreement entered into (directly or through an intermediary) between our Company and any one of the members of the Board of Directors that is not entered into (i) in the ordinary course of our business and (ii) under normal conditions is subject to the prior authorization of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors. The same provision applies to agreements between our Company and another company if one of the members of the Board of Directors is the owner, general partner, manager, director, general manager or member of the executive or supervisory board of the other company, as well as to agreements in which one of the members of the Board of Directors has an indirect interest.

              The Board of Directors must also authorize any undertaking taken by our Company for the benefit of our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (directeur général) or his delegates (directeurs généraux délégués) pursuant to which such persons will or may be granted compensation, benefit or any other advantage as a result of the termination of or a change in their offices or following such termination or change.

                      

              In addition, such termination package, except with respect to any non-compete indemnity andor certain pension benefits:benefits, any such termination package: (i) must be authorized by our shareholders by adoptingthrough the adoption of a separate general shareholders meeting resolution for each such beneficiary, which has toauthorization must be renewed at each renewal of such beneficiary’sbeneficiary's mandate, and (ii) cannot be paid to such beneficiary unless (a) the Board of Directors decides that such beneficiary has satisfied certain conditions, linked to such beneficiary’s performancesbeneficiary's performance measured by our Company’s performances,Company's performance, that must have been defined by the Board of Directors when granting such package, and (b) such decision is publicly disclosed.


              Directors’Directors' Compensation

              The aggregate amount of attendance fees (jetons de présence) of the Board of Directors is determined at the Shareholders’Shareholders' Ordinary General Meeting. The Board of Directors then divides this aggregate amount up among its members by a simple majority vote. In addition, the Board of Directors may grant exceptional compensation (rémunérations exceptionnelles) to individual directors on a case-by-case basis for special assignments following the procedures described above at “—"— Transactions in Which Directors Are Materially Interested." The Board of Directors may also authorize the reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses, as well as other expenses incurred by Directors in the corporate interest. See also “Item"Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees."


              Board of Directors’Directors' Borrowing Powers

                      

              All loans or borrowings on behalf of the Company may be decided by the Board of Directors within the limits, if any, imposed by the Shareholders’Shareholders' General Meeting.

              There are currently no limits imposed on the amounts of loans or borrowings that the Board of Directors may approve.


              Directors’Directors' Age Limits

              For a description of the provisions of ourstatutsrelating to age limits applicable to our Directors, see “Item"Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees."


              Directors’Directors' Share Ownership Requirements

                      

              Pursuant to the Board Charter, our Directors are required to hold at least 5001,000 shares during the term of their appointment.

              Share Capital

                      

              As of December 31, 2010,2012, our share capital amounted to €2,621,995,570,€2,652,685,918, divided into 1,310,997,7851,326,342,959 outstanding shares with a par value of €2 per share. All of our outstanding shares are of the same class and are fully paid. Of these shares, we or entities controlled by us held 6,070,7123,150,287 shares (or 0.46%0.24% of our outstanding share


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              capital), as treasury shares as of such date. As of December 31, 2010,2012, the carrying amount of such shares was €371€207 million.

              At an extraordinary general meeting held on April 17, 2009,May 6, 2011, our shareholders authorized our Board of Directors to increase our share capital, through the issuance of shares or other securities giving access to the share capital with or without preemptive rights, by an aggregate maximum nominal amount of €1.3 billion. See “—"— Changes in Share Capital — Increases in Share Capital," below.

                      

              The maximum total amountnumber of authorized but unissued shares as of December 31, 20102012 was 330.8321 million, reflecting the unused part of the April 17, 2009May 6, 2011 and May 4, 2012 shareholder authorization,authorizations to issue shares without preemptive rights, outstanding options to subscribe for shares, and awards of shares.

              Stock Options

              Types of Stock Options

              We have two types of stock options outstanding: options to subscribe for shares (options de souscription d’actionsd'actions) and options to purchase shares (options d’achat d’actionsd'achat d'actions). Upon exercise of an option to subscribe for shares, we issue new shares, whereas upon exercise of an option to purchase shares, the option holder receives existing shares. We purchase our shares on the market prior to the grantvesting of the options to purchase in order to provide the option holder with shares upon exercise. Following the merger of Aventis with and into sanofi-aventis, all previously granted options for the shares of Aventis were converted into options for our shares.

                      

              Because the exercise of options to purchase shares will be satisfied with existing shares repurchased on the market or held in treasury, the exercise of options to purchase shares has no impact on the amount of our equityshare capital.


              Stock Option Plans

                      

              Our combined general meeting of April 17, 2009held on May 6, 2011 authorized our Board of Directors for a period of 26 months to grant, on one or more occasions, options to subscribe for shares and options to purchase shares in favor of persons to membersbe chosen by the Board of ourDirectors from among the salaried staff and/or corporate officers as well as to members of salaried staff and/oremployees and corporate officers of our Company or of companies or groupings of economic interest groups related to our Company underof the conditions referred toGroup in accordance with Article L. 225-180 of the French Commercial Code.

                      

              The aggregate number of options to subscribe for shares and options to purchase shares that may be granted under this authorization may not give entitlement to a total number of shares exceeding 2.5%1% of the share capital as of the daydate of the decision by the Board of Directors to grant options is made by the Board. Under such a resolution, the price payable onoptions.

                      The Board of Directors sets the exercise price of options may notto subscribe for shares and options to purchase shares. However, the exercise price never incorporates a discount and must be lower thanat least equal to the average of the first quoted market prices of sanofi-aventis ordinary shares on the Euronext Paris Market during the 20 consecutive trading dayssessions preceding the date on which the options are granted.

              The authorization entails the express waiverof grant by the Board of Directors.

                      Stock option plans generally provide for a lock-up period of four years and have a duration of ten years.

                      Under such authorization the shareholders expressly waive, in favor of the grantees of options to subscribe for shares, of their preemptive rights in respect of shares that are to be issued as and when options are exercised.

                      

              The Board of Directors setsis granted full power to implement this authorization and to set the terms and conditions on which options are granted and the arrangements as regardswith respect to the dividend entitlement of the shares.

                      

              See “Item"Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — E. Share Ownership”Ownership" for a description of our option plans currently in force.


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              Awards of Shares

              Our combined general meeting held on April 17, 2009May 4, 2012 authorized our Board of Directors for a period of 38 months to allot, on one or more occasions, existing or new restricted shares in favor of persons to some or allbe chosen by the Board of Directors from among the salaried employees and corporate officers of theour Company or of companies or economic interest groupings of the Group in accordance with Articles L. 225-197-1etseq. of the French Commercial Code.

                      

              The existing or new shares allotted under this authorization may not represent more than 1%1.2% of the share capital as of the date of the decision by the Board of Directors.

              Directors to allot such shares.

              The authorization provides that allotment of shares to the allottees will become irrevocable either (i) at the end of a minimum vesting period of twothree years, in which case the allottees beingwill also be required to retain their shares for a minimum period of two years from the irrevocable allotment thereof, or (ii) after a minimum vesting period of four years, in which case allottees may not be subject to any minimum retention period.

                      

              In the case of newly issued shares, the authorization entails the express waiver by the shareholders, in favor of the allottees of restricted shares, of their preemptive rights in respect of shares that are to be issued as and when restricted shares are granted.vest.

                      

              The Board of Directors sets the terms on which restricted shares are granted and the arrangements as regardswith respect to the dividend entitlement of the shares.

                      

              See “Item"Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — E. Share Ownership”Ownership" for a description of our restricted shares plans currently in force.

              Changes in Share Capital in 20102012

                      

              See Note D.15.1. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.

              Voting Rights

              In general, each shareholder is entitled to one vote per share at any shareholders’shareholders' general meeting. Ourstatuts do not provide for cumulative voting rights. However, ourstatutsprovide that any fully paid-up shares that have been held in registered form under the name of the same shareholder for at least two years acquire double voting rights. The double voting rights cease automatically for any share converted into bearer form or transferred from one owner to another, subject to certain exceptions permitted by law.

              As of December 31, 2010,2012, there were 209,996,274142,585,235 shares that were entitled to double voting rights, representing 16.02%10.75% of our total share capital, approximately 27.72%9.73% of our voting rights held by holders other than us and our subsidiaries, and 27.61%9.71% of our total voting rights.

                      

              Double voting rights are not taken into account in determining whether a quorum exists.

                      

              Under the French Commercial Code, treasury shares of a companyor shares held in treasury or by entities controlled by that company are not entitled to voting rights and do not count for quorum purposes.

              Ourstatuts allow us to obtain from Euroclear France the name, nationality, address and number of shares held by holders of our securities that have, or may in the future have, voting rights. If we have reason to believe that a person on any list provided by Euroclear France holds securities on behalf of another person, ourstatuts allow us to request information regarding beneficial ownership directly from such person. See “—"— B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Form, Holding and Transfer of Shares," below.

              Ourstatutsprovide that Board members are elected on a rolling basis for a maximum tenure of four years. Ourstatuts do not provide for cumulative voting rights.

              Shareholders’Shareholders' Agreement

                      

              We are not aware of any shareholder’sshareholder's agreement currently in force concerning our shares.


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              Shareholders’Shareholders' Meetings

              General

                      

              In accordance with the provisions of the French Commercial Code, there are three types of shareholders’shareholders' meetings: ordinary, extraordinary and special.

                      

              Ordinary general meetings of shareholders are required for matters such as:

                electing, replacing and removing directors;



              appointing independent auditors;



              approving the annual financial statements;

              declaring dividends or authorizing dividends to be paid in shares, provided thestatutscontain a provision to that effect; and



              declaring dividends or authorizing dividends to be paid in shares, provided thestatuts contain a provision to that effect; and

              approving share repurchase programs.

              Extraordinary general meetings of shareholders are required for approval of matters such as amendments to ourstatuts, including any amendment required in connection with extraordinary corporate actions. Extraordinary corporate actions include:

                changing our Company’sCompany's name or corporate objects;

              purpose;

              increasing or decreasing our share capital;



              creating a new class of equity securities;



              authorizing the issuance of securities giving access to our share capital or giving the right to receive debt instruments;



              establishing any other rights to equity securities;



              selling or transferring substantially all of our assets; and



              the voluntary liquidation of our Company.

                      

              Special meetings of shareholders of a certain category of shares or shares with certain specific rights (such as shares with double voting rights) are required for any modification of the rights derived from that category of shares. The resolutions of the shareholders’shareholders' general meeting affecting these rights are effective only after approval by the relevant special meeting.


              Annual Ordinary Meetings

                      

              The French Commercial Code requires the Board of Directors to convene an annual ordinary general shareholders' meeting of shareholders for approval ofto approve the annual financial statements. This meeting must be held within six months of the end of each fiscal year. This period may be extended by an order of the President of the Commercial Court. The Board of Directors may also convene an ordinary or extraordinary general shareholders' meeting of shareholders upon proper notice at any time during the year. If the Board of Directors fails to convene a shareholders’shareholders' meeting, our independent auditors may call the meeting. In case of bankruptcy, the liquidator or court-appointed agent may also call a shareholders’shareholders' meeting in some instances. In addition, any of the following may request the court to appoint an agent for the purpose of calling a shareholders’shareholders' meeting:

                one or several shareholders holding at least 5% of our share capital;



              duly qualified associations of shareholders who have held their shares in registered form for at least two years and who together hold at least 1% of our voting rights;



              the works council in cases of urgency; or



              any interested party in cases of urgency.


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              Notice of Shareholders’Shareholders' Meetings

                      

              All prior notice periods provided for below are minimum periods required by French law and cannot be shortened, except in case of a public offer for our shares.

              We must announce general meetings at least 35thirty-five days in advance by means of a preliminary notice (avis de réunion), which is published in theBulletin des Annonces Légales Obligatoires, orBALO. The preliminary notice must first be sent to the AMF.French Financial markets authority (Autorité des marchés financiers, the "AMF"), with an indication of the date on which it will be published in the BALO. It must be published on our website at least twenty-one days prior to the general meeting. The preliminary notice must contain, among other things, the agenda, a draft of the resolutions to be submitted to the shareholders for consideration at the general meeting and a detailed description of the voting procedures (proxy voting, electronic voting or voting by mail), the procedures permitting shareholders to submit additional resolutions or items to the agenda and to ask written questions to the Board of Directors. The AMF also recommends that, prior to or simultaneously with the publication of the preliminary notice, we publish a summary of the notice indicating the date, time and place of the meeting in a newspaper of national circulation in France and on our website. In any event, the preliminary notice must be published on our website at least 21 days prior to the general meetings. The preliminary notice must contain,

              among other things, the agenda, a draft of the resolutions to be submitted to the shareholders and a detailed description of the voting procedures (proxy voting, electronic voting or voting by mail) and the procedure permitting shareholders to submit additional resolutions or items.

              At least 15fifteen days prior to the date set for a first call,convening, and at least ten days prior to any second call,convening, we must send a final notice (avis de convocation) containing the final agenda, the date, time and place of the meeting and other information related to the meeting. Such final notice must be sent by mail to all registered shareholders who have held shares in registered form for more than one month prior to the date of the final notice and by registered mail, if shareholders have asked for it and paid the corresponding charges. The final notice must also be published in a newspaper authorized to publish legal announcements in the local administrative department (département) in which our Company is registered as well as in theBALO, with prior notice having been given to the AMF for informational purposes. IfEven if there are no shareholder has proposed anyproposals for new resolutions or items to be submitted to the shareholders at the meeting, and provided that the Board of Directors has not altered the draft resolutions included in the preliminary notice, we are not required tomust publish the final notice; publishing a preliminary notice that stipulates that it shall be deemed to be equivalent to a final notice will be deemed sufficient.in a newspaper authorized to publish legal announcements in the local administrative department (départment) in with our Company is registered as well as in theBALO.


              Other issues

                      

              In general, shareholders can only take action at shareholders’shareholders' meetings on matters listed on the agenda. As an exception to this rule, shareholders may take action with respect to the appointment and dismissal of directors even thoughif this action has not been included on the agenda.

                      Additional resolutions to be submitted for approval by the shareholders at the shareholders' meeting may be proposed to the Board of Directors, for recommendation to the shareholders asat any time from the publication of the preliminary notice in theBALO until 25twenty-five days prior to the general meeting and in any case no later than 20twenty days following the publication of the preliminary notice in theBALO: by:

                one or several shareholders together holding a specified percentage of shares;



              a duly qualified association of shareholders who have held their shares in registered form for at least two years and who together hold at least 1% of our voting rights; or



              the works council.

              Within the same period, the shareholders may also propose additional items (points) to be submitted toand discussed during the shareholders’ meeting.shareholders' meeting, without a shareholders' vote. The shareholders must substantiate the reasons for proposing their proposals of additional items.

                      

              The resolutions and the list of items added to the agenda of the shareholders’shareholders' meeting must be promptly published on our website.

                      

              The Board of Directors must submit the resolutions to a vote of the shareholders after having made a recommendation thereon. The Board of Directors may also comment on the items that are submitted to the shareholders’shareholders' meeting.


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              Following the date on which documents must be made available to the shareholders (including documents to be submitted to the shareholders’shareholders' meeting and resolutions proposed by the Board of Directors, which must be published on our website at least 21twenty-one days prior to the general meeting), shareholders may submit written questions to the Board of Directors relating to the agenda for the meeting until the fourth business day prior to the general meeting. The Board of Directors must respond to these questions during the meeting or may refer to a Q&A section located on our website in which the question submitted by a shareholder has already been answered.

              Attendance at Shareholders’Shareholders' Meetings; Proxies and Votes by Mail

                      

              In general, all shareholders may participate in general meetings either in person or by proxy. Shareholders may vote in person, by proxy or by mail.

              The right of shareholders to participate in general meetings is subject to the recording (enregistrement comptable) of their shares on the third business day, zero hour (Paris time), preceding the general meeting:

                for holders of registered shares: in the registered shareholder account held by the Company or on its behalf by an agent appointed by it; and



              for holders of bearer shares: in the bearer shareholder account held by the accredited financial intermediary with whom such holders have deposited their shares; such financial intermediaries shall deliver to holders of bearer shares a shareholding certificate (attestation de participation) enabling them to participate in the general meeting.

              for holders of bearer shares: in the bearer shareholder account held by the accredited financial intermediary with whom such holders have deposited their shares; such financial intermediaries shall deliver to holders of bearer shares a shareholding certificate (attestation de participation) enabling them to participate in the general meeting.

              Attendance in Person

                     ��Any shareholder may attend ordinary general meetings and extraordinary general meetings and exercise its voting rights subject to the conditions specified in the French Commercial Code and ourstatuts.


              Proxies and Votes by Mail

                      

              Proxies are sent to any shareholder upon a request received between the publication of the final notice of meeting and six days before the general meeting and must be made available on our website at least 21twenty-one days before the general meeting. In order to be counted, such proxies must be received at our registered office, or at any other address indicated on the notice conveningof the meeting or by any electronic mail indicated on the notice of the meeting, prior to the date of the meeting (in practice, we request that shareholders return proxies at least three business days prior to the meeting; electronic proxies must be returned before 3 p.m. Paris time, on the day prior to the general meeting). A shareholder may grant proxies to any natural person or legal entity. The agent may be required to disclose certain information to the shareholder or to the public.

                      

              Alternatively, the shareholder may send us a blank proxy without nominating any representative. In this case, the chairman of the meeting will vote the blank proxies in favor of all resolutions proposed or approved by the Board of Directors and against all others.

                      

              With respect to votes by mail, we must send to shareholders a voting form upon request or must make available a voting form on our website at least 21twenty-one days before the general meeting. The completed form must be returned to us at least three days prior to the date of the shareholders’shareholders' meeting. For holders of registered shares, in addition to traditional voting by mail, instructions may also be given via internet starting in 2011 through procedures to be established.

              the internet.

              Quorum

                      

              The French Commercial Code requires that shareholders together holding in the aggregate at least 20% of the shares entitled to vote must be present in person, or vote by mail or by proxy, in order to fulfill the quorum requirement for:

                an ordinary general meeting; and



              an extraordinary general meeting where the only resolutions pertain to either (a) a proposed increase in our share capital through incorporation of reserves, profits or share premium, or (b) the potential issuance

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                  of free share warrants in the event of a public offer for our shares (article L. 233-32 of the French Commercial Code).

                      

              For any other extraordinary general meeting the quorum requirement is at least 25% of the shares entitled to vote, held by shareholders present in person, voting by mail or by proxy.

                      

              For a special meeting of holders of a certain category of shares, the quorum requirement is one third of the shares entitled to vote in that category, held by shareholders present in person, voting by mail or by proxy.

                      

              If a quorum is not present at a meeting, the meeting is adjourned. However, only questions that were on the agenda of the adjourned meeting may be discussed and voted upon.

              upon once the meeting resumes.

              When an adjourned meeting is resumed, there is no quorum requirement for meetings cited in the first paragraph of this "Quorum" section. In the case of any other reconvened extraordinary general meeting or special meeting, the quorum requirement is 20% of the shares entitled to vote (or voting shares belonging to the relevant category for special meetings of holders of shares of such specific category), held by shareholders present in person or voting by mail or by proxy. If a quorum is not present,met, the reconvened meeting may be adjourned for a maximum of two months with the same quorum requirement. No deliberation or action by the shareholders may take place without a quorum.

              Votes Required for Shareholder Action

                      

              AThe affirmative vote of a simple majority of shareholdersthe votes cast may pass a resolution at either an ordinary general meeting or an extraordinary general meeting where the only resolution(s) pertain to either (a) a proposed increase in our share capital through incorporation of reserves, profits or share premium, or (b) the potential issuance of free share warrants in the event of a public offer for our shares (article L. 233-32 of the French Commercial Code). At any other extraordinary general shareholders’shareholders' meeting and at any special meeting of holders of a specific category of shares, athe affirmative vote of two-thirds majority of the votes cast is required.

                      

              Abstention from voting by those present or those represented by proxy or voting by mail is counted as a vote against the resolution submitted to a shareholder vote.

              Changes to Shareholders’Shareholders' Rights

              Under French law, athe affirmative vote of two-thirds majority voteof the votes cast at thean extraordinary shareholders’shareholders' meeting is required to change ourstatuts, which set out the rights attached to our shares, except for capital increases through incorporation of reserves, profits or share premium, or through the issuance of free share warrants in the event of a public offer for our shares (article L. 233-32 of the French Commercial Code).

                      

              The rights of a class of shareholders can be amended only after a special meeting of the class of shareholders affected has taken place. The voting requirements applicable to this type of special meeting are the same as those applicable to an extraordinary general shareholders’shareholders' meeting. The quorum requirements for a special meeting are one-third of the voting shares, or 20% upon resumption of an adjourned meeting.

                      

              A unanimous shareholders’shareholders' vote is required to increase the liabilities of shareholders.

              Financial Statements and Other Communications with Shareholders

                      

              In connection with any shareholders’shareholders' meeting, we must provide a set of documents including our annual report and a summary of the financial results of the five previous fiscal years to any shareholder who so requests.

                      

              We must also provide on our website at least 21twenty-one days before a shareholders’shareholders' meeting certain information and a set of documents includingthat includes the preliminary notice, the proxies and voting forms, the resolutions proposed by the Board of Directors, and the documents to be submitted to the shareholders’shareholders' meeting pursuant to article L.225-15articles L. 225-15 and R.225-83R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code, etc. The resolutions and the list of items added to the agenda of the shareholders’shareholders' meeting must be promptly published on our website.


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              Dividends

              We may only distribute dividends out of our “distributable"distributable profits," plus any amounts held in our reserves that the shareholders decide to make available for distribution, other than those reserves that are specifically required by law or ourstatuts. “Distributable profits”"Distributable profits" consist of our unconsolidated net profit in each fiscal year, as increased or reduced by any profit or loss carried forward from prior years, less any contributions to the reserve accounts pursuant to law or ourstatuts.


              Legal Reserve

                      

              The French Commercial Code requires us to allocate 5% of our unconsolidated net profit for each year to our legal reserve fund before dividends may be paid with respect to that year. Funds must be allocated until the amount in the legal reserve is equal to 10% of the aggregate par value of the issued and outstanding share capital. This restriction on the payment of dividends also applies to each of our French subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis. At December 31, 2010,2012, our legal reserve amounted to €282,280,863, representing 10.7%10.64% of the aggregate par value of our issued and outstanding share capital as of that date. The legal reserve of any company subject to this requirement may serve to allocate losses that may not be allocated to other reserves, or may be distributed to shareholders upon liquidation of the company.


              Approval of Dividends

                      

              According to the French Commercial Code, our Board of Directors may propose a dividend for approval by shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders.shareholders' meeting. If we have earned distributable profits since the end of the preceding fiscal year, as reflected in an interim income statement certified by our independent auditors, our Board of Directors may distribute interim dividends to the extent of the distributable profits for the period covered by the interim income statement. Our Board of Directors exercises this authority subject to French law and regulations and may do so without obtaining shareholder approval.


              Distribution of Dividends

              Dividends are distributed to shareholderspro rata according to their respective holdings of shares. In the case of interim dividends, distributions are made to shareholders on the date set by our Board of Directors during the meeting in which the distribution of interim dividends is approved. The actual dividend payment date is decided by the shareholders at an ordinary general shareholders’shareholders' meeting or by our Board of Directors in the absence of such a decision by the shareholders. Shareholders that own shares on the actual payment date are entitled to the dividend.

              Dividends may be paid in cash or, if the shareholders’shareholders' meeting so decides, in kind, provided that all shareholders receive a whole number of assets of the same nature paid in lieu of cash. Ourstatutsprovide that, subject to a decision of the shareholders’shareholders' meeting taken by ordinary resolution, each shareholder may be given the choice to receive his dividend in cash or in shares.


              Timing of Payment

                      

              According to the French Commercial Code, we must pay any existing dividends within nine months of the end of our fiscal year, unless otherwise authorized by court order. Dividends on shares that are not claimed within five years of the date of declared payment revert to the French State.

              Changes in Share Capital

              Increases in Share Capital

              As provided for by the French Commercial Code, our share capital may be increased only with the shareholders’shareholders' approval at an extraordinary general shareholders’shareholders' meeting following the recommendation of our Board of Directors. The shareholders may delegate to our Board of Directors either the authority(délégation de compétence) or the power(délégation de pouvoir) to carry out any increase in share capital. Our Board of Directors may further delegate this power to our Chief Executive Officer or, subject to our Chief Executive Officer's approval, to his delegates(directeurs généraux délégués).


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              Increases in our share capital may be effected by:

                issuing additional shares;



              increasing the par value of existing shares;



              creating a new class of equity securities; or



              exercising the rights attached to securities giving access to the share capital.

                      

              Increases in share capital by issuing additional securities may be effected through one or a combination of the following:

                in consideration for cash;



              in consideration for assets contributed in kind;



              through an exchange offer;



              by conversion of previously issued debt instruments;



              by capitalization of profits, reserves or share premium; or



              subject to various conditions, in satisfaction of debt incurred by our Company.

                      

              Decisions to increase the share capital through the capitalization of reserves, profits and/or share premium or through the issuance of free share warrants in the event of a public offer for our shares (article L. 233-32 of the

              French Commercial Code) require theshareholders' approval ofat an extraordinary general shareholders’shareholders' meeting, acting under the quorum and majority requirements applicable to ordinary shareholders’shareholders' meetings. Increases effected by an increase in the par value of shares require unanimous approval of the shareholders, unless effected by capitalization of reserves, profits or share premium. All other capital increases require theshareholders' approval ofat an extraordinary general shareholders’shareholders' meeting acting under the regular quorum and majority requirements for such meetings. See “— Quorum”"— Quorum" and “—"— Votes Required for Shareholder Action”Action" above.

                      

              Since the entry into force of order 2004-604 of June 24, 2004, the shareholders may delegate to our Board of Directors either the authority(délégation de compétence) or the power(délégation de pouvoir) to carry out any increase in share capital. Our Board of Directors may further delegate this power to our Chief Executive Officer or, subject to our Chief Executive Officer’s approval, to his delegates(directeurs généraux délégués).

              On April 17, 2009,May 6, 2011, our shareholders approved various resolutions delegating to the Board of Directors the authority to increase our share capital through the issuance of shares or securities giving access to the share capital, subject to an overall cap set at €1.3 billion. This cap applies to all the resolutions whereby the extraordinary shareholders’shareholders' meeting delegated to the Board of Directors the authority to increase the share capital, it being also specified that:

                the maximum aggregate par value of capital increases that may be carried out with preemptive rights maintained was set at €1.3 billion;



              the maximum aggregate par value of capital increases that may be carried out by public offering without preemptive rights was set at €500€520 million;



              the maximum aggregate par value of capital increases that may be carried out by capitalization of share premium, reserves, profits or other items was set at €500 million; and



              capital increases resulting in the issuance of securities to employees, early retirees or retirees under ourmembers of employee savings plans are limited to 2%1% of the share capital as computed on the date of the Board’sBoard of Directors' decision to issue such securities, and such issuances may be made at a discount of 20% (or 30% if certain French law restrictions on resales were to apply).

                      

              On April 17, 2009,May 6, 2011, our shareholders also approved resolutions delegating to the Board of Directors the authority to increase the share capital by granting options to our employees and/or freecorporate officers, subject to the overall cap mentioned above and under the following terms and conditions:

                the authorization is valid for a period of 26 months, and any options granted may not give entitlement to a total number of shares exceeding 1% of the share capital as computed on the date of the decision of the Board of Directors to grant such options; see "— Stock Options" above;

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                      On May 4, 2012, our shareholders approved resolutions delegating to the Board of Directors the authority to increase the share capital by granting existing or new restricted shares to our employees and/or corporate officers, subject to the overall cap mentioned above and under the following terms and conditions:

                the authorization is valid for a period of 2638 months, to grant options to purchase or to subscribe for our shares to employees and/or corporate officers; such options may not give entitlementand is subject to a total numberlimit of shares exceeding 2.5%1.2% of the share capital as computed on the daydate of the Board’s decision; see “— Stock Options” above;

              the authorization, for a period of 38 months, to grant existing or new shares free of consideration to employees and/or corporate officers, up to a limit of 1%decision of the share capital as computed on the dayBoard of the Board’s decision;Directors to allot such shares; see “—"— Awards of Shares”Shares" above.

                      

              See also “Item"Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — E. Share Ownership”Ownership".


              Decreases in Share Capital

                      

              According toIn accordance with the provisions of the French Commercial Code, any decrease in our share capital requires approval by the shareholders entitled to vote at an extraordinary general meeting. The share capital may be reduced either by decreasing the par value of the outstanding shares or by reducing the number of outstanding shares. The number of outstanding shares may be reduced either by an exchange of shares or by the repurchase and cancellation of shares. Holders of each class of shares must be treated equally unless each affected shareholder agrees otherwise.

                      

              In addition, specific rules exist to permit the cancellation of treasury shares, by which the shareholders’shareholders' meeting may authorize the cancellation of up to a maximum of 10% of a company’scompany's share capital perwithin any 24-month period. On April 17, 2009,May 6, 2011, our shareholders delegated to our Board of Directors for 26 months the right to reduce our share capital by canceling our own shares.

              Preemptive Rights

              According to the French Commercial Code, if we issue additional securities to be paid in cash, current shareholders will have preemptive rights to these securities on apro rata basis. These preemptive rights require us to give priority treatment to current shareholders. The rights entitle the individual or entity that holds them to subscribe to the issuance of any securities that may increase the share capital of our Company by means of a cash payment or a set-off of cash debts. Preemptive rights are transferable during the subscription period relating to a particular offering. These rights may also be listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.

                      

              Preemptive rights with respect to any particular offering may be waived by athe affirmative vote of shareholders holding a two-thirds majority of the shares entitled to vote at an extraordinary general meeting. Our Board of Directors and our independent auditors are required by French law to present reports that specifically address any proposal to waive preemptive rights. In the event of a waiver, the issue of securities must be completed within the period prescribed by law. Shareholders may also may notify us that they wish to waive their own preemptive rights with respect to any particular offering if they so choose.

                      

              The shareholders may decide at extraordinary general meetings to give the existing shareholders a non-transferable priority right to subscribe to the new securities, for a limited period of time.

                      

              In the event of a capital increase without preemptive rights to existing shareholders, French law requires that the capital increase be made at a price equal to or exceeding the weighted average market prices of the shares for the last three trading days on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange prior to the determination of the subscription price of the capital increase less 5%.

              Form, Holding and Transfer of Shares

              Form of Shares

              Ourstatutsprovide that the shares may be held in either bearer form or registered form at the option of the holder.


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              Holding of Shares

              In accordance with French law relating to the dematerialization of securities, shareholders’shareholders' ownership rights are represented by book entries instead of share certificates. We maintain a share account with Euroclear France (a French clearing system, which holds securities for its participants) for all shares in registered form, which is administered by BNP Paribas Securities Services. In addition, we maintain separate accounts in the name of each shareholder either directly or, at a shareholder’sshareholder's request, through the shareholder’sshareholder's accredited intermediary. Each shareholder account shows the name of the holder and the number of shares held. BNP Paribas Securities Services issues confirmations (attestations d’inscriptiond'inscription en compte) to each registered shareholder as to shares registered in the shareholder’sshareholder's account, but these confirmations are not documents of title.

                      

              Shares of a listed company may also be issued in bearer form. Shares held in bearer form are held and registered on the shareholder’sshareholder's behalf in an account maintained by an accredited financial intermediary and are credited to an account at Euroclear France maintained by such intermediary. Each accredited financial intermediary maintains a record of shares held through it and provides the account holder with a securities account statement. Transfers of shares held in bearer form may only be made through accredited financial intermediaries and Euroclear France.

              Shares held by persons who are not domiciled in France may be registered in the name of intermediaries who act on behalf of one or more investors. When shares are so held, we are entitled to request from such intermediaries the names of the investors. Also, we may request any legal entity (personne morale) which holds more than 2.5% of our shares or voting rights to disclose the name of any person who owns, directly or indirectly, more than one-third of its share capital or of its voting rights. A person not providing the complete requested information in time, or who provides incomplete or false information, will be deprived of its voting rights at shareholders’shareholders' meetings and will have its payment of dividends withheld until it has provided the requested information in strict compliance with French law. If such person acted willfully, the person may be deprived by a French court of either its voting rights or its dividends or both for a period of up to five years.


              Transfer of Shares

              Ourstatutsdo not contain any restrictions relating to the transfer of shares.

                      

              Registered shares must be converted into bearer form before being transferred on the Euronext Paris MarketStock Exchange on the shareholders’shareholders' behalf and, accordingly, must be registered in an account maintained by an accredited financial intermediary on the shareholders’shareholders' behalf. A shareholder may initiate a transfer by giving instructions to the relevant accredited financial intermediary.

                      A fee or commission is payable to the broker involved in the transaction, regardless of whether the transaction occurs within or outside France. No registrationRegistration duty is normallycurrently payable in France unlessif a transfer instrument has beenwritten deed of sale and purchase (acte) is executed in France.

              France or outside France with respect to the shares of the Company.

              Redemption of Shares

                      

              Under French law, our Board of Directors is entitled to redeem a set number of shares as authorized by the extraordinary shareholders’shareholders' meeting. In the case of such an authorization, the shares redeemed must be cancelled within one month after the end of the offer to purchase such shares from shareholders. However, shares redeemed on the open market do not need to be cancelled if the company redeeming the shares grants options on or awards those shares to its employees within one year following the acquisition. See also “—"— Trading in Our Own Shares”Shares" below.

              Sinking Fund Provisions.Provisions

              Ourstatuts do not provide for any sinking fund provisions.


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              Liability to Further Capital Calls

                      

              Shareholders are liable for corporate liabilities only up to the par value of the shares they hold; they are not liable to further capital calls.

              Liquidation Rights

              If we are liquidated, any assets remaining after payment of our debts, liquidation expenses and all of our remaining obligations will first be distributed to repay in full the par value of our shares. Any surplus will be distributedpro rataamong shareholders in proportion to the par value of their shareholdings.

              Requirements for Holdings Exceeding Certain Percentages

              The French Commercial Code provides that any individual or entity, acting alone or in concert with others, that becomes the owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 331/3%, 50%, 662/3%, 90% or 95% of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a listed company in France, such as our Company, or that increases or decreases its shareholding or voting rights above or below any of those percentages, must notify the company, before the end of the fourth trading day following the date it crosses the threshold, of the number of shares it holds and their voting rights. The individual or entity must also notify the AMF before the end of the fourth trading day following the date it crosses theany such threshold. The AMF makes the notice public.

                      

              ThePursuant to the French Commercial Code and the AMF also requires disclosureGeneral Regulation, the participation thresholds shall be calculated on the basis of certain information relatingthe shares and voting rights owned, and shall take into account the shares and voting rights which are deemed to other financial instruments (e.g., convertible or exchangeable securities, warrants, equity swaps, etc.) that could increase the shareholding ofbe shares and voting rights owned, even if the individual or entity.entity does not itself hold shares or voting rights. In accordance with this deemed ownership principle, the individual or entity must take into account specific situations where shares and voting rights are deemed to be shares and voting rights owned when calculating the number of shares owned to be disclosed in the notifications to the Company and to the AMF. It includes among others situations where an individual or entity is entitled to acquire issued shares at its own initiative, immediately or at the end of a maturity period, under an agreement or a financial instrument, without set-off against the number of shares that this individual or entity is entitled to sell under another agreement or financial instrument. The individual or entity required to make such notification shall also take into account issued shares covered by an agreement or cash-settled financial instrument and having an economic effect for said individual or entity that is equivalent to owning such shares. In the cases of deemed ownership described above, the notification shall mention the type of deemed ownership and include a description of the main characteristics of the financial instrument or agreement with specific details required by the AMF General Regulation.

                      The AMF General Regulation provides that shares and voting rights subject to multiple cases of deemed ownership shall only be counted once.

                      When an individual or entity modifies the allocation between the shares it owns and its financial instruments or agreements deemed to be owned shares, it must disclose that change in a new notification. However, the change must only be disclosed if the acquisition of owned shares due to the settlement of the financial instruments or agreements causes the investor to cross a threshold.

              Subject to certain limited exceptions, French law and AMF regulations impose additional reporting requirements on persons who acquire more than 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a company listed company in France. These persons must file a report with the company and the AMF before the end of the fifth trading day following the date they cross theany such threshold.

                      

              In the report, the acquirer will have to specify its intentions for the following six months including:

                whether it acts alone or in concert with others;

                the means of financing of the acquisition (the notifier shall indicate in particular whether the acquisition is being financed with equity or debt, the main features of that debt, and, where applicable, the main guarantees given or received by the notifier. The notifier shall also indicate what portion of its holding, if any, it obtained through securities loans);

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                whether or not it intends to continue its purchases;

                whether or not it intends to acquire control of the company in question;

                the strategy it contemplatesvis-à-vis the issuer;

                the way it intends to implement its strategy, including: (i) any plans for a merger, reorganization, liquidation, or partial transfer of a substantial part of the assets of the issuer or of any other entity it controls within the meaning of article L. 233-3 of the French Commercial Code, (ii) any plans to modify the business of the issuer, (iii) any plans to modify the memorandum and articles of association of the issuer, (iv) any plans to delist a category of the issuer's financial instruments, and (v) any plans to issue the issuer's financial instruments;

                any agreement for the temporary transfer of shares or voting rights;

                the way it intends to settle its agreements or instruments on the shares or voting rights of the issuer mentioned in Article L. 233-9,4° and 4° bis of the French Commercial Code; and

                whether it seeks representation on the Board of Directors.

                      

              -whether it acts alone or in concert with others;

              -the means of financing of the acquisition (the notifier shall indicate in particular whether the acquisition is being financed with equity or debt, the main features of that debt, and, where applicable, the main guarantees given or received by the notifier. The notifier shall also indicate what portion of its holding, if any, it obtained through securities loans);

              -whether or not it intends to continue its purchases;

              -whether or not it intends to acquire control of the company in question;

              -the strategy it contemplatesvis-à-vis the issuer;

              -the way it intends to implement it: (i) any plans for a merger, reorganization, liquidation, or partial transfer of a substantial part of the assets of the issuer or of any other entity it controls within the meaning of Article L. 233-3 of the French Commercial Code, (ii) any plans to modify the business of the issuer, (iii) any plans to modify the memorandum and articles of association of the issuer, (iv) any plans to delist a category of the issuer’s financial instruments, and (v) any plans to issue the issuer’s financial instruments;

              -any agreement for the temporary transfer of shares or voting rights; and

              -whether it seeks representation on the Board of Directors.

              The AMF makes the report public. Upon any change of intention within the six-month period following the filing of the report, it will have to file a new report for the following six-month period.

                      

              In order to enable shareholders to give the required notice, we must each month publish on our website and send the AMF a written notice setting forth the total number of our shares and voting rights (including treasury shares) whenever they vary from the figures previously published.

                      

              If any shareholder fails to comply with an applicable legal notification requirement, the shares in excess of the relevant threshold will be deprived of voting rights for all shareholders’shareholders' meetings until the end of a two-year period following the date on which the owner complies with the notification requirements. In addition, any shareholder who fails to comply with these requirements may have all or part of its voting rights suspended for up to five years by the Commercial Court at the request of our Chairman, any shareholder or the AMF, and may be subject to criminal fines.

                      

              Under AMF regulations, and subject to limited exemptions granted by the AMF, any person or entity, acting alone or in concert, that crosses the threshold of 33 1/3%30% of the share capital or voting rights of a French listed company must initiate a public tender offer for the balance of the shares and securities giving access to the share capital or voting rights of such company.

              Cash-settled derivative instruments or agreements mentioned in Article L. 233-9, 4° bis of the French Commercial Code are not included in the calculation of the number of shares related to the mandatory public tender offer.

              In addition, ourstatutsprovide that any person or entity, acting alone or in concert with others, who becomes the owner of 1%, or any multiple of 1% of our share capital or our voting rights, even beyond the minimum declaration limits permitted by the legal and regulatory provisions, must notify us by certified mail, return receipt requested, within five trading days, of the total number of shares and securities giving access to our share capital and voting rights that such person then owns. The same provisions of ourstatutsapply whenever such owner increases or decreases its ownership of our share capital or our voting rights to such extent that it goes above or below one of the thresholds described in the preceding sentence. Any person or entity that fails to comply with such notification requirement will, upon the request of one or more shareholders holding at least 5% of our share capital or of our voting rights made at the general shareholders’shareholders' meeting, be deprived of voting rights with respect to the shares in excess of the relevant threshold for all shareholders’shareholders' meetings until the end of a two-year period following the date on which such person or entity complies with the notification requirements.

              Change in Control/Anti-takeover

              There are no provisions in ourstatuts that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our Company or that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate

              restructuring involving our Company or any of our subsidiaries. Further, there are no provisions in ourstatutsthat


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              allow the issuance of preferred stock upon the occurrence of a takeover attempt or the addition of other “anti-takeover”"anti-takeover" measures without a shareholder vote.

              Ourstatuts do not include any provisions discriminating against any existing or prospective holder of our securities as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of shares.

              Trading in Our Own Shares

              Under French law, sanofi-aventisSanofi may not issue shares to itself. However, we may, either directly or through a financial intermediary acting on our behalf, acquire up to 10% of our issued share capital within a maximum period of 18 months, provided our shares are listed on a regulated market. Prior to acquiring our shares, we must publish a description of the share repurchase program (descriptif du programme de rachat d’actionsd'actions).

                      

              We may not cancel more than 10% of our issued share capital over any 24-month period. Our repurchase of shares must not result in our Company holding, directly or through a person acting on our behalf, more than 10% of our issued share capital. We must hold any shares that we repurchase in registered form. These shares must be fully paid up. Shares repurchased by us continue to be deemed “issued”"issued" under French law but are not entitled to dividends or voting rights so long as we hold them directly or indirectly, and we may not exercise the preemptive rights attached to them.

              The shareholders, at an extraordinary general shareholders meeting, may decide not to take these shares into account in determining the preemptive rights attached to the other shares. However, if the shareholders decide to take them into account, we must either sell the rights attached to the shares we hold on the market before the end of the subscription period or distribute them to the other shareholders on apro rata basis.

              On May 17, 2010,4, 2012, our shareholders approved a resolution authorizing us to repurchase up to 10% of our shares over an 18-month period. Under this authorization, the purchase price for each sanofi-aventisSanofi ordinary share may not be greater than €80.00 and the maximum amount that sanofi-aventisSanofi may pay for the repurchases is €10,547,832,400.€10,727,350,480. This authorization was granted for a period of 18 months from May 17, 20104, 2012 and cancelled and replaced the authorization granted to the Board of Directors by the general meeting held on April 17, 2009.May 6, 2011. A description of this share repurchase program as adopted by the Board of Directors on May 17, 2010,4, 2012,(descriptif duprogramme de rachat d’actions)d'actions) was published on March 12, 2010.5, 2012.


              Purposes of Share Repurchase Programs

                      

              Under the European regulation 2273/2003, dated December 22, 2003 (which we refer to in this section as the “Regulation”"Regulation"), in application of European directive 2003/6/EC, dated January 28, 2003, known as the “Market"Market Abuse Directive” (the “Directive”) relating to share repurchase programs and the stabilization of financial instruments, came into effect on October 13, 2004.

              The entry into force of the Regulation has resulted in changes in the manner in which share repurchase programs are implemented. Under the Regulation,Directive", an issuer will benefit from a safe harbor for share transactions that comply with certain conditions relating in particular to the pricing, volume and timing of transactions (see below) and that are made in connection with a share repurchase program the purpose of which is:

                to reduce the share capital through the cancellation of treasury shares; and/or



              to meet obligations arising from debt instruments exchangeable into equity instruments and/or the implementation of employee share option programs or other employee share allocation plans.

                      

              Safe harbor transactions will by definition not be considered market abuses under the Regulation. Transactions that are carried out for other purposes than those mentioned above do not qualify for the safe harbor. However, as permitted by the Directive, which provides for the continuation of existing practices that do not constitute market manipulation and that conform with certain criteria set forth in European directive 2004/72, dated April 29, 2004, the AMF published exceptions on March 22, 2005, October 1, 2008, March 21, 2011 and March 10, 2012 to permit the following existing market practices:

              transactions pursuant to a liquidity agreement entered into with a financial services intermediary that complies with the ethical code (charte de déontologie) approved by the AMF; and

                transactions pursuant to a liquidity agreement entered into with a financial services intermediary that complies with the ethical code (charte de déontologie) approved by the AMF; and

                the purchase of shares that are subsequently used as acquisition currency in a business combination transaction.

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              The AMF confirmed that all transactions directed at maintaining the liquidity of an issuer’sissuer's shares must be conducted pursuant to a liquidity agreement with a financial services intermediary acting independently.

              Additionally, our program could be used for any purpose that is authorized or could be authorized under applicable laws and regulations.


              Pricing, Volume and Other Restrictions

                      

              In order to qualify for the safe harbor, the issuer must generally comply with the following pricing and volume restrictions:

                a share purchase must not be made at a price higher than the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the trading venues where the purchase is carried out;



              subject to certain exceptions for illiquid securities, the issuer must not purchase more than 25% of the average daily volume of the shares in any one day on the regulated market on which the purchase is carried out. The average daily volume figure must be based on the average daily volume traded in the month preceding the month of public disclosure of the share repurchase program and fixed on that basis for the authorized period of that program. If the program does not make reference to this volume, the average daily volume figure must be based on the average daily volume traded in the 20 trading days preceding the date of purchase.

                      

              In addition, an issuer must not:

                sell treasury shares during the period of the repurchase program (without prejudice to the right of the issuer to meet its obligations under employee share option programs or other employee share allocation plans or to use shares as acquisition currency as mentioned above); it being further specified that such prohibition is not applicable in the event of off-market block trades or if the share repurchase program is implemented by a financial services intermediary pursuant to a liquidity agreement as mentioned above; and

              effect any transaction during a “blackout period” imposed by the applicable law of the Member State in which the transaction occurs (i.e., under French law, during the period between the date on which the company has knowledge of insider information and the date on which such information is made public and during the 30-day period preceding the date of publication of annual and half-year financial statements or the 15-day period preceding the date of publication of quarterly financial information), without prejudice to transactions carried out pursuant to a liquidity agreement as mentioned above; or



              effect any transaction during a "blackout period" imposed by the applicable law of the Member State in which the transaction occurs (i.e., under French law, during the period between the date on which the company has knowledge of insider information and the date on which such information is made public and during the 30-day period preceding the date of publication of annual and half-year financial statements and the 15-day period preceding the date of publication of quarterly financial information), without prejudice to transactions carried out pursuant to a liquidity agreement as mentioned above; or

              effect any transaction in securities with respect to which the issuer has decided to defer disclosure of any material, non-public information.


              Use of Share Repurchase Programs

                      

              Pursuant to the AMF rules, issuers must immediately allocate the repurchased shares to one of the purposes provided for in the Regulation and must not subsequently use the shares for a different purpose. As an exception to the foregoing, shares repurchased with a view to covering stock option plans may, if no longer needed for this purpose, be re-allocated for cancellation or sold in compliance with AMF requirements relating in particular to blackout periods. Shares repurchased in connection with one of the market practices authorized by the AMF (see above) may also be re-allocated to one of the purposes contemplated by the Regulation or sold in compliance with AMF requirements. Shares repurchased with a view to their cancellation must be cancelled within 24 months following their acquisition.

                      

              During the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, we used the authority delegated by our shareholders to repurchase our shares on the stock market.

                      

              Pursuant to our share repurchase programprograms authorized by our shareholders in April 2009,on May 3, 2011 and on May 4, 2012, we repurchased 3,900,00013,573,643 of our shares for a weighted average price of €53.85 in February 2010€60.59, i.e. a total cost of €823 million, €596,000 of which were incurred on brokerage fees and 2,100,000financial transaction taxes (net of our shares for a weighted average priceincome taxes).


              Table of €56.02 in March 2010.

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              On April, 28, 2010,26, 2012, the Board of Directors cancelled 7,911,30021,159,445 treasury shares, as follows:

              7,821,500 shares repurchased up to March 31, 2010

                18,597,406 shares repurchased between October 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012 pursuant to the share repurchase programs of the Company, including:

              1,011,500 shares repurchased in May 2008;

              810,000 shares repurchased in June and August 2008;

              5,871,026 shares repurchased on the market in February and March 2010; and

              128,974 shares repurchased from Hoechst GmbH in March 2010 (following the expiration of its last stock option plan);

              89,800 shares previously allocated to expired stock option programs, which had been reallocated to the purpose of reducing the share capital.

              In 2010, we also implemented the share repurchase program authorized by our shareholders in May 2010 with the sole aim of supporting the liquidity of the Company;

              2,562,039 shares through a liquidity contract entered into with an investment service provider in compliance withpreviously allocated to expired stock option programs, which had been reallocated to the ethical code (charte de déontologie) approved bypurpose of cancellation.

                      On October 24, 2012, the AMF.We entered into this liquidity contract with Exane BNP Paribas onBoard of Directors cancelled 6,435,924 treasury shares repurchased between April 1, and September 16, 2010.30, 2012 pursuant to the share repurchase program of the Company.

                      

              Upon implementation of this contract, we allocated €40,000,000, of which €20,000,000 was initially made available,During 2012, pursuant to the liquidity account. During 2010,contract, Exane BNP Paribas purchased between November 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, 750,2966,254,868 of our shares at an average weighted price of €48.48€61.36 for a total amount of €383,803,530 and sold 735,2966,254,868 of our shares at an average weighted price of €48.55.€61.48 for a total amount of €384,536,260.

                      

              In 2010,2012, of the 7,601,2165,766,116 shares allocated to stock purchase option plans outstanding at December 31, 2009, 1,326,7302011, 53,790 shares were transferred to grantees of options,options.

                      

              As a result, as of December 31, 2010,2012, the 3,150,287 treasury shares, were allocated as follows :

              5,851,776 shares, representing 0.446%0.24% of our share capital, were all allocated to outstanding stock purchase option plans;

              203,936 directly-ownedplans. At the same date, none of the shares representing 0.015% of our share capital, were allocated to cancellation; and

              15,000 directly-owned shares, representing 0.001% of our share capital, werewas allocated to the liquidity account.account, even though the liquidity contract was outstanding.

                      

              As of December 31, 2010,2012, we directly owned 6,070,712 sanofi-aventis3,150,287 Sanofi shares with a par value of €2 representing around 0.46%0.24% of our share capital and with an estimated value of €379,248,041,€213,000,157, based on the share price at the time of purchase.


              Reporting Obligations

                      

              Pursuant to the AMF Regulation and the French Commercial Code, issuers trading in their own shares are subject to the following reporting obligations:

                issuers must report all transactions in their own shares on their web site within seven trading days of the transaction in a prescribed format, unless such transactions are carried out pursuant to a liquidity agreement that complies with the ethical code approved by the AMF; and



              issuers must declare to the AMF on a monthly basis all transactions completed under the share repurchase program unless they provide the same information on a weekly basis.

              Ownership of Shares by Non-French Persons

              The French Commercial Code and ourstatuts currently do not limit the right of non-residents of France or non-French persons to own or, where applicable, to vote our securities. However, non-residents of France must

              file an administrative notice with the French authorities in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in our Company. Under existing administrative rulings, ownership of 331/3% or more of our share capital or voting rights is regarded as a controlling interest, but a lower percentage might be held to be a controlling interest in certain circumstances depending upon factors such as:

                the acquiring party’sparty's intentions;



              the acquiring party’sparty's ability to elect directors; or



              financial reliance by the company on the acquiring party.

              Enforceability of Civil Liabilities

              We are a limited liability company (société anonyme) organized under the laws of France, and most of our directorsofficers and officersdirectors reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets is located in France.


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                      As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon or obtain jurisdiction over our Company or our officers and directors in U.S. courts in actions predicated on such persons.the civil liability provisions of U.S. securities law. It may also be difficult to enforce against them, either inside or outside the United States, judgments obtained against them in U.S. courts, or to enforce in U.S. courts, judgments obtained against them in courts in jurisdictions outside the United States, in any action based on civil liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws. There is doubt as to the enforceability against such persons in France, whether in original actions or in actions to enforce judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities based solely on the U.S. federal securities laws. Actions for enforcement of foreign judgments against such persons would require such persons who are of French nationality to waive their right under Article 15 of the French Civil Code to be sued only in France. We believe that no such French persons have waived such right with respect to actions predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws. In addition, actions in the United States under the U.S. federal securities laws could be affected under certain circumstances by the French law No. 80-538 of July 26, 1968, as amended,16, 1980, which may preclude or restrict the obtaining of evidence in France or from French persons in connection with such actions. Additionally, awards of punitive damages in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in France.


              C. Material Contracts

                The Facilities Agreement

                      

              Sanofi-Aventis hasIn connection with the launch of its public tender offer for Genzyme, Sanofi executed on October 2, 2010 a Term Facilities Agreement (the “Facilities Agreement”"Facilities Agreement") with J.P. Morgan plc, Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking and BNP Paribas (the “Initial"Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers”Arrangers") which was further syndicated by the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers among other financial institutions, for two unsecured term loan facilities available for drawdowns of up to US $15,000,000,000 in the aggregate for the purpose of financing part of the proposed acquisition of Genzyme Corporation, (together, the “Acquisition Facility”):composed of:

                A US $10,000,000,000 term facility (“("Facility A”A") maturingexpiring 18 months from October 2, 2010, the date of execution of the Facilities Agreement. The maturity of Facility Agreement, with an optional six-month extension.

                A can be postponed by sanofi-aventis by 6 months.

              A US $5,000,000,000 amortizable term facility (“("Facility B”B") with final maturity atexpiry 42 months from the date of execution of the Facilities Agreement.

                      

              The interest rate on each facility iswas equal to the London Inter-Bank Overnight Rate (or LIBOR)Libor), plus an applicable margin.

                      

              On March 29, 2011, available commitments under Facility A were reduced by an amount equivalent to the proceeds of an SEC-registered U.S. bond issue (approximately $7 billion). The Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers have committed to provideremaining unused commitments of this facility were cancelled on April 1, 2011. On April 5, 2011, Sanofi drew down $4 billion under Facility B, and cancelled the full amountremaining balance of $1 billion. On June 28, August 5 and November 3, 2011 Sanofi made early repayments of respectively $1 billion, $1 billion, $2 billion of the loans underFacility B drawdown.

                      As a result, the Acquisition Facility B drawdown was fully repaid as of November 3, 2011 and have indicated their intention to formas a syndicate of banks that would become lenders thereunder. Theconsequence, the entire Facilities Agreement contains representations and warranties customary for credit facilities of this nature, including as to the accuracy of financial statements, litigation and no conflict with material agreements or instruments. The Facilities Agreement contains certain covenants, including limitations on liens (with exclusions to the extent necessary to comply with margin lending regulations and certain other exceptions to be agreed upon), mergers, compliance with laws and change of business. The commitment of the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers is available until December 31, 2011 at the latest and is conditional upon, among other things, there being no change in control of Parent, receipt of required approvals and consents and delivery of certain financial statements.

              expired.

              A copy of the Facilities Agreement and an amendment dated February 15, 2011 isare on file with the SEC as exhibitexhibits 4.1 and 4.2 hereto. Reference isshould be made to such exhibits for a more complete description of the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Facility as amended, and the foregoing summary of such terms and conditions is qualified in its entirety by such exhibits.

                The Agreement and Plan of Merger

                      

              On February 16, 2011, sanofi-aventisSanofi and its wholly owned subsidiary GC Merger Corp. signed an Agreement and Plan of Merger which is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “Merger Agreement”"Merger Agreement"), with Genzyme Corporation (“Genzyme”("Genzyme"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, among other things, sanofi-aventisSanofi and GC Merger Corp. agreed to amend the outstanding tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Genzyme (the “Genzyme Shares”"Genzyme Shares") forin order to increase the price per share from $69 per Genzyme Shareto $74 in cash (the tender offer as amended, the “Amended Offer”"Cash Consideration") to reflect the terms


              Table of the Merger Agreement and to increase the consideration offered to (i) $74.00 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”) and (ii)Contents

              plus one contingent value right (a “CVR”"CVR") to be issued by sanofi-aventisSanofi subject to and in accordance with thea CVR Agreement described below (collectively, the “Merger Consideration”"Merger Consideration") per Genzyme Share. The Merger Agreement also providesprovided that, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, following consummation of the Amended Offer, GC Merger Corp. willwould be merged with and into Genzyme, with Genyzme surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of sanofi-aventisSanofi (the “Merger”"Merger").

                      

              At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), all remaining outstanding Genzyme Shares not tendered in the Amended Offer (other than Genzyme Shares owned by Genzyme, sanofi-aventis or either of their respective subsidiaries), will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration. All outstanding Genzyme stock options (other than those arising under the Genzyme employee stock purchase plan and those with an exercise price in excess of the Cash Consideration) (“Genzyme Options”), restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) of Genzyme will be canceled immediately prior to consummation of the Amended Offer. Holders of Genzyme Options with an exercise price less than the Cash Consideration will receive, for each Genzyme Share subject to such Option, (i) a cash payment equal to the difference between the Cash Consideration and the exercise price of the Option, and (ii) one CVR. Holders of Restricted Stock and RSUs will receive (i) a cash payment equal to the Cash Consideration and (ii) one CVR per Restricted Share or RSU.

              The Merger Agreement provides that sanofi-aventis shall cause GC Merger Corp. to amend the Offer and sanofi-aventis shall file a registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to register the CVRs (the “CVR Registration Statement”) within fifteen business days after the date of the Merger Agreement. In the Amended Offer, each Genzyme Share accepted by GC Merger Corp.transaction was completed on April 8, 2011 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Amended Offer will be exchanged for the right to receive the Merger Consideration. Sanofi-aventis shall cause GC Merger Corp. to accept for payment, and GC Merger Corp. shall accept for payment, all Genzyme Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Amended Offer, promptly following the Amended Offer’s expiration date.

              GC Merger Corp.’s obligation to accept for payment and pay for all Genzyme Shares validly tendered pursuant to the Amended Offer is subject to the conditions that (a) the number of Genzyme Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, together with any Genzyme Shares already owned by sanofi-aventis and its subsidiaries, represents at least a majority of the then-outstanding Genzyme Shares on a fully-diluted basis, (b) the CVR Registration Statement has been declared effective and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the CVR Registration Statement is in effect and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or threatened by the SEC, (c) the CVRs being issued have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, (d) the CVR Agreement has been duly executed by sanofi-aventis and a mutually agreeable trustee and (e) certain other customary conditions as set forth in the Merger Agreement.

              Genzyme has also granted to sanofi-aventis an irrevocable option (the “Top-Up Option”), which GC Merger Corp. will exercise promptly following consummation of the Amended Offer, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to purchase from Genzyme the number of Genzyme Shares that, when added to the Genzyme Shares already owned by sanofi-aventis or any of its subsidiaries following consummation of the Amended Offer, constitutes one Genzyme Share more than 90% of the Genzyme Shares then outstanding on a fully-diluted basis. If sanofi-aventis, GC Merger Corp. and any of their respective affiliates acquire more than 90% of the outstanding Genzyme Shares, including through exercise of the Top-Up Option, GC Merger Corp. will complete the Merger through the “short form” procedures available under Massachusetts law.

              Sanofi-aventis, GC Merger Corp. and Genzyme each made representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants by Genzyme to conduct its business in the ordinary course during the interim period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and consummationthe public exchange offer at a price of $74 in cash plus the Merger.

              issuance to Genzyme shareholders of one contingent value right ("CVR") per Genzyme share. The Merger Agreement prohibitsCVRs are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and Genzyme from soliciting or knowingly encouraging competing acquisition proposals. However, Genzyme may, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, provide information tois now a third party that makes an unsolicited acquisition proposal, and may engage in discussions and negotiations with a third party that makes an unsolicited acquisition proposal that the Genzyme boardwholly-owned subsidiary of directors determines constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to or result in a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

              The Merger Agreement also provides for certain termination rights for both sanofi-aventis and Genzyme. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, Genzyme may be required to pay sanofi-aventis a termination fee of $575 million.

              The Merger Agreement also provides that either party may specifically enforce the other party’s obligations under the Merger Agreement.

              Sanofi.

              The Contingent Value Rights Agreement.

                      

              At or prior toIn connection with its acquisition of Genzyme Corporation, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanofi, Sanofi issued one CVR per Genzyme share. On March 30, 2011, Sanofi and the expiration of the Amended Offer, sanofi-aventis and a mutually acceptableAmerican Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as trustee will enterentered into a Contingent Value Rights agreement governed by the laws of the State of New York and subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York (“("CVR Agreement”Agreement") governing the terms of the CVRs. A

                      Pursuant to the terms of the CVR Agreement, a holder of a CVR is entitled to cash payments upon the achievement of certain milestones, including based on production levelscontractually defined milestones. The first milestone related to manufacturing of Cerezyme®Cerezyme® and Fabrazyme®,Fabrazyme® had to be met by December 31, 2011 in order for the payment to be triggered. This milestone was not met and therefore lapsed. The remaining milestone payments are triggered by timely U.S. regulatory approval of alemtuzumab for treatment of multiple sclerosis (“Lemtrada("Lemtrada™"), and on achievement of certain aggregate LemtradaLemtrada™ sales thresholds within defined periods ("Product Sales Milestones"), as follows:summarized below:

                Approval Milestone Payment.

                  $1 per CVR upon receipt by Genzyme or any of its affiliates, on or before March 31, 2014, of the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of Lemtrada™ for treatment of multiple sclerosis.

                Product Sales Milestone #1 Payment.  $2 per CVR if Lemtrada™ net sales post launch exceeds an aggregate of $400 million within specified periods and territories.

                Product Sales Milestone #2 Payment.  $3 per CVR upon the first instance in which global Lemtrada™ net sales for a four calendar quarter period are equal to or in excess of $1.8 billion. If Product Sales Milestone #2 is achieved but the Approval Milestone was not achieved prior to March 31, 2014, the milestone payment amount will be $4 per CVR (however, in such event the Approval Milestone shall not also be payable).

                Product Sales Milestone #3 Payment.  $4 per CVR upon the first instance in which global Lemtrada™ net sales for a four calendar quarter period are equal to or in excess of $2.3 billion (no quarter in which global Lemtrada™ net sales were used to determine the achievement of Product Sales Milestone #1 or #2 shall be included in the calculation of sales for determining whether Product Sales Milestone #3 has been achieved).

                Product Sales Milestone #4 Payment.  $3 per CVR upon the first instance in which global Lemtrada™ net sales for a four calendar quarter period are equal to or in excess of $2.8 billion (no quarter in which global Lemtrada™ net sales were used to determine the achievement of Product Sales Milestone #1, #2 or #3 shall be included in the calculation of sales for determining whether Product Sales Milestone #4 has been achieved).

                      

              Cerezyme®/Fabrazyme® Production Milestone Payment. $1 per CVR, if both Cerezyme® production meets or exceeds 734,600 400-unit vial equivalents and Fabrazyme® production meets or exceeds 79,000 35mg vial equivalents during calendar year 2011.

              Approval Milestone Payment. $1 per CVR upon receipt by Genzyme or any of its affiliates, on or before March 31, 2014, of the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of Lemtrada for treatment of multiple sclerosis.

              Product Sales Milestone #1 Payment. $2 per CVR if Lemtrada net sales post launch exceeds an aggregate of $400 million within specified periods and territory.

              Product Sales Milestone #2 Payment. $3 per CVR upon the first instance in which global Lemtrada net sales for a four calendar quarter period are equal to or in excess of $1.8 billion. If Product Sales Milestone #2 is achieved but the Approval Milestone was not achieved prior to March 31, 2014, the milestone payment amount will be $4 per CVR (however, in such event the Approval Milestone shall not also be payable).

              Product Sales Milestone #3 Payment. $4 per CVR upon the first instance in which global Lemtrada net sales for a four calendar quarter period are equal to or in excess of $2.3 billion (no quarter in which global Lemtrada net sales were used to determine the achievement of Product Sales Milestone #1 or #2 shall be included in the calculation of sales for determining whether Product Sales Milestone #3 has been achieved).

              Product Sales Milestone #4 Payment. $3 per CVR upon the first instance in which global Lemtrada net sales for a four calendar quarter period are equal to or in excess of $2.8 billion (no quarter in which global Lemtrada net sales were used to determine the achievement of Product Sales Milestone #1, #2 or #3 shall be included in the calculation of sales for determining whether Product Sales Milestone #4 has been achieved).

              The CVRs will expire and no payments will be due under the CVR agreement on the earlier of (a) December 31, 2020 and (b) the date that Product Sales Milestone #4 is paid.

              Sanofi-aventis        Sanofi has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to achieve the Cerezyme®/Fabrazyme® Production Milestone, and diligent efforts (as defined in the CVR Agreement) to achieve each of the other milestones above. Sanofi-aventisremaining milestones. For more information on Lemtrada™ see "Item 4.B Business Overview — Pharmaceutical Products — Multiple Sclerosis".


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                      Sanofi has also agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain a listing for trading of the CVRs on Nasdaq.the NASDAQ market.

                      

              The CVR Agreement does not prohibit sanofi-aventisSanofi or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates from acquiring the CVRs, whether in open market transactions, private transactions or otherwise; sanofi-aventisSanofi has certain disclosure obligations in connection with such acquisitions under the CVR Agreement. On or after the third anniversary of the launch of LemtradaLemtrada™, sanofi-aventisSanofi may also, subject to certain terms and conditions as set forth in the CVR Agreement, optionally purchase and cancel all (but not less than all) of the outstanding CVRs at the average trading price of the CVRs if the volume-weighted average CVR trading price is less than fifty cents over forty-five trading days and LemtradaLemtrada™ sales in the prior four quarter period were less than one billion U.S. dollars in the aggregate.

                      

              A copy of the Merger Agreement and the form of CVR Agreement are on file with the SEC as exhibitexhibits 4.3 and 4.4 hereto, respectively. Reference is made to such exhibits for a more complete description of the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and the CVR Agreement, and the foregoing summary of such terms and conditions is qualified in its entirety by such exhibits.


              D. Exchange Controls

                      

              French exchange control regulations currently do not limit the amount of payments that we may remit to non-residents of France. Laws and regulations concerning foreign exchange controls do require, however, that all payments or transfers of funds made by a French resident to a non-resident be handled by an accredited intermediary. In France, all registered banks and most credit establishments are accredited intermediaries.


              E. Taxation

              General

                      

              The following generally summarizes the material French and U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders (as defined below) of purchasing, owning and disposing of our ADSs and ordinary shares PSSAs and PSSA-ADSs (collectively the “Securities”"Securities"). This discussion is intended only as a descriptive summary and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential tax effects of the purchase, ownership or disposition of our Securities. All of the following is subject to change. Such changes could apply retroactively and could affect the consequences described below.

                      

              This summary does not constitute a legal opinion or tax advice. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Securities in light of their particular circumstances, including the effect of any U.S. federal, state, local or other national tax laws.

                      France has recently introduced a comprehensive set of new tax rules applicable to French assets that are held by or in foreign trusts. These rules provideinter alia for the inclusion of trust assets in the settlor's net assets for purpose of applying the French wealth tax, for the application of French gift and death duties to French assets held in trust, for a specific tax on capital on the French assets of foreign trusts not already subject to the French wealth tax and for a number of French tax reporting and disclosure obligations. The following discussion does not address the French tax consequences applicable to Securities held in trusts.If Securities are held in trust, the grantor, trustee and beneficiary are urged to consult their own tax adviser regarding the specific tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of Securities.

              The description of the French and U.S. federal income tax consequences set forth below is based on the laws (including, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”"Code"), final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof) in force as of the date of this annual report, the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the French Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital of August 31, 1994 (the “Treaty”"Treaty"), which entered into force on December 30, 1995 (as amended by any subsequent protocols, including the protocol of January 13, 2009), and the tax regulations issued by the French tax authorities (the “Regulations”"Regulations") in force as of the date of this report. All of the foregoing is subject to change. Such changes could apply retroactively and could affect the consequences described below.

              In particular, the United States and France signed a protocol on January 13, 2009, that made several changes to the Treaty, including changes to the “Limitation on Benefits” provision. The protocol entered into force on December 23, 2009; its provisions became effective in respect of withholding taxes for amounts paid or credited on or after January 1, 2009 and in respect of other taxes for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.U.S. holders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding the effect the protocol may have on their eligibility for Treaty


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              benefits, especially with regard to the "Limitations on Benefits" provision, in light of their own particular circumstances.

              For the purposes of this discussion, a U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of Securities that is (i) an individual who is a U.S. citizen or resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) a U.S. domestic corporation or certain other entities created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, including the District of Colombia, or (iii) otherwise subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of Securities. A non-U.S. holder is a person other than a U.S. holder.

              If a partnership holds Securities, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.If a U.S. holder is a partner in a partnership that holds Securities, the holder is urged to consult its own tax adviser regarding the specific tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of Securities.

              This discussion is intended only as a general summary and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential tax effects of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of the Securities to any particular investor, and does not discuss tax considerations that arise from rules of general application or that are generally assumed to be known by investors. The discussion applies only to investors that hold our Securities as capital assets that have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, that are entitled to Treaty benefits under the “Limitation"Limitation on Benefits”Benefits" provision contained in the Treaty, and whose ownership of the Securities is not effectively connected to a permanent establishment or a fixed base in France. Certain holders (including, but not limited to, U.S. expatriates, partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons who acquired the Securities pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, persons that own (directly, indirectly or by attribution) 5% or more of our voting stock or 5% or more of our outstanding share capital, dealers in securities or currencies, persons that elect to mark their securities to market for U.S. federal income tax purposes and persons holding Securities as a position in a synthetic security, straddle or conversion transaction) may be subject to special rules not discussed below.Holders of Securities are advised to consult their own tax advisers with regard to the application of French tax law and U.S. federal income tax law to their particular situations, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or other foreign jurisdiction.

              French Taxes

                Estate and Gift Taxes and Transfer Taxes

                      

              In general, a transfer of Securities by gift or by reason of death of a U.S. holder that would otherwise be subject to French gift or inheritance tax, respectively, will not be subject to such French tax by reason of the Convention between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the French Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Estates, Inheritances and Gifts, dated November 24, 1978, unless the donor or the transferor is domiciled in France at the time of making the gift or at the time of his or her death, or the Securities were used in, or held for use in, the conduct of a business through a permanent establishment or a fixed base in France.

              Generally, transfers        Pursuant to Article 235 ter ZD of the French General Tax Code, purchases of Securities (other than ordinary shares) are not subject to a 0.2% French registration or stamp duty. Generally, transferstax on financial transactions provided that Sanofi's market capitalization exceeds 1 billion euros as of ordinary shares will not beDecember 1 of the year preceding the taxation year. A list of companies whose market capitalization exceeds 1 billion euros as of December 1 of the year preceding the taxation year is published annually by the French state. Pursuant to a ministerial regulation (arrêté) dated January 11, 2013, Sanofi is included in such list as a company whose market capitalization exceeds 1 billion euros as of December 1, 2012 and therefore, purchases of Sanofi's Securities are subject to French registration or stamp duty if such transfers are not evidenced by a written agreement or if such an agreement is executed outsidetax.


              Table of France.Contents

                Wealth Tax

              The French wealth taximpôt de solidarité sur la fortune applies only to individuals and does not generally apply to the Securities if the holder is a U.S. resident, as defined pursuant to the provisions of the Treaty.Treaty, provided that the individual does not own directly or indirectly a shareholding exceeding 25% of the financial rights.

              U.S. Taxes

                Ownership of the Securities

                      

              Deposits and withdrawals by a U.S. holder of ordinary shares in exchange for ADSs, or of PSSAs in exchange for PSSA-ADSs (including in connection with the intended termination of the deposit agreement with respect to the PSSA-ADSs), will not be taxable events for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For U.S. tax

              purposes, holders of ADSs will be treated as owners of the ordinary shares represented by such ADSs, and holders of PSSA-ADSs will be treated as owners of the PSSAs represented by such PSSA-ADSs.ADSs. Accordingly, the discussion that follows regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of ordinary shares and PSSAs is equally applicable to ADSs and PSSA-ADSs, respectively.ADSs.

                Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax

                      

              Distributions made to holders and proceeds paid from the sale, exchange, redemption or disposal of Securities may be subject to information reporting to the Internal Revenue Service. Such payments may be subject to backup withholding taxes unless the holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Holders that are not U.S. persons generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, such a holder may be required to provide a certification of its non-U.S. status in connection with payments received within the United States or through a U.S.-related financial intermediary to establish that it is an exempt recipient. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a holder’sholder's U.S. federal income tax liability. A holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information.

                Foreign Asset Reporting

                      In addition, a U.S. holder that is an individual (and, to the extent provided in future regulations, an entity), may be subject to recently-enacted reporting obligations with respect to ordinary shares and ADSs if the aggregate value of these and certain other "specified foreign financial assets" exceeds $50,000. If required, this disclosure is made by filing Form 8938 with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Significant penalties can apply if holders are required to make this disclosure and fail to do so. In addition, a U.S. holder should consider the possible obligation to file a Form TD F 90-22.1 — Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report as a result of holding ordinary shares or ADSs. Holders are thus encouraged to consult their U.S. tax advisors with respect to these and other reporting requirements that may apply to their acquisition of ordinary shares and ADSs.

                State and Local Taxes

              In addition to U.S. federal income tax, U.S. holders of Securities may be subject to U.S. state and local taxes with respect to such Securities.Holders of Securities are advised to consult their own tax advisers with regard to the application of U.S. state and local income tax law to their particular situation.

              ADSs-Ordinary Shares

              French Taxes

                Taxation of Dividends

                      

              Under French law, dividends paid by a French corporation, such as sanofi-aventis,Sanofi, to non-residents of France are generally subject to French withholding tax at a rate of 25% (19%30% (21% for distributions made to individuals that are resident in the European Economic Area, and 15% for distributions made to non-for-profitnot-for-profit organizations with a head office in a Member State of the European Economic Area which would be subject to the tax regime set forth under article 206-5 of the French General Tax Code if its head office were located in France and which meet the criteria set forth in the administrative guidelines 4 H-2-10BOI-RPPM-RCM-30-30-10-70-20120912, n°130). Dividends


              Table of January 15, 2010). Dividends Contents

              paid by a French corporation, such as sanofi-aventis,Sanofi, towards non-cooperative States or territories, as defined in Article 238-0 A of the French General Tax Code, will generally be subject to French withholding tax at a rate of 50%75%, irrespective of the tax residence of the beneficiary of the dividends if the dividends are received in such States or territories; however, eligible U.S. holders entitled to Treaty benefits under the “Limitation"Limitation on Benefits”Benefits" provision contained in the Treaty who are U.S. residents, as defined pursuant to the provisions of the Treaty and receivingwho receive dividends in non-cooperative States or territories, will not be subject to this 50%75% withholding tax.tax rate.

                      

              Under the Treaty, the rate of French withholding tax on dividends paid to an eligible U.S. holder who is a U.S. resident as defined pursuant to the provisions of the Treaty and whose ownership of the ordinary shares or ADSs is not effectively connected with a permanent establishment or fixed base that such U.S. holder has in France, is reduced to 15%, or to 5% if such U.S. holder is a corporation and aowns directly or indirectly at least 10% of the share capital of the issuing company; such U.S. holder may claim a refund from the French tax authorities of the amount withheld in excess of the Treaty raterates of 15% or 5%, if any. For U.S. holders that are not individuals but are U.S. residents, as defined pursuant to the provisions of the Treaty, the requirements for eligibility for Treaty benefits, including the reduced 5% or 15% withholding tax rate,rates contained in the “Limitation"Limitation on Benefits”Benefits" provision of the Treaty, are complicated, and certain technical changes were made to these requirements by the protocol of January 13, 2009. U.S. holders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding their eligibility for Treaty benefits in light of their own particular circumstances.

                      

              Dividends paid to an eligible U.S. holder may immediately be subject to the reduced raterates of 5% or 15%, provided that such holder establishes before the date of payment that it is a U.S. resident under the Treaty by completing and providing the depositary with a treaty form (Form 5000). Dividends paid to a U.S. holder that has not filed the Form 5000 before the dividend payment date will be subject to French withholding tax at the rate of 25%30% and

              then reduced at a later date to 5% or 15%, provided that such holder duly completes and provides the French tax authorities with the treaty forms Form 5000 and Form 5001 before December 31 of the second calendar year following the year during which the dividend is paid. Pension funds and certain other tax-exempt entities are subject to the same general filing requirements as other U.S. holders except that they may have to supply additional documentation evidencing their entitlement to these benefits.

                      

              Form 5000 and Form 5001, together with instructions, will be provided by the depositary to all U.S. holders registered with the depositary and isare also available from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The depositary will arrange for the filing with the French Tax authorities of all such forms properly completed and executed by U.S. holders of ordinary shares or ADSs and returned to the depositary in sufficient time that they may be filed with the French tax authorities before the distribution so as to obtain immediately a reduced withholding tax rate.

                      

              The withholding tax refund, if any, ordinarily is paid within 12 months of filing the applicable French Treasury Form, but not before January 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the related dividend is paid.

                Tax on Sale or Other Disposition

                      

              In general, under the Treaty, a U.S. holder who is a U.S. resident for purposes of the Treaty will not be subject to French tax on any capital gain from the redemption (other than redemption proceeds characterized as dividends under French domestic law), sale or exchange of ordinary shares or ADSs unless the ordinary shares or the ADSs form part of the business property of a permanent establishment or fixed base that the U.S. holder has in France. Special rules apply to holders who are residents of more than one country.

              U.S. Taxes

                Taxation of Dividends

                      

              For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of any distribution paid to U.S. holders (that is, the net distribution received plus any tax withheld therefrom) will be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent paid or deemed paid out of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of sanofi-aventisSanofi (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Dividends paid by sanofi-aventisSanofi will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. holders.


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              Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual U.S. holder with respect to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, with respect to the ADSs or our ordinary shares will beis currently subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15%20% if the dividends are “qualified dividends.”"qualified dividends". Dividends paid on the ordinary shares or ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the issuer is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (ii) the issuer was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”("PFIC"). The Treaty has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules. Based on our audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, we believe sanofi-aventisSanofi was not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to its 20102012 taxable year. In addition, based on its audited financial statements and current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant market and shareholder data, we do not anticipate that sanofi-aventisSanofi will become a PFIC for its 20112013 taxable year.Holders of ordinary shares and ADSs should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of their own particular circumstances.

              If you are a U.S. holder, dividend income received by you with respect to ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be treated as foreign source income for foreign tax credit purposes. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. Distributions out of earnings and profits with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be treated as “passive category”"passive category" income (or, in the case of certain U.S. holders, “general category”"general category" income). Subject to certain limitations, French income tax withheld in connection with any distribution with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. federal income tax liability of a U.S. holder if such U.S. holder elects for that year to

              credit all foreign income taxes. Alternatively, such French withholding tax may be taken as a deduction against taxable income. Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in Securities and may not be allowed in respect of certain arrangements in which a U.S. holder’sholder's expected economic profit is insubstantial.The U.S. federal income tax rules governing the availability and computation of foreign tax credits are complex. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers concerning the implications of these rules in light of their particular circumstances.

                      

              To the extent that an amount received by a U.S. holder exceeds the allocable share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will be applied first to reduce such U.S. holder’sholder's tax basis in its ordinary shares or ADSs and then, to the extent it exceeds the U.S. holder’sholder's tax basis, it will constitute capital gain from a deemed sale or exchange of such ordinary shares or ADSs (see “—"— Tax on Sale or Other Disposition”Disposition", below).

              The amount of any distribution paid in euros will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of the euro amount distributed, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by a U.S. holder of ordinary shares (or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs) regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on such date.U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the treatment of foreign currency gain or loss, if any, on any euros received by a U.S. holder or depositary that are converted into U.S. dollars on a date subsequent to receipt.

                      

              Distributions to holders of additional ordinary shares (or ADSs) with respect to their ordinary shares (or ADSs) that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all ordinary shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. However, if a U.S. holder has the option to receive a distribution in shares (or ADSs) or to receive cash in lieu of such shares (or ADSs), the distribution of shares (or ADSs) will be taxable as if the holder had received an amount equal to the fair market value of the distributed shares (or ADSs), and such holder’sholder's tax basis in the distributed shares (or ADSs) will be equal to such amount.

                Tax on Sale or Other Disposition

                      

              In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder that sells, exchanges or otherwise disposes of its ordinary shares or ADSs will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the U.S. dollar value of the difference between the amount realized for the ordinary shares or ADSs and the U.S. holder’sholder's adjusted tax basis (determined in U.S. dollars and under U.S. federal income tax rules) in the ordinary shares or ADSs. Such gain or loss generally will be U.S. -sourceU.S.-source gain or loss, and will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’sholder's holding period in the ordinary shares or ADSs exceeds one year at the time of disposition. If the U.S. holder


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              is an individual, any capital gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates (currently a maximum of 15%20%) if specified minimum holding periods are met. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.

              Participating Shares Series “A” (PSSAs) and PSSA-ADSs

              French Taxes

                Taxation of Annual Payments and Any Reorganization PaymentMedicare Tax

                      

              Under French law, no French withholding tax is imposed on Annual Payments on the Participating Shares Series “A” (PSSAs) owned byRecently-enacted legislation requires certain U.S. holders. Pursuant to Article 131 quater of the French General Tax Code, the withholding tax exemption on Annual Payments is not subject to any filing requirement because the PSSAs have been offered exclusively outside France before March 1, 2010. In the event that French law should change and a French withholding tax becomes applicable to the Annual Payments, (i) sanofi-aventis or an affiliate shall be obligated, to the extent it may lawfully do so, to gross up such payments (with certain exceptions relating to the holder’s connection with France, failure to claim an exemption or failure to present timely such shares for payment) so that, after the payment of such withholding tax, the holder will receive an amount equal to the amount which the holder would have received had there been no withholding or (ii) sanofi-aventis may redeem the PSSAs.

              Taxation of Redemption

              In general, under the Treaty, a U.S. holder who is a U.S. resident for purposes of the Treaty will not be subject to French tax on any capital gain from the redemption, sale or exchange of PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs unless the PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs form part of the business property of a permanent establishment or fixed base that the U.S. holder has in France. Special rules apply to holders who are residentsindividuals, estates or trusts to pay a Medicare tax of more than one country.

              U.S. Taxes

              Taxation of Annual Payments

              For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of the annual payments paid3.8% (in addition to U.S. holders entitled thereto will be treated as ordinary dividend income (in an amount equal to the cash or fair market value of the property received) to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Such dividends generally will be foreign-source income and generally will be treated as “passive category” (or, in the case of certain U.S. holders, “general category”) income for foreign tax credit purposes. Dividends paid by sanofi-aventis will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. holders.

              Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by a U.S. holder that is an individual with respect to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 with respect to the PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs willtaxes they would otherwise be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% ifto) on their "net investment income" which would include, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Dividends paid on the PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the issuer is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rulesordinary shares and (ii) the issuer was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (PFIC). The Treaty has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules. Based on our audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, we believe we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 2010 taxable year. In addition, based on our audited financial statements and current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets, the sources and nature of our income, and relevant market and shareholder data, we do not anticipate that we will become a PFIC for our 2010 taxable year.Holders of PSSAs and PSSA-ADSs should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of their own particular circumstances.

              To the extent that an amount received by a U.S. holder exceeds the allocable share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will be applied first to reduce such U.S. holder’s tax basis in its PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs and then, to the extent it exceeds the U.S. holder’s tax basis, it will constitute gain from a deemed sale or exchange of such PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs (see “— Tax on Sale or Other Disposition (Including Redemption)”, below).

              ADSs.

              The amount of any distribution paid in euros will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of the distributed euros, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by a U.S. holder of PSSAs (or by the depositary, in the case of PSSA-ADSs), regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on such date.U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the treatment of foreign currency gain or loss, if any, on any euros received by a U.S. holder or depositary that are converted into U.S. dollars on a date subsequent to receipt.

              Tax on Sale or Other Disposition (Including Redemption)

              In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder that sells, exchanges or otherwise disposes of PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the U.S. dollar value of the difference between the amount realized for the PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs and the holder’s adjusted tax basis (determined in U.S. dollars) in the PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs. Such gain or loss generally will be U.S. -source gain or loss, and will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period in the PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs exceeds one year at the time of disposition. If the U.S. holder is an individual, any capital gain

              generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates (currently a maximum of 15%) if specified minimum holding periods are met. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.

              If, however, a U.S. holder’s PSSAs or PSSA-ADSs are redeemed and it has a direct or indirect stock interest in sanofi-aventis after such redemption, then amounts received in a redemption could, under applicable U.S. tax rules, be treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend that is measured by the full amount of cash received by such U.S. holder (to the extent of the current and accumulated earnings and profits of sanofi-aventis, as described above in “Taxation of Annual Payments”).U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers as to the application of these rules to any such redemption.

              F. Dividends and Paying Agents

                      

              N/A


              G. Statement by Experts

                      

              N/A


              H. Documents on Display

                      

              We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, we are required to file reports, including this annual report on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or Commission, by electronic means. Our public

                      You may review a copy of our filings are availablewith the Commission, as well as other information furnished to the public over the InternetCommission, including exhibits and schedules filed with it, at the Commission’s WebsiteCommission's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information. In addition, the Commission maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission (these documents are not incorporated by reference in this annual report).


              I. Subsidiary Information

                      

              N/A


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              Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk(1)

              General Policy

                      

              Liquidity risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk, as well as related counterparty risk, are managed centrally by our dedicated treasury team within the Group Finance Department. Where it is not possible to manage these risks centrally, in particular due to regulatory restrictions (such as foreign exchange controls) or local tax restrictions, credit facilities and/or currency lines, guaranteed whenever necessary by the parent company, are contracted by our subsidiaries locally with banks, under the supervision of the central treasury team.

                      

              Our investment and financing strategies, as well as our interest rate and currency hedging strategies, are reviewed monthly by the Group Finance Department.

                      

              Our policy on derivatives prohibits speculative exposure.

              Liquidity Risk

                      

              We operate a centralized treasury platform according to whichwhereby all surplus cash and financing needs of our subsidiaries are invested with or funded by the parent company (where permitted by local legislation). The central treasury department manages the Group’sGroup's current and projected financing (debt, net of cash and cash equivalents), and ensures that the Group is able to meet its financial commitments by maintaining sufficient cash and confirmed credit facilities for the size of our operations and the maturity of our debt.debt (see Notes D.17.c and D.17.g to the consolidated financial statements).

                      

              The group tends to diversifyGroup diversifies its short termshort-term investments with leading banks using money-market products that are immediately accessiblewith instant access or havewith a maturity of lesslower than three months. As of December 31, 2010,2012, cash and cash equivalents amounted to €6,465€6,381 million and short termshort-term investments mainly comprised:

              Mutual fund investments classified as Euro Money-Market Funds by theAutorité des Marchés Financiers, within a limit of 10% of held assets.

              Bank

                collective investments in 'short-term money market' and 'money market' euro-denominated funds based on the European classification used by theAutorité des Marchés Financiers, and in 'money market' U.S. dollar-denominated funds subject to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulation 2a-7. All such funds can be traded on a daily basis and the amount invested in each fund may not exceed 10% of the total amount invested in such funds;

                bank current account deposits, bank term deposits and certificates of deposit with a maturity lower than three months. These short-term investments are entered into with leading financial institutions;

                term deposits with a maturity of lesslower than three months.

              These short-term investments are entered into with non-financial institutions.

                      

              As of December 31, 2010,2012, the Group had €12.2€10 billion of undrawn general corporate purpose confirmed credit facilities, not allocated to outstanding commercial paper drawdowns of which €6.2€3 billion expire in 2015, €5.8December 2013, €0.25 billion in 2012,July 2015 and €0.2€6.75 billion in 2011.July 2017. Our credit facilities are not subject to financial covenant ratios.

                      

              In connection with the launch of a public tender offer for Genzyme on October 4, 2010, sanofi-aventis contracted on October 2, 2010 two credit facilities totaling $15 billion. These facilities, amended on February 15, 2011, may be drawn down in US dollars until December 31, 2011:

              Facility A is a $10 billion facility expiring April 2, 2012 with an optional six-month extension.

              Facility B is $5 billion amortizable facility expiring April 2, 2014.

              These acquisition facilities are not subject to any financial covenant. The margin of Facility B will depend on the long-term credit rating of sanofi-aventis subsequent to the acquisition.

              Our policy is to diversify our sources of funding through public or private issuances of debt securities, in particular under our Eurothe United States and in France (Euro Medium Term Note program,program), and by issuing commercial paper in France and the United States. On March 15, 2010, the Group filed a U.S shelf, not being used as of today.States and in France. The average maturityduration of ourthe total debt is 3.9was 3.2 years as of December 31, 2010,2012, compared to 4.13.5 years as of December 31, 2009.2011. Short-term commercial paper programs (U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper swapped into euroseuro and euro-denominated commercial paper) are used to meet our short-term financing needs. In 2012, the French commercial paper program was not drawn down, whereas average drawdowns under the U.S. commercial paper program were €2.3 billion (maximum €3.3 billion). Drawdowns under these

              (1)Information in this section is complementary to Note B.8.8. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report, with regards to information required by IFRS 7, and is covered by our independent registered public accounting firms’ report on the consolidated financial statements.

              programs are generally renewed for periods of 2one and a half months. The commercial paper programs are backed by confirmed credit facilities (see description above), to permit the Group to continue to access financing if raising funds via commercial paper is no longer possible (for more information, see Note D.17 to the consolidated financial statements). In 2010, the average drawdown under these programs was €0.9 billion (maximum €1.7 billion). As of December 31, 2010, the drawdown under2012, these programs amounted to €0.7 billion.were not drawn down.

                      

              In the context of a market-wide liquidity crisis, and/or a downgrade of its rating, the Group could be exposed to difficulties in calling up its available cash, a scarcity of its sources of funding including the above-mentioned programs, or to a deterioration ofin their conditions.terms. This situation could damage the capacity of the Group to refinance its debt or to issue new debt on reasonable conditions.terms.


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              Interest Rate Risk

                      

              OurSince the financing of the Genzyme acquisition in 2011, the Group has managed its net debt in two currencies, the euro and the U.S. dollar (see note D.17 to the consolidated financial statements). The floating-rate portion of this debt exposes the Group to rises in interest rates, primarily in the Eonia and Euribor benchmark rates (for the euro) and in the U.S. Libor and Federal Fund Effective rates (for the U.S. dollar). In order to reduce the amount and/or volatility of the cost of debt, is sensitive to changes in interest rates as regards the floating-rate portion of the total debt (credit facilities, commercial paper, etc.), with reference to Eonia, US Libor and Euribor and in proportion to the amounts drawn under these programs. To optimize the cost of our debt or reduce its volatility, we use interestGroup has contracted derivative instruments (interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and in certain circumstances interest rate options to alteroptions). These have the fixed rate / effect of altering the fixed/floating rate mixsplit of ourthe debt. These derivative instruments are denominated in euros or in U.S. dollars.

                      

              As of December 31, 2010, 66% of our total debt (amounting to €8,056 million) was fixed-rate and 34% was floating-rate after taking account of interest rate derivatives. Our cash and cash equivalents (amounting to €6,465 million) are fully floating-rate.

              As of December 31, 2010,2012, the sensitivity of ourthe total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents to interest rate fluctuations over a full year is as follows:

              Change in 3-month EuriborImpact on
              pre-tax
              net income
              (€ million)
              + 100 bp41
              + 25 bp10
              - 25 bp(10
              - 100 bp(41

              Change in 3-month Euribor
               Impact on pre-tax
              net income
              (€ million)
               Impact on income/(expense)
              recognized directly in
              equity, before tax
              (€ million)
               
                
              +100 bp  (10) (3)
                +25 bp  (2) (1)
                -25 bp  2  1 
              -100 bp  10  3 
                

              Foreign Exchange Risk

              a. Operational Foreign Exchange Risk

                      

              A substantial proportionportion of our net sales is generated in countries in which the euro, which is our reporting currency, is not the functional currency. In 2010,2012, for example, 29.5%31% of our consolidated net sales were generated in the United States. Although we also incur expenses in those countries, the impact of those expenses is not enough wholly to offset the impact of exchange rates on net sales. Consequently, our operating income may be materially affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and other currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar.

                      

              We operate a foreign exchange risk hedging policy to reduce the exposure of our operating income to exchange rate movements. This policy involves regular assessments of our worldwide foreign currency exposure, based on budget estimates of foreign-currency transactions to be carried out by the parent company and its subsidiaries. These transactions mainly comprise sales, purchases, research costs, co-marketing and co-promotion expenses, and royalties. To reduce the exposure of these transactions to exchange rate movements, we may contract currency hedges using liquid financial instruments, such asmainly forward purchases and forward sales of currency as well as callcurrencies, and put options, and combinationsswaps.


              Table of currency options (collars).

              Contents

              The table below shows operational currency hedging derivatives in place as of December 31, 2010,2012, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rate. See also Note D.20.D.20 to the consolidated financial statements for the accounting classification of these instruments as of December 31, 2010.

              2012.

              Operational foreign exchange derivatives as of December 31, 20102012 (1):

              (€ million)  Notional amount   Fair value 
              Forward currency sales   2,444     (25
              Of which          •    U.S. dollar   1,380     (12

              •    Russian rouble

                 248     (7

              •    Japanese yen

                 202     (4

              •    Pound sterling

                 95     2  

              •    Australian dollar

                 60     (1
              Forward currency purchases   257     (2
              Of which          •    Hungarian forint   84     (1

              •    U.S. dollar

                 51     (1

              •    Canadian dollar

                 31       

              •    Russian rouble

                 30       

              •    Japanese yen

                 18       

              Total

                 2,701     (27

              (€ million)
               Notional amount
               Fair value
               
                
              Forward currency sales  2,972  21 
              Of which 

              U.S. dollar

                972  6 
                

              Japanese yen

                485  15 
                

              Russian rouble

                368  (3)
                

              Singapore dollar

                271   
                

              Chinese yuan renminbi

                255  1 
                
              Forward currency purchases  944  (4)
              Of which 

              Singapore dollar

                231  (4)
                

              Hungarian forint

                166  (3)
                

              Swiss franc

                110   
                

              Chinese yuan renminbi

                94   
                

              U.S. dollar

                69   
                
              Total  3,916  17 
                
              (1)
              (1)
              As of December 31, 2009, the notional amount of forward currency sales was €2,800 million with a fair value of -€51 million (including forward sales of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €1,757 million with a fair value of -€41 million). As of December 31, 2009, the notional amount of forward currency purchases was €377 million with a fair value of €6 million (including forward sales of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €69 million with an immaterial fair value). In addition, as of December 31, 2009, the Group portfolio included purchased put options of a notional amount of €448 million with a fair value of €14 million, written call options of a notional amount of €881 million with a fair value of -€17 million, written put options of a notional of €278 million with a fair value of -€8 million and purchased call options of a notional of €555 million with a fair value of €10 million.

              As of December 31, 2010,2011, the notional amount of forward currency sales was €3,446 million with a fair value of -€96 million (including forward sales of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €1,779 million with a fair value of -€59 million). As of December 31, 2011, the notional amount of forward currency purchases was €1,077 million with a fair value of €7 million (including forward purchases of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €69 million with an immaterial fair value).

                      As of December 31, 2012, none of these instruments had an expiry date after March 31, 2011.February 28, 2013 except for a specific forward currency purchase position for a total of £33 million expiring between 2013 and 2015.

                      

              These positions mainly hedge future foreign-currency cash flows arising after the balance sheet date in relation to transactions carried out during the year ended December 31, 20102012 and recognized in the balance sheet at that date. Gains and losses on derivative instruments (forward contracts) have been and will continue to be calculated and recognized in parallel with the recognition of gains and losses on the hedged items. Due to this hedging relationship, the foreign exchange profit and loss on these items (derivative instruments and underlying assets as of December 31, 2010)2012) will be close to zero in 2011.2013.


              b. Financial Foreign Exchange Risk

                      

              Some of our financing activities, such as the cash pooling arrangements for foreign subsidiaries outside the euro zone and our U.S. commercial paper issues, expose certain entities to financial foreign exchange risk (i.e., the risk of changes in the value of loans and borrowings denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the lender or borrower). The net foreign exchange exposure mainly concernsis hedged by the holding company and is hedged bywith firm financial instruments, usually forward contracts and currency swaps.swaps, dealt with banking counterparties.


              Table of Contents

                      

              The table below shows financial currency hedging instruments in place as of December 31, 2010, calculated using2012, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rates prevailing as of that date.rate. See also Note D.20.D.20 to the consolidated financial statements for the accounting classification of these instruments as of December 31, 2010.2012.

              Financial foreign exchange derivatives as of December 31, 20102012 (1):

              (€ million)
               Notional amount
               Fair value
               Expiry
               
                
              Forward currency sales  3,970  38    
              Of which 

              U.S. dollar

                1,897  1  2013 
                

              Japanese yen

                1,272  34  2013 
                

              Czech koruna

                191    2013 
                
              Forward currency purchases  2,638  (12)   
              Of which 

              Pound sterling

                549  (3) 2013 
                

              U.S. dollar

                521  1  2013 
                

              Singapore dollar

                492  (4) 2013 
                
              Total  6,608  26    
                
              (1)
              As of December 31, 2011, the notional amount of forward currency sales was €4,900 million with a fair value of -€104 million (including forward sales of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €2,964 million with a fair value of -€89 million). As of December 31, 2011, the notional amount of forward currency purchases was €2,719 million with a fair value of €24 million (including forward purchases of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €828 million with a fair value of €10 million).

                      

              (€ million)  Notional amount   Fair value   Expiry 

              Forward currency purchases

                 2,086     (13  

              Of which         • U.S. dollar

                 814     (8   2011  

              • Pound sterling

                 565     (11   2011  

              • Japanese yen

                 169          2011  

              Forward currency sales

                 2,728     (64  

              Of which         • Japanese yen

                 904     (24   2011  

              • U.S. dollar

                 862     (26   2012  

              • Czech koruna

                 359     (7   2011  

              Total

                 4,814     (77     

              (1)As of December 31, 2009, the notional amount of forward currency purchases was €6,760 million with a fair value of €185 million (including forward purchases of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €5,634 million with a fair value of €180 million). As of December 31, 2009, the notional amount of forward currency sales was €3,169 million with a fair value of -€7 million (including forward sales of U.S. dollars of a notional amount of €1,634 million with a fair value of -€28 million).

              These forward contracts generate a net financial foreign exchange gain or loss arising from the interest rate gapdifferential between the hedged currency and the euro, given that the foreign exchange gain or loss on the foreign-currency liabilities and receivables is offset by the change in the intrinsic value of the hedging instruments.

                      

              As of December 31, 2010,2012, none of the instruments had an expiry date after September 30, 2012.March 31, 2013.

                      

              We may also hedge some future foreign-currency investment or divestment cash flows.


              c. Other Foreign Exchange Risks

                      

              A significant portionproportion of our consolidated net assets is denominated in U.S. dollars. For a breakdown of ournet assets see Note D.35.2D.35 to ourthe consolidated financial statements. As a result, any fluctuation in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the euro affects our equity, which may lead us to contract hedges of our net investments in foreign operations.equity. As of December 31, 2010,2012, we had no derivative instruments in place to limit the effect of such fluctuations.

                      The Group operates a substantial portion of its activity within the euro zone and holds a significant part of its cash and cash equivalent in this currency, whereas its indebtedness is denominated in the euro and the U.S. dollar (for more information, see Note D.17.e to the consolidated financial statements). The euro is also the reporting currency of the Group. In the specific context of the sovereign debt crisis affecting certain European countries, the threatened or actual withdrawal of the euro as currency in one or more European Monetary Union countries and the associated fluctuations in currency exchange rates could have a material effect on our financial condition and earnings, the magnitude and consequences of which are unpredictable.

              Counterparty Risk

                      

              Our financing and investing operations, as well as our currency and interest rate hedges, are contracted with leading banks. We set limits for investment and derivativesderivative transactions with individual banks, depending on the rating of each bank. Compliance with these limits, which are based on notional amounts weighted by the residual maturity of the commitment and on the nature of the commitment, is monitored on a daily basis.


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              The table below shows our total exposure as of December 31, 20102012 by rating and in terms of our percentage exposure to the dominant counterparty.

              (€ million)  Cash and cash equivalents
              (excluding mutual funds) (1)
                 Notional amounts of
              currency hedges (2)
                 Notional amounts of
              interest hedges (2)
                 General corporate
              purpose credit facilities
               
              AA   820     3,033     596     3,213  
              AA-   392     2,475     396     1,648  
              A+   345     2,426     92     6,363  
              A   21               1,421  
              A-   21                 
              BBB ratings and not rated   17               355  
              Unallocated   44                 

              Total

                 1,660     7,934     1,084     13,000  
              % / rating of the dominant counterparty   37% / AA     12% / AA     25% / AA-     9% /A+  

              (1)

              Cash equivalents also include mutual fund investments of €4,805 million.

              (2)

              The notional amounts are computed on the basis of the forward rates negotiated at the inception date of the derivative instrument.

              (€ million)
               Cash and cash equivalent
              (excluding mutual funds) (1)

               Notional amounts of
              currency hedges (2)

               Notional amounts of
              interest hedges (2)

               General corporate
              purpose credit facilities

               
                
              AA-  608  1,095  300  690 
              A+  1,029  4,452  2,016  3,195 
              A  1,019  5,512  2,102  5,175 
              A-  100       
              BBB+  215      250 
              BBB  301  262  600  690 
              Not splitted  145       
                
              Total  3,417  11,321  5,018  10,000 
                
              % / rating of the dominant counterparty  18% / AA-  16% / A  16% / A  7% / A 
                
              (1)
              Cash equivalents include mutual fund investments of €2,964 million.
              (2)
              The notional amounts are computed on the basis of the forward rates negotiated at the inception date of the derivative instruments.

              Mutual fund investments are mainly made by the sanofi-aventisSanofi parent company. These mutual fund investments classified as Euro Money-Market Fundsare in 'short-term money market' and 'money market' euro-denominated funds based on the European classification used by theAutorité des Marchés Financiers, and 'money market' U.S. dollar-denominated funds subject to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulation 2a-7. They show low volatility, low sensitivity to interest rate risk and a very low probability of loss of principal. Both theThe depositary banks of the mutual funds, and the depositaries of sanofi-aventisSanofi itself, are at least A+A rated.

                      

              Realization of counterparty risk could impact our liquidity in certain circumstances.

              Stock Market Risk

                      

              It is our policy not to trade on the stock market for speculative purposes.


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              Item 12. Description of Securities other than Equity Securities

              N/A12.A Debt Securities

                      Not applicable.

              12.B Warrants and Rights

                      Not applicable.

              12.C Other Securities

                      Not applicable.

              12.D American Depositary Shares

              General

                      

              JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”("JPMorgan"), as depositary, issues Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs in certificated form (evidenced by an American depositary receipt, or ADR) or book-entry form. Each ADR is a certificate evidencing a specific number of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs. Each Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADS represents one-half of one Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary share (or the right to receive one-half of one Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary share) deposited with the Paris, France office of BNP Paribas, as custodian.

              Each Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADS also represents an interest in any other securities, cash or other property that may be held by the depositary under the deposit agreement. The depositary’sdepositary's office is located at 4 New York1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, Floor 58, New York, New York 10004.10005-1401.

                      

              A holder may hold Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs either directly or indirectly through his or her broker or other financial institution. The following description assumes holders hold their Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs directly, in certificated form evidenced by ADRs. Holders who hold the Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs indirectly must rely on the procedures of their broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADR holders described in this section. Holders should consult with their broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.

                      

              We do not treat holdersHolders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs as one of our shareholders, and such holders do not have shareholder rights.the same rights as holders of Sanofi shares. French law governs shareholder rights. The depositary is be the holder of the Sanofi-Aventis ordinary shares underlying holders’ Sanofi-Aventis ADSs. The rights of holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs are set forth in the deposit agreement between Sanofi-AventisSanofi and JPMorgan and in the ADR. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADRs.

                      

              The following is a summary of certain terms of the deposit agreement, aas amended. The form of whichour deposit agreement has been filed as an as an exhibit to our Form F-6 filed on August 7, 2007, and whichthe amendment to our deposit agreement has been filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Form F-6 filed on April 30, 2011. Each of the form and the amendment is incorporated by reference into this document. For more complete information, holders should read the entire deposit agreement (including the amendment) and the ADR itself. Holders may also inspect a copy of the deposit agreement at the depositary’sdepositary's office.

              Share Dividends and Other Distributions

              Receipt of dividends and other distributions

                      

              The depositary has agreed to pay to holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs the cash dividends or other distributions that it or the custodian receives on the deposited Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary shares and other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. Holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs that they hold.

              Cash.    The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution paid on the shares into U.S. dollars if, in its judgment, it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If the depositary determines that such a conversion and transfer is not possible, or if any approval from the French government is needed and cannot be obtained within a reasonable period, then the depositary may (1) distribute the foreign currency received by it to the holders of Sanofi ADSs or (2) hold the foreign currency distribution (uninvested and without liability for any interest) for the account of holders of Sanofi ADSs.


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                      In addition, if any conversion of foreign currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected to some holders of Sanofi ADSs, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the dividends only to those ADR holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert into U.S. dollars for the account of the ADR holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the funds it holds and it will not be liable for any interest.

              Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes that must be paid under French law will be deducted. The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents down to the nearest whole cent.If the exchange rates fluctuateExchange rate fluctuations during a timeperiod when the depositary cannot convert the euro,euros into U.S. dollars may result in holders may loselosing some or all of the value of thea distribution.

              Shares.    The depositary may, and at our request will, distribute new ADRs representing any shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution, if we furnish it promptly with satisfactory evidence that it is legal to

              do so. TheAt its option, the depositary will onlymay distribute whole Sanofi-Aventisfractional Sanofi ADSs. It will sell shares that would require it to deliver a fractional Sanofi-Aventis ADS and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it distributes cash. If the depositary does not distribute additional Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs, the outstanding ADRs will also represent the new shares.

              The depositary may withhold any tax or other governmental charges, or require the payment of any required fees and expenses, prior to making any distribution of additional Sanofi ADSs.

              Rights to Receive Additional Shares.    If we offer holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary, after consultation with us, maywill, in its discretion, either (1) make these rights available to holders or (2) dispose of such rights on behalf of any holders and make the net proceeds available.available to holders. The depositary may make rights available to certain holders but not others if it determines it is lawful and feasible to do so. The depositary must first consult with us. If byHowever, if, under the terms of the offering or for any other reason, the depositary may not make such rights available or dispose of such rights and make the net proceeds available, it will allow the rights to lapse. In that case, holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs will receive no value for them.

                      In circumstances where rights would not otherwise be distributed by the depositary to holders of Sanofi ADSs, a holder of Sanofi ADSs may nonetheless request, and will receive from the depositary, any instruments or other documents necessary to exercise the rights allocable to that holder if the depositary first receives written notice from Sanofi that (1) Sanofi has elected, in its sole discretion, to permit the rights to be exercised and (2) such holder has executed the documents Sanofi has determined, in its sole discretion, are reasonably required under applicable law.

              If the depositary makes rights available to holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs, upon instruction from such holders, it will exercise the rights and purchase the shares on such holder’sholder's behalf. The depositary will then deposit the shares and deliver ADRs to such holders. It will only exercise rights if holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs pay it the exercise price and any other charges the rights require such holders to pay.

                      

              U.S. securities laws may restrict the sale, deposit, cancellation andor transfer of ADRs issued upon exercise of rights. For example, holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs may not be able to trade these Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs freely in the United States. In this case, the depositary may deliver Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs under a separate restricted deposit agreement that will contain the same provisions as the deposit agreement, except for changes needed to putimplement the restrictions in place.

              required restrictions.

              Other Distributions.    The depositary will senddistribute to holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs anything else we may distribute on deposited securities (after deduction or upon payment of fees and expenses or any taxes or other governmental charges) by any means it thinks is legal, fairequitable and practical. If, for any reason, it cannot make the distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds of the sale in the same way as it distributes cash dividends, or it may choose any other method to distribute the property it deems equitable and practicable.

                      

              The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs. We have no obligation to register Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADRs, shares, rights or anything else to holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs. This means that holders may not receive the distribution we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for the depositary to make them available to such holders.


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                      Elective Distributions.    Whenever we intend to distribute a dividend payable at the election of shareholders either in cash or in additional shares, we will give prior notice thereof to the depositary and will indicate whether we wish the elective distribution to be made available to holders of Sanofi ADSs. In that case, we will assist the depositary in determining whether that distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable. The depositary will make the election available to holders of Sanofi ADSs only if it is reasonably practicable and if we have provided all the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement. In that case, the depositary will establish procedures to enable holders of Sanofi ADSs to elect to receive either cash or additional ADSs, in each case as described in the deposit agreement. If the election is not made available to holders of Sanofi ADSs, such holders will receive either cash or additional Sanofi ADSs, depending on what a shareholder in France would receive for failing to make an election, as more fully described in the deposit agreement.

              Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation

              Delivery of ADRs

                      

              The depositary will deliver ADRs if the holder or his or her broker deposit shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs in the names the holder requests and will deliver the ADRs to the persons the holder requests at its office.


              Obtaining Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary shares

                      

              A holder may turn in his or her ADRs at the depositary’sdepositary's office. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver (1) the underlying shares to an account designated by the holder and (2) any other deposited securities underlying the ADR at the office of a custodian or, at the holder’sholder's request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its office.

              Voting Rights

                      

              A holder may instruct the depositary to vote the Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary shares underlying his or her Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs at any meeting of Sanofi shareholders, but only if we askrequest that the depositary to ask for holder instructions. Otherwise, holders will not be able to exercise their right to vote unless they withdraw the underlying ordinary shares from the ADR program and vote as an ordinary shareholder. However, holders may not know about the meeting sufficiently in advance to timely withdraw the underlying ordinary shares.

              If we ask for holder instructions in connection with a meeting of Sanofi shareholders, the depositary will notifymail materials to holders of Sanofi ADSs in the upcoming votemanner described under the heading "Notices and arrangeReports; Rights of Holders to deliver our voting materials to holders. The materials will (1) describe the matters to be voted on and (2) explain how holders may instruct the depositary to vote the shares or other deposited securities underlying their ADRs as holders direct.Inspect Books" below. For any instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them on or before the date specified.specified in the materials distributed by the depositary. The depositary will try, asendeavor, in so far as practical, subject to French law and the provisions of ourstatuts, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as holders may validly instruct. The depositary will only vote or attempt to vote shares as holders validly instruct.

              We cannot assure holders that they will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that holders can instruct the depositary to vote their shares. TheAs long as they act in good faith, neither the depositary andnor its agents are notwill be responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions.This means that holders may not be able to exercise their right to vote and there may be nothing holders can do if their shares are not voted as they requested.

                      

              Similar to our shares, Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs evidenced by ADRs that are registered in the name of the same owner for at least two (2) years will beare eligible for double voting rights ifso long as certain procedures are followed, as set out in the deposit agreement. For additional information regarding double voting rights, see “Item"Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Voting Rights”Rights".

                      

              The deposit agreement allows the depositary and Sanofi-AventisSanofi to change the voting procedures or require additional voting procedures in addition to the ones described above if necessary or appropriate to comply with French or


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              United States law or ourstatuts.For example, holders might be required to arrange to have their Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs deposited in a blocked account for a specified period of time prior to a shareholders’shareholders' meeting in order to be allowed to give voting instructions.

              Notices and Reports; Rights of Holders to Inspect Books

                      On or before the first date on which we give notice, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting of holders of shares or other deposited securities, or of any adjourned meeting of such holders, or of the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other distributions or the offering of any rights, we will transmit to the depositary a copy of the notice.

              Upon notice of any meeting of holders of shares or other deposited securities, if requested in writing by Sanofi-Aventis,Sanofi, the depositary will, as soon as practicable, thereafter, mail to the holders of Sanofi ADSs a notice, the form of which is in the discretion of the depositary, containing (a)(1) a summary in English of suchthe information contained in the notice of meeting receivedprovided by Sanofi to the depositary, from the company, (b)(2) a statement that the holders as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of French law and of ourstatuts, to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the amount of shares or other deposited securities represented by their respective ADSs and (c)(3) a statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given.

                      

              The depositary will make available for inspection by ADS holders at the depositary’sdepositary's office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting material, received from usthatus that are both (a)(1) received by the depositary as the holder of the deposited securities and (b)(2) made generally available to the holders of such deposited securities by us. The depositary will also, upon written request, send to ADS holders copies of such reports when furnished by us pursuant to the deposit agreement. Any such reports and communications, including any such proxy soliciting material, furnished to the depositary by us will be furnished in English to the extent such materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to any regulations of the SEC.

                      

              The depositary will keep books for the registration of ADRs and transfers of ADRs that at all reasonable times will be open for inspection by the holders provided that such inspection shallis not be for the purpose of communicating with holders in the interest of a business or object other than our business or a matter related to the deposit agreement or the ADRs.

              Fees and Expenses

              Fees Payable By ADS Holders

                      

              Pursuant to the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs may have to pay to JPMorgan, either directly or indirectly, fees or charges up to the amounts set forth in the table below.

              Associated Fee

              Depositary Action

              $5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)

               Execution and delivery of ADRs for distributions and dividends in shares and rights to subscribe for additional shares or rights of any other nature and surrender of ADRs for the purposes of withdrawal, including the termination of the deposit agreement


              $0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof)


               


              Any cash distribution made pursuant to the deposit agreement, including, among other things:

              • cash distributions or dividends,

              • distributions other than cash, shares or rights,

              • distributions in shares, and

              • rights of any other nature, including rights to subscribe for additional shares.


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              Taxes and other governmental charges

              As applicable
              Associated FeeDepositary Action
              Registration fees in effect for the registration of transfers of shares generally on the share register of the company or foreign registrar and applicable to transfers of shares to or from the name of JPMorgan or its nominee to the custodian or its nominee on the making of deposits and withdrawals As applicable

              A fee equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities

               

              Distributions of securities other than cash, shares or rights

              Any other charges payable by JPMorgan, its agents (and their agents), including BNP Paribas, as custodian (by deductions from cash dividends or other cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them)

               

              Servicing of shares or other deposited securities

              Expenses incurred by JPMorgan

               

              Cable, telex and facsimile transmission (where expressly provided for in the deposit agreement)

              • Foreign currency conversion into U.S. dollars


                      In addition to the fees outlined above, each holder will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on his or her Sanofi ADSs or on the deposited securities underlying his or her Sanofi ADSs. The depositary may refuse to transfer a holder's Sanofi ADSs or allow a holder to withdraw the deposited securities underlying his or her Sanofi ADSs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to a holder or sell deposited securities underlying a holder's Sanofi ADSs to pay any taxes owed, and the holder will remain liable for any deficiency. If it sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of Sanofi ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to the holder any proceeds, or send to the holder any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes. For additional information regarding taxation, see "Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation".


              Fees Paid to sanofi-aventisSanofi by the Depositary

                      

              JPMorgan, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse sanofi-aventis upSanofi for certain expenses (subject to $4,000,000 per year for expenses sanofi-aventiscertain limits) Sanofi incurs relating to legal fees, investor relations servicing, investor-related presentations, ADR-related advertising and public relations in those jurisdictions in which the ADRs may be listed or otherwise quoted, investor relations channel, perception studies, accountants’accountants' fees in relation to our annual report on Form 20-F or any other expenses directly or indirectly relating to managing the program or servicing the shareholders. The depositary has also agreed to provide additional payments to Sanofi based on certain performance indicators relating to the ADR facility. From January 1, 20102012 to February 28, 2011, sanofi-aventis has obtainedDecember 31, 2012, Sanofi received from JPMorgan reimbursements correspondingof $4,250,000 for expenses and no additional payments based on performance of the ADR facility were made. In addition to the ceiling of $4,000,000 for 2010. Furthermore,such amounts, JPMorgan has agreed to waive up to $425,000 each year in servicing fees forSanofi may incur in connection with routine corporate actions such as annual general meetings and divideddividend distributions, as well as for other assistance JPMorgan may provide Sanofi, such as preparation of tax and regulatory compliance fees,documents for holders and investor relations advisory services, etc.

              Payment of Taxes

              Each holder will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on his or her Sanofi-Aventis ADSs or on the deposited securities underlying his or her Sanofi-Aventis ADSs. The depositary may refuse to transfer a holder’s Sanofi-Aventis ADSs or allow a holder to withdraw the deposited securities underlying his or her Sanofi-Aventis ADSs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to a holder or sell deposited securities underlying a holder’s Sanofi-Aventis ADSs to pay any taxes owed, and the holder will remain liable for any deficiency. If it sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of Sanofi-Aventis ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to the holder any proceeds, or send to the holder any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

              services.

              Changes Affecting Deposited Securities

                      

              If we:

                change the nominal or par value of our Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary shares;



              recapitalize, reorganize, merge or consolidate, liquidate, sell assets, or take any similar action;



              reclassify, split up or consolidate any of the deposited securities; or



              distribute securities on the deposited securities that are not distributed to holders;

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              then either:

                the cash, shares or other securities received by the depositary will become deposited securities and each Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADS will automatically represent its equal share of the new deposited securities; or



              the depositary may, and will if we ask it to, distribute some or all of the cash, shares or other securities it receives. It may also deliver new ADRs or ask holders to surrender their outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs identifying the new deposited securities.

              Disclosure of Interests

              The obligation of a holder or other person with an interest in our shares to disclose information under French law and under ourstatutsalso applies to holders and any other persons, withother than the depositary, who have an interest in the Sanofi-Aventis ADSs other than the depositary.Sanofi ADSs. The consequences for failurefailing to comply with these provisions will beare the same for holders and any other persons with an interest as a holder of our ordinary shares. For additional information regarding these obligations, see “Item"Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Requirements for Holdings Exceeding Certain Percentages”Percentages".

              Amendment and Termination

              We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without the consent of the ADS holders for any reason. If the amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses, or prejudices a substantial right of holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs, it will only become effective 30 days after the depositary notifies such holders of the amendment. However, we may not be able to provide holders of Sanofi ADSs with prior notice of the effectiveness of any modifications or supplements that are required to accommodate compliance with applicable provisions of law, whether or not those modifications or supplements could be considered to be materially prejudicial to the substantial rights of holders of Sanofi ADSs.At the time an amendment becomes effective, such holders will be considered, by continuing to hold their ADR, to have agreed to the amendment and to be bound by the ADR and the deposit agreement as amended.

                      

              The depositary will terminate the agreement if we ask it to do so. The depositary may also terminate the agreement if the depositary has told us that it would like to resign and we have not appointed a new depositary bank within 90 days. In both cases, the depositary must notify holders of Sanofi ADSs at least 30 days before termination.

                      

              After termination, the depositary and its agents will be required to do only the following under the deposit agreement: (1) collect distributions on the deposited securities, (2) sell rights and (2)other property as provided in the deposit agreement and (3) deliver shares and other deposited securities upon cancellation of ADRs. Six months or more after termination, the depositary may sell any remaining deposited securities by public or private sale. After that, the depositary will hold the money it receivedreceives on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, for the pro rata benefit of the holders of

              Sanofi-Aventis Sanofi ADSs that have not surrendered their Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs. It will have no liability for interest. The depositary’sUpon termination of the deposit agreement, the depositary's only obligations will be to account for the proceeds of the sale and other cash and with respect to indemnification. After termination, our only obligation will be with respect to indemnification and to pay certain amounts to the depositary.

              Limitations on Obligations and Liability to Holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs

                      

              The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary, and it limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:

                are obligated only to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without gross negligence or bad faith;



              are not liable if either is prevented or delayed by law or circumstances beyond its control from performing its obligations under the deposit agreement;

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                are not liable if either exercises, or fails to exercise, any discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;



              have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs or the deposit agreement on holders’holders' behalf or on behalf of any other party, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense and liability is furnished as often as may be required; and



              are not liable for the acts or omissions made by any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system or the insolvency of the custodian to the extent the custodian is not a branch or affiliate of JPMorgan;

              may rely without any liability upon any documents it believes in good faithwritten notice, request or other document believed by either of us to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party.

              parties; and

              are not liable for any action or nonaction taken in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting ordinary shares for deposit, any ADS holder, or any other person believed in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.

                      In addition, the depositary will not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary. Moreover, neither we nor the depositary nor any of our respective agents will be liable to any holder of Sanofi ADSs for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages.

              In        Pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agreehave agreed to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.

              Requirements for Depositary Actions

                      

              Before the depositary will deliver or register the transfer of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs, make a distribution on Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs or process a withdrawal of shares, the depositary may require:

                payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities;



              production of satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and



              compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents.

                      

              The depositary may refuse to deliver Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs, register transfers of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs or permit withdrawals of shares when the transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books are closed, or at any time if the depositary or we think it advisable to do so.

              Right to Receive the Shares Underlying the Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs

                      

              Holders have the right to cancel their Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs and withdraw the underlying Sanofi-AventisSanofi ordinary shares at any time except:

                when temporary delays arise when we or the depositary have closed our transfer books or the deposit of shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’shareholders' meeting, or the payment of dividends;



              when the holder or other holders of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs seeking to withdraw shares owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; or



              when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs or to the withdrawal of shares or other deposited securities.

                      

              This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.


              Table of Contents

              Pre-Release of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs

                      

              Unless we tellinstruct the depositary not to, the deposit agreement permits the depositary to deliver Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs before deposit of the underlying shares. This is called a pre-release of the Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs. The depositary may also deliver shares upon cancellation of pre-released Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs (even if the Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs are cancelled before the pre-release transaction has been closed out). A pre-release is closed out as soon as the underlying shares are delivered to the depositary. The depositary may receive Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs instead of shares to close out a pre-release. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the depositary may pre-release Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs only under the following conditions: (1) before or at the time of the pre-release, the person to whom the pre-release is being made must represent to the depositary in writing that it or its customer (i) owns the shares or Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs to be deposited, (ii) assigns all beneficial rights, title and interest in such shares or ADRs to the depositary in its capacity as depositary and (iii) will not take any action with respect to such shares or ADRs that is inconsistent with the transfer of beneficial ownership, other than in satisfaction of such pre-release; (2) the pre-release must be fully collateralized with cash, U.S. government securities or other collateral that the depositary considers appropriate; (3) the depositary must be able to close out the pre-release on not more than five business days’days' notice; and (4) the depositary may require such further indemnities and credit regulations as it deems appropriate. In addition, the depositary will limit the number of Sanofi-AventisSanofi ADSs that may be outstanding at any time as a result of pre-release, although the depositary may disregard the limit from time to time, if it thinks it is appropriate to do so. The depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in connection with the foregoing.


              Table of Contents


              PART II

              Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

                      

              N/A


              Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

                      

              N/A


              Item 15. Controls and Procedures

                      

              (a)    Our Chief Executive Officer and principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information relating to sanofi-aventisSanofi was timely made known to them by others within the Group.

                      

              (b)   Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

                      

              Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a — 15(f)13a-15(f). Management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20102012 based on the framework in “Internal"Internal Control — Integrated Framework”Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

                      

              Based on that assessment, management has concluded that the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 20102012 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of its financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements for external purposes, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

                      

              Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and can only provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

                      

              The effectiveness of the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and Ernst & Young Audit,et Autres, independent registered public accounting firms, as stated in their report on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2012, which is included herein. See paragraph (c) of the present Item 15, below.

                      

              (c)    See report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and Ernst & Young Audit,et Autres, independent registered public accounting firms, included under “Item"Item 18. Financial Statements”Statements" on page F-3.

                      

              (d)   There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Form 20-F that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


              Item 16.

                      

              [Reserved]

              [Reserved]


              Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

                      

              Our Board of Directors has determined that Klaus Pohle, Robert Castaigne, Christian Mulliez and Gérard Van Kemmel, directors serving on the Audit Committee, are independent financial experts within the meaning of §407paragraph 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


              Table of Contents

                      The Board of Directors deemed Klaus Pohle to be a financial expert taking into account his education and professional experience in financial matters, accountancy and internal control. The Board of Directors determined that Robert Castaigne qualifies as a financial expert based on his education and

              his experience as Chief Financial Officer of a major corporation. The Board of Directors deemed Christian Mulliez to be a financial expert taking into account his experience as Vice President, General Manager Administration and Finance of L'Oréal and graduate of theEcole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC). The Board of Directors determined that Gérard Van Kemmel qualifies as a financial expert based on his experience as a partner at an international accounting firm.

                      The Board of Directors has determined that all threefive directors meet the independence criteria of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10A-3, under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, although only Mrs. Piwnica, Mr. Castaigne, Mr. Pohle and Mr. Van Kemmel meet the French AFEP-MEDEF Code criteria of independence applied by the Board of Directors for general corporate governance purposes. (See Item 16.G, below.)


              Item 16B. Code of Ethics

                      

              We have adopted a financial code of ethics, as defined in Item 16.B.16B. of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act. Our financial code of ethics applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and other officers performing similar functions, as may be designated from time to time. Our financial code of ethics is available on our Website at www.sanofi-aventis.comwww.sanofi.com (information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report). A copy of our financial code of ethics may also be obtained without charge by addressing a written request to the attention of Individual Shareholder Relations at our headquarters in Paris. We will disclose any amendment to a waiver of the provisions of such financial code of ethics on our website within 5 business days of such event.

              website.


              Item 16C. Principal Accountants’Accountants' Fees and Services

                      

              See Note E. to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 18 of this annual report.


              Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

                      

              N/A


              Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

                      

              In 2010, sanofi-aventis2012, Sanofi made the following purchases of its ordinary shares.

              Period  (a) Total Number
              of Shares Purchased
                 (b) Average Price
              Paid per Share
                 (c) Total Number of Shares
              Purchased as Part of Publicly
              Announced Plans or Programs (1)
                 (d) Approximate Value of
              Shares that May Yet Be
              Purchased Under the
              Plans or Programs
               
              February 2010   3,900,000    53.85     3,900,000    10,314,188,680 (1) 
              March 2010   2,100,000    56.02     2,100,000    10,196,546,680 (1) 
              November 2010   213,811    48.02     213,811    10,537,565,195 (2) 
              December 2010   536,485    48.67     536,485    10,511,454,470 (2) 
              Period
               (a) Total Number
              of Shares Purchased

               (b) Average Price
              Paid per Share

               (c) Total Number of Shares
              Purchased as Part of Publicly
              Announced Plans or Programs (1)

               (d) Approximate Value of
              Shares that May Yet Be
              Purchased Under the
              Plans or Programs

               
                
              February 2012  5,184,555 56.31  5,184,555 10,435,395,454 
              March 2012  1,953,164 57.60  1,953,164 10,322,886,122 
              April 2012  375,774 55.65  375,774 10,301,973,191 
              May 2012  257,373 57.08  257,373 10,287,283,561 
              June 2012  243,983 56.58  243,983 10,285,903,172 
              July 2012  2,274,000 65.61  2,274,000 10,136,695,283 
              August 2012  3,000,206 66.85  3,000,206 9,936,144,522 
              September 2012  284,588 65.84  284,588 9,917,407,277 
                
              (1)
              The Company was authorized to repurchase up to €10,727,350,480 of shares for a period of eighteen months (i.e., through November 4, 2013) by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting held on May 4, 2012.

                      This schedule does not include purchases and sales conducted by Exane under a liquidity contract entered into in 2010 and that is still in effect. For more information see Item 10.BMemorandum and Articles of Association — Use of Share Repurchase Programs.


              (1)Table of Contents

              The Company was authorized to repurchase its shares under the €480 million share repurchase program established by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company on February 11, 2010 in implementation of the shareholders resolution adopted at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of April 17, 2009 for a period of eighteen months (i.e., through October 16, 2010) authorizing the repurchase of up to €10,524,203,680 of shares for a period of eighteen months (i.e., through October 16, 2010). This authorization was replaced by a resolution adopted by the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on May 17, 2010 authorizing the repurchase of up to €10,547,832,400 of shares for a period of eighteen months (i.e., through November 16, 2011).

              (2)

              These repurchases of shares have been made in application of a liquidity contract entered into between the Company and Exane BNP Paribas for the period running from September 16, 2010 to December 31, 2010. This contract provides for an endowment of €40 million for market making activities, of which €20 million have been made available. The liquidity contract was entered into in implementation of the shareholders resolution adopted at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of May 17, 2010 authorizing the repurchase of up to €10,547,832,400 of shares for a period of eighteen months (i.e., through November 16, 2011).


              Item 16F. Change in Registrant’sRegistrant's Certifying Accountant

                      

              N/A


              Item 16G. Corporate Governance

                      

              Sanofi-aventisSanofi is incorporated under the laws of France, with securities listed on regulated public markets in the United States (New York Stock Exchange) and France (Euronext Paris). Consequently, as described further at “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — C. Board practices” hereof,in our annual report, our corporate governance framework reflects the mandatory provisions of French corporate law, the securities laws and regulations of

              France and the United States and the rules of the aforementioned public markets. In addition, we generally follow the so-called “AFEP-MEDEF”"AFEP-MEDEF" corporate governance recommendations for French listed issuers.issuers (hereafter referred to as the "AFEP-MEDEF Code"). As a result, our corporate governance framework is similar in many respects to, and provides investor protections that are comparable to — or in some cases, more stringent than — the corresponding rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Nevertheless, there are important differences to keep in mind.

                      

              In line with New York Stock Exchange rules applicable to domestic issuers, sanofi-aventisSanofi maintains a board of directors at least half of the members of which are independent. Sanofi-aventisSanofi evaluates the independence of members of our Board of Directors using the standards of the French AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance recommendationsCode as the principal reference. We believe that AFEP-MEDEF’sAFEP-MEDEF's overarching criteria for independence — no relationship of any kind whatsoever with the Company, its group or the management of either that is such as to color a Board member’smember's judgment — are on the whole consistent with the goals of the New York Stock Exchange’sExchange's rules although the specific tests proposed under the two standards may vary on some points. We note that under the AFEP-MEDEF rules,Code, our non-executive Chairman of the Board has automatically been classified as non-independent although he has no relationship with Sanofi-AventisSanofi that would cause him to be non-independent under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Additionally, we have complied with the audit committee independence and other requirements of the Rule 10A-3 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our Compensation Committee includes non-independent members, which is permitted under the AFEP-MEDEF rules,Code but would not be compliant with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange for domestic issuers.

              Under French law, the committees of our Board of Directors are advisory only, and where the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual would vest certain decision-making powers with specific committees by delegation (e.g., nominating appointment or audit committees), under French law our Board of Directors remains under French law the only competent body to take such decisions, albeit taking into account the recommendation of the relevant committees. Additionally, under French corporate law, it is the shareholder meetingShareholders' General Meeting of sanofi-aventisSanofi that is competent to appoint our auditors upon the proposal of our Board of Directors, although our internal rules provideBoard Charter provides that the Board of Directors will make its proposal on the basis of the recommendation of our Audit Committee. We believe that this requirement of French law, together with the additional legal requirement that two sets of statutory auditors be appointed, share the New York Stock Exchange’sExchange's underlying goal of ensuring that the audit of our accounts be conducted by auditors independent from company management.

                      

              In addition to the oversight role of our Compensation Committee for questions of management compensation including by way of equity, under French law any option or restricted share plans or other share capital increases, whether for the benefit of topsenior management or employees, may only be adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to and within the limits of a shareholder resolution approving the related capital increase and delegating to the Board the authority to implement such operations.

                      

              As described above, a number of issues, which could be resolved directly by a board or its committees in the United States, require the additional protection of direct shareholder consultation in France. On the other hand, there is not a tradition of non-executive Board of DirectorDirectors sessions. Our audit committeeAudit Committee is entirely composed of independent directors as that term is defined in Rule 10A-3 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The composition of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Appointments and Governance Committee includes directors who are also officers or recently retired officers of our principal shareholders.largest shareholder.


              Table of Contents

                      

              As a ‘foreign'foreign private issuer’issuer' under the U.S. securities laws, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer issue the certifications required by §302 and §906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 on an annual basis (with the filing of our annual report on U.S. Form 20-F) rather than on a quarterly basis as would be the case of a U.S. corporation filing quarterly reports on U.S. Form 10-Q.

                      

              French corporate law provides that the Board of Directors must vote to approve a broadly defined range of transactions that could potentially create conflicts of interest between sanofi-aventisSanofi on the one hand and its directorsDirectors and Chief Executive Officer on the other hand, with these transactionswhich are then being presented to our shareholders for approval at the followingnext annual general meeting. This legal safeguard provides shareholders with an opportunity to approve significant aspects of the Chief Executive Officer’sOfficer's compensation package even in the absence of “say"say on pay”pay" legislation in France, and it operates in place of certain provisions of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

              PART III
              Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

                      N/A


              Table of Contents


              PART III

              Item 17. Financial Statements

                      

              See Item 18.


              Item 18. Financial Statements

                      

              See pages F-1 through F-126F-122 incorporated herein by reference.


              Item 19. Exhibits

               1.1 Articles of association (statuts)(statuts) of sanofi-aventisSanofi (English translation)
               1.2 Board Charter (Rè(glement Intérieur)rieur) of sanofi-aventisSanofi (English translation)
               2.1 Form of Deposit Agreement between sanofi-aventisSanofi and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 dated August 7, 2007 relating to our American Depositary Shares, SEC File No. 333-145177)
               2.2 Amendment No.1 to Deposit Agreement between Sanofi and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No.1 to Form F-6 dated April 30, 2011 relating to our American Depositary Shares, SEC File No. 333-145177)
              2.3 Instrument defining rights of holders of American Depositary Shares each representing one quarter of a Participating Share Series A (incorporated by reference to Item. 3 Exhibit (a) of the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (Registration No. 33-31904) dated November 21, 1989)
               4.1 Facilities Agreement, dated October 2, 2010, by and among Sanofi-Aventis, BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan plc and Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking acting as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers, Société Générale acting as Facilities Agent, the Companies listed as Additional Borrowers thereto and the Financial Institutions included as Lenders therein. (incorporated by reference to Item. 12 Exhibit (b)(A) of the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed on October 4, 2010.2010.)
               4.2 Amendment dated February 15, 2011 to the Facilities Agreement, dated October 2, 2010, by and among Sanofi-Aventis, BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan plc and Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking acting as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers, Société Générale acting as Facilities Agent, the Companies listed as Additional Borrowers thereto and the Financial Institutions included as Lenders therein. (incorporated by reference to Item. 12 Exhibit(b)(B) of Amendment No. 15 to the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TOfiled on February 16, 2011)
               4.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 16, 2011, among Sanofi-Aventis, GC Merger Corp., and Genzyme Corporation (incorporated by reference to Item. 12 Exhibit(d)(1) (d)(1) of Amendment No. 15 to the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed on February 16, 2011)
               4.4 Form of Contingent Value Rights Agreement by and among Sanofi and Trustee (incorporated by reference to Item. 12 Exhibit(d)(2) (d)(2) of Amendment No. 15 to the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed on February 16, 2011)
               8.1 List of significant subsidiaries, see “Item"Item 4. Information on the Company — C. Organizational Structure”Structure" of this 20-F.
               12.1 Certification by Christopher Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer, required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
               12.2 Certification by Jérôme Contamine, Principal Financial Officer, required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
               13.1 Certification by Christopher Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer, required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
               13.2 Certification by Jérôme Contamine, Principal Financial Officer, required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
               23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young Auditet Autres dated February 25, 2011
              March 6, 2013
               23.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit dated February 28, 2011
              March 6, 2013
               99.1 Report of the Chairman of the Board of Directors for 20102012 as required by Art. L. 225-37 paragraph 6 of the French Commercial Code

              Table of Contents


              Signatures

                      

              The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

              sanofi-aventis

              by:

              /s/    CHRISTOPHER VIEHBACHER        

              Christopher Viehbacher

              Chief Executive Officer

              Date: February 28, 2011

              ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              The financial statements are presented in accordance with

              International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

              Sanofi

              REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMSby:

               

              F-2 - F-3/s/CHRISTOPHER VIEHBACHER



              Christopher Viehbacher
              Chief Executive Officer

              Date: March 6, 2013


              Table of Contents


              ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              The financial statements are presented in accordance with
              International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)


              Table of Contents


              REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED


              PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS

              SANOFI

              SANOFI-AVENTIS

              To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of sanofi-aventis,Sanofi,

                      

              We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of sanofi-aventisSanofi and its subsidiaries (together the “Group”"Group") as of December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008,2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010.2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’sGroup's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

                      

              We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), (the “PCAOB”"PCAOB"). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

                      

              In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008,2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010,2012, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

                      

              We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the effectiveness of the Group’sGroup's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2011March 6, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

                      

              Neuilly-sur-Seine and Paris-La Défense, February 25, 2011March 6, 2013

              PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit Ernst & Young Audit

              et Autres

              Xavier Cauchois

               
              Philippe Vogt
              Christian Chiarasini
              Jacques Pierres

              Table of Contents


              REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED


              PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS

              SANOFI

              SANOFI-AVENTIS

              To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of sanofi-aventis,Sanofi,

                      

              We have audited internal control over financial reporting of sanofi-aventisSanofi and its subsidiaries (together “the Group”"the Group") as of December 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Group’sGroup's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

                      

              We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), (the “PCAOB”"PCAOB"). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

                      

              A company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’scompany's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

                      

              Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

                      

              In our opinion, the Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2012, based on the COSO criteria.

                      

              We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the consolidated balance sheets of the Group as of December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008,2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20102012 and our report dated February 25, 2011March 6, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

                      

              Neuilly-sur-seineNeuilly-sur-Seine and Paris-La Défense, February 25, 2011March 6, 2013

              PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit Ernst & Young Auditet Autres

              Xavier Cauchois

               
              Philippe Vogt
              Christian Chiarasini
              Jacques Pierres

              Table of Contents


              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

              (€ million)  Note  December 31,
              2010
                 December 31,
              2009(1)
                 December 31,
              2008
               

              ASSETS

                      
              Property, plant and equipment  D.3.   8,155    7,830    6,961  
              Goodwill  D.4.   31,932    29,733    28,163  
              Other intangible assets  D.4.   12,479    13,747    15,260  
              Investments in associates and joint ventures  D.6.   924    955    2,459  
              Non-current financial assets  D.7.   1,644    998    821  
              Deferred tax assets  D.14.   3,051    2,912    2,920  

              Non-current assets

                   58,185    56,175    56,584  
              Inventories  D.9.   5,020    4,444    3,590  
              Accounts receivable  D.10.   6,507    6,015    5,303  
              Other current assets  D.11.   2,000    2,104    1,881  
              Current financial assets  D.12.   51    277    403  
              Cash and cash equivalents  D.13./D.17.   6,465    4,692    4,226  

              Current assets

                   20,043    17,532    15,403  
              Assets held for sale or exchange  D.8.   7,036    6,544      

              TOTAL ASSETS

                    85,264    80,251    71,987  

              (1)

              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1.).

              (€ million)
               Note
               December 31,
              2012

               December 31,
              2011 (1)

               December 31,
              2010

               
                
              ASSETS            
              Property, plant and equipment D.3.  10,578  10,750  8,155 
              Goodwill D.4.  38,073  38,582  31,932 
              Other intangible assets D.4.  20,192  23,639  12,479 
              Investments in associates and joint ventures D.6.  487  807  924 
              Non-current financial assets D.7.  3,799  2,399  1,644 
              Deferred tax assets D.14.  4,377  3,633  3,051 
              Non-current assets    77,506  79,810  58,185 
              Inventories D.9.  6,379  6,051  5,020 
              Accounts receivable D.10.  7,507  8,042  6,507 
              Other current assets D.11.  2,355  2,401  2,000 
              Current financial assets D.12.  178  173  51 
              Cash and cash equivalents D.13.–D.17.  6,381  4,124  6,465 
              Current assets    22,800  20,791  20,043 
              Assets held for sale or exchange (2) D.8.  101  67  7,036 
                
              TOTAL ASSETS    100,407  100,668  85,264 
                
              (1)
              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).
              (2)
              The assets of Merial, classified inAssets held for sale or exchange in 2010, were reclassified in 2011 to the relevant balance sheet line items, in accordance with paragraph 26 of IFRS 5 (see Notes D.2. and D.8.2.).

                 

              The accompanying notes on pages F-10 to F-126F-122 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents

              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

              (€ million)  Note   December 31,
              2010
                 December 31,
              2009(1)
                 December 31,
              2008
               

              LIABILITIES & EQUITY

                      
              Equity attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis   D.15.     53,097     48,322     44,866  
              Equity attributable to non-controlling interests   D.16.     191     258     205  

              Total equity

                   53,288     48,580     45,071  
              Long-term debt   D.17.     6,695     5,961     4,173  
              Non-current liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests   D.18.     388     75       
              Provisions and other non-current liabilities   D.19.     9,326     8,236     7,730  
              Deferred tax liabilities   D.14.     3,808     4,933     5,668  

              Non-current liabilities

                   20,217     19,205     17,571  
              Accounts payable     2,800     2,654     2,791  
              Other current liabilities   D.19.4.     5,624     5,369     4,721  
              Current liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests   D.18.     98     76       
              Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt   D.17.     1,565     2,866     1,833  

              Current liabilities

                   10,087     10,965     9,345  
              Liabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange   D.8.     1,672     1,501       

              TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

                      85,264     80,251     71,987  

              (1)

              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1.).

              (€ million)
               Note
               December 31,
              2012

               December 31,
              2011 (1)

               December 31,
              2010

               
                
              LIABILITIES & EQUITY            
              Equity attributable to equity holders of Sanofi D.15.  57,338  56,203  53,097 
              Equity attributable to non-controlling interests D.16.  134  170  191 
              Total equity    57,472  56,373  53,288 
              Long-term debt D.17.  10,719  12,499  6,695 
              Non-current liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests D.18.  1,350  1,336  388 
              Provisions and other non-current liabilities D.19.  11,036  10,346  9,326 
              Deferred tax liabilities D.14.  5,932  6,530  3,808 
              Non-current liabilities    29,037  30,711  20,217 
              Accounts payable    3,190  3,183  2,800 
              Other current liabilities D.19.4.  6,758  7,221  5,624 
              Current liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests D.18.  100  220  98 
              Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt D.17.  3,812  2,940  1,565 
              Current liabilities    13,860  13,564  10,087 
              Liabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange (2) D.8.  38  20  1,672 
                
              TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY    100,407  100,668  85,264 
                
              (1)
              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).
              (2)
              The liabilities of Merial, classified inLiabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange in 2010, were reclassified in 2011 to the relevant balance sheet line items, in accordance with paragraph 26 of IFRS 5 (see Notes D.2. and D.8.2.).

                 

              The accompanying notes on pages F-10 to F-126F-122 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents


              CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

              (€ million)  Note  Year ended
              December 31,
              2010
                Year ended
              December 31,
              2009
                Year ended
              December 31,
              2008
               
              Net sales  D.34./D.35.   30,384    29,306   27,568 
              Other revenues     1,651    1,443   1,249 
              Cost of sales     (8,717  (7,880  (7,337
              Gross profit     23,318    22,869   21,480 
              Research and development expenses     (4,401  (4,583  (4,575
              Selling and general expenses     (7,567  (7,325  (7,168
              Other operating income  D.25.   359    866   556 
              Other operating expenses  D.26.   (276  (481  (353
              Amortization of intangible assets     (3,529  (3,528  (3,483
              Impairment of intangible assets  D.5.   (433  (372  (1,554
              Restructuring costs  D.27.   (1,372  (1,080  (585
              Gains and losses on disposals, and litigation  D.28.   (138      76 
              Operating income     5,961    6,366   4,394 
              Financial expenses  D.29.   (467  (324  (335
              Financial income  D.29.   105    24   103 
              Income before tax and associates and joint ventures     5,599    6,066   4,162 
              Income tax expense  D.30.   (1,242  (1,364  (682
              Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures  D.31.   978    814   692 
              Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business(1)     5,335    5,516   4,172 
              Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business(1)  D.8.   386    175   120 

              Net income

                    5,721    5,691   4,292 
              Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  D.32.   254    426   441 
              Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis      5,467    5,265   3,851 
              Average number of shares outstanding (million)  D.15.9.   1,305.3    1,305.9   1,309.3 
              Average number of shares outstanding after dilution (million)  D.15.9.   1,308.2    1,307.4   1,310.9 
              – Basic earnings per share (in euros)     4.19    4.03   2.94 
              – Diluted earnings per share (in euros)      4.18    4.03   2.94 

              (1)

              Reported separately in accordance with IFRS 5 (Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations). For the other disclosures required under IFRS 5, refer to Note D.8. to our consolidated financial statements.

              (€ million)
               Note
               Year ended
              December 31,
              2012

               Year ended
              December 31,
              2011

               Year ended
              December 31,
              2010

               
                
              Net sales D.34.–D.35.  34,947  33,389  32,367 
              Other revenues    1,010  1,669  1,669 
              Cost of sales    (11,118) (10,902) (9,398)
              Gross profit    24,839  24,156  24,638 
              Research and development expenses    (4,922) (4,811) (4,547)
              Selling and general expenses    (8,947) (8,536) (8,149)
              Other operating income D.25.  562  319  369 
              Other operating expenses D.26.  (454) (315) (292)
              Amortization of intangible assets    (3,291) (3,314) (3,529)
              Impairment of intangible assets D.5.  (117) (142) (433)
              Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities D.18.  (192) 15   
              Restructuring costs D.27.  (1,141) (1,314) (1,384)
              Other gains and losses, and litigation (1) D.28.    (327) (138)
              Operating income    6,337  5,731  6,535 
              Financial expenses D.29.  (553) (552) (468)
              Financial income D.29.  93  140  106 
              Income before tax and associates and joint ventures    5,877  5,319  6,173 
              Income tax expense D.30.  (1,134) (455) (1,430)
              Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures D.31.  393  1,070  978 
              Net income    5,136  5,934  5,721 
                
              Attributable to non-controlling interests D.32.  169  241  254 
              Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi    4,967  5,693  5,467 
                
              Average number of shares outstanding (million) D.15.9.  1,319.5  1,321.7  1,305.3 
              Average number of shares outstanding after dilution (million) D.15.9.  1,329.6  1,326.7  1,308.2 
                
              – Basic earnings per share (in euros)    3.76  4.31  4.19 
              – Diluted earnings per share (in euros)    3.74  4.29  4.18 
                
              (1)
              See Note B.20.2.

                 

              The accompanying notes on pages F-10 to F-126F-122 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents


              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

              (€ million)  Year ended
              December 31,
              2010
                Year ended
              December 31,
              2009(1)
                Year ended
              December 31,
              2008
               

              Net income

                 5,721   5,691   4,292 

              Attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

                 5,467   5,265   3,851 

              Attributable to non-controlling interests

                 254   426   441 

              Income (expense) recognized directly in equity:

                  
              • Available-for-sale financial assets   141   110   (132
              • Cash flow hedges   17   (175  104 
              • Remeasurement of previously-held equity interests:    

              • Merial (50%) (2)

                     1,379     

              • Zentiva (24.9%)

                     108     
              • Actuarial gains/(losses)   (311  (169  (829
              • Change in cumulative translation difference   2,654   (298  948 
              • Tax effect of income and expenses recognized directly in equity(3)   152   (274  132 

              Total income/(expense) recognized directly in equity

                 2,653   681   223 

              Total recognized income/(expense) for the period

                 8,374   6,372   4,515 

              Attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

                 8,109   5,945   4,090 

              Attributable to non-controlling interests

                 265   427   425 

              (1)

              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1.).

              (2)

              Representing $2,029 million (equivalent to $1,551 million net of taxes) at the end of the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1.), including a retrospective adjustment of $242 million following valuation adjustments to certain identifiable assets and liabilities.

              (3)

              See analysis in Note D.15.7.

              (€ million)
               Year ended
              December 31,
              2012

               Year ended
              December 31,
              2011 (1)

               Year ended
              December 31,
              2010

               
                
              Net income  5,136  5,934  5,721 
                

              Attributable to equity holders of Sanofi

                4,967  5,693  5,467 

              Attributable to non-controlling interests

                169  241  254 
                
              Other comprehensive income:          
              Actuarial gains (losses)  (1,555)(3) (677)(3) (311)
                
              Tax effect (2)  492  138  172 
                
              Items not subsequently reclassifiable to profit or loss  (1,063) (539) (139)
                
              • Available-for-sale financial assets  1,451  250  141 
              • Cash flow hedges  (4) 5  17 
              • Change in currency translation differences  (532) (95) 2,654 
              Tax effect (2)  (117) 4  (20)
              Items subsequently reclassifiable to profit or loss  798  164  2,792 
                
              Other comprehensive income for the period, net of taxes  (265) (375) 2,653 
                
              Comprehensive income  4,871  5,559  8,374 
                

              Attributable to equity holders of Sanofi

                4,709  5,330  8,109 

              Attributable to non-controlling interests

                162  229  265 
                
              (1)
              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).
              (2)
              See analysis in Note D.15.7.
              (3)
              See Note D.19.1.

                 

              The accompanying notes on pages F-10 to F-126F-122 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents


              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

              (€ million) Share
              capital
                Additional
              paid-in
              capital and
              retained
              earnings
                Treasury
              shares
                Stock options
              and other
              share-based
              payment
                Other
              items
              recognized
              directly in
              equity(1)
                

              Attributable to
              equity

              holders
              of sanofi-

              aventis

                Attributable to
              non-controlling
              interests
                Total
              equity
               

              Balance at January 1, 2008

                2,732   47,162   (2,275  1,468   (4,545  44,542   177   44,719 
              Income/(expense) recognized directly in equity      (693          932   239   (16  223 
              Net income for the period      3,851               3,851   441   4,292 

              Total recognized income/(expense) for the period

                    3,158           932   4,090   425   4,515 
              Dividend paid out of 2007 earnings (€2.07 per share)      (2,702              (2,702      (2,702
              Payment of dividends and equivalents to non-controlling interests                          (397  (397
              Share repurchase program          (1,227)          (1,227      (1,227
              Reduction in share capital  (103  (2,843  2,946                     
              Share-based payment:        
              • Exercise of stock options  2   37               39       39 
              • Proceeds from sale of treasury shares on exercise of stock options          4           4       4 
              • Value of services obtained from employees              125       125       125 
              • Tax effect of exercise of stock options              (12      (12      (12
              Other movements      7               7       7 

              Balance at December 31, 2008

                2,631   44,819   (552  1,581   (3,613  44,866   205   45,071 
              Income/(expense) recognized directly in equity(3)      1,000           (320  680   1   681 
              Net income for the period      5,265               5,265   426   5,691 

              Total recognized income/(expense) for the period(3)

                    6,265           (320  5,945   427   6,372 
              Dividend paid out of 2008 earnings (€2.20 per share)      (2,872              (2,872      (2,872
              Payment of dividends and equivalents to non-controlling interests                          (418  (418
              Share-based payment:        
              • Exercise of stock options  6   134               140       140 
              • Proceeds from sale of treasury shares on exercise of stock options          26           26       26 
              • Value of services obtained from employees              114       114       114 
              • Tax effect of exercise of stock options              1       1       1 
              Non-controlling interests generated by acquisitions                          49   49 
              Changes in non-controlling interests without loss of control                          (5  (5
              Step acquisitions (2)      102               102       102 

              Balance at December 31, 2009(3)

                2,637   48,448    (526  1,696   (3,933  48,322   258   48,580 
              Income/(expense) recognized directly in equity      (139)          2,781   2,642   11   2,653 
              Net income for the period      5,467               5,467   254   5,721 

              Total recognized income/(expense) for the period

                    5,328           2,781   8,109   265   8,374 
              Dividend paid out of 2009 earnings (€2.40 per share)      (3,131              (3,131      (3,131)
              Payment of dividends and equivalents to non-controlling interests                          (307)  (307)
              Share repurchase program (4)          (321)          (321)      (321)
              Reduction in share capital (4)  (16  (404)  420                     
              Share-based payment:        
              • Exercise of stock options  1   17               18       18 
              • Proceeds from sale of treasury shares on exercise of stock options          56           56       56 
              • Value of services obtained from employees              133       133       133 
              Non-controlling interests generated by acquisitions                          1   1 
              Changes in non-controlling interests without loss of control(5)      (89)              (89)  (26)  (115)

              Balance at December 31, 2010

                2,622   50,169    (371  1,829    (1,152  53,097   191   53,288  

              (1)

              See Note D.15.7.

              (2)

              Adjustment to retained earnings prior to acquisition of control over Zentiva, in particular the impairment loss recognized against the carrying amount of the equity interest in 2007.

              (3)

              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1.).

              (4)

              See Notes D.15.4. and D.15.5.

              (5)

              Primarily buyouts of non-controlling interests in Aventis Pharma Limited (India) and in Zentiva.

              (€ million)
               Share
              capital

               Additional
              paid-in
              capital and
              retained
              earnings

               Treasury
              shares

               Stock options
              and other
              share-based
              payment

               Other
              comprehensive
              income (1)

               Attributable to
              equity
              holders
              of Sanofi

               Attributable to
              non-controlling
              interests

               Total
              equity

               
                
              Balance at January 1, 2010  2,637  48,448  (526) 1,696  (3,933) 48,322  258  48,580 
                
              Other comprehensive income for the period    (139)     2,781  2,642  11  2,653 
              Net income for the period    5,467        5,467  254  5,721 
                
              Comprehensive income for the period    5,328      2,781  8,109  265  8,374 
                
              Dividend paid out of 2009 earnings (€2.40 per share)    (3,131)       (3,131)   (3,131)
              Payment of dividends and equivalents to non-controlling interests              (307) (307)
              Share repurchase program (3)      (321)     (321)   (321)
              Reduction in share capital (3)  (16) (404) 420           
              Share-based payment plans:                         
              • Exercise of stock options  1  17        18    18 
              • Proceeds from sale of treasury shares on exercise of stock options      56      56    56 
              • Value of services obtained from employees        133    133    133 
              • Tax effects on the exercise of stock options                 
              Non-controlling interests generated by acquisitions              1  1 
              Changes in non-controlling interests without loss of control    (89)       (89) (26) (115)
                
              Balance at December 31, 2010  2,622  50,169  (371) 1,829  (1,152) 53,097  191  53,288 
                
              Other comprehensive income for the period (2)    (539)     176  (363) (12) (375)
              Net income for the period    5,693        5,693  241  5,934 
                
              Comprehensive income for the period (2)    5,154      176  5,330  229  5,559 
                
              Dividend paid out of 2010 earnings (€2.50 per share)    (3,262)       (3,262)   (3,262)
              Payment of dividends and equivalents to non-controlling interests              (252) (252)
              Increase in share capital – dividends paid in shares (3)  76  1,814        1,890    1,890 
              Share repurchase program (3)      (1,074)     (1,074)   (1,074)
              Reduction in share capital (3)  (21) (488) 509           
              Share-based payment plans:                 
              • Exercise of stock options  4  66        70    70 
              • Issuance of restricted shares  1  (1)            
              • Proceeds from sale of treasury shares on exercise of stock options      3      3    3 
              • Value of services obtained from employees        143    143    143 
              • Tax effects on the exercise of stock options        8    8    8 
              Change in non-controlling interests without loss of control    (2)       (2) 2   
                
              Balance at December 31, 2011 (2)  2,682  53,450  (933) 1,980  (976) 56,203  170  56,373 
                
              Other comprehensive income for the period    (1,063)     805  (258) (7) (265)
              Net income for the period    4,967        4,967  169  5,136 
                
              Comprehensive income for the period    3,904      805  4,709  162  4,871 
                
              Dividend paid out of 2011 earnings (€2.65 per share)    (3,487)       (3,487)   (3,487)
              Payment of dividends and equivalents to non-controlling interests              (178) (178)
              Share repurchase program (3)      (823)     (823)   (823)
              Reduction in share capital (3)  (55) (1,493) 1,548           
              Share-based payment plans:                         
              • Exercise of stock options (3)  24  621        645    645 
              • Issuance of restricted shares (3)  2  (2)            
              • Proceeds from sale of treasury shares on exercise of stock options      1      1    1 
              • Value of services obtained from employees        155    155    155 
              • Tax effects on the exercise of stock options        25    25    25 
              Change in non-controlling interests without loss of control (4)    (90)       (90) (20) (110)
                
              Balance at December 31, 2012  2,653  52,903  (207) 2,160  (171) 57,338  134  57,472 
                
              (1)
              See Note D.15.7.
              (2)
              In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).
              (3)
              See Notes D.15.1., D.15.3., D.15.4. and D.15.5.
              (4)
              Primarily buyouts of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries controlled by Sanofi.

              The accompanying notes on pages F-10 to F-126F-122 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents


              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

              (€ million)  Note   Year ended
              December 31,
              2010
                Year ended
              December 31,
              2009
                Year ended
              December 31,
              2008
               

              Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

                      5,467   5,265   3,851 
              Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business     (386)  (175  (120
              Dividends received from Merial     497   179   116 
              Non-controlling interests, excluding BMS(1)     17   21   19 
              Share of undistributed earnings of associates and joint ventures     54   34   23 
              Depreciation, amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets     5,129   5,011   5,985 
              Gains and losses on disposals of non-current assets, net of tax (2)     (111)  (25  (45
              Net change in deferred taxes     (1,512)  (1,169  (1,473
              Net change in provisions     473   161   56 
              Cost of employee benefits (stock options and other share-based payments)     131   114   125 
              Impact of the workdown of acquired inventories remeasured at fair value     30   27     
              Unrealized (gains)/losses recognized in income        247(5)   (81  (13

              Operating cash flow before changes in working capital

                      10,036   9,362   8,524 
              (Increase)/decrease in inventories     (378)  (489  (84
              (Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable     (82)  (429  (309
              Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable     28   (336  (28
              Net change in other current assets, current financial assets and other current liabilities        155   407   420 

              Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities (3)

                      9,759   8,515   8,523 
              Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets   D.3./D.4.     (1,573)  (1,785  (1,606
              Acquisitions of investments in consolidated undertakings, net of cash acquired   D.1.     (1,659)  (5,563  (661
              Acquisitions of available-for-sale financial assets   D.1./D.7.     (74)  (5  (6
              Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other non-current assets, net of tax (4)   D.2.     131   85   123 
              Net change in loans and other non-current financial assets        (208)  (19  (4

              Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

                      (3,383)  (7,287  (2,154
              Issuance of sanofi-aventis shares   D.15.     18   142   51 
              Dividends paid:      
              • to shareholders of sanofi-aventis     (3,131)  (2,872  (2,702
              • to non-controlling interests, excluding BMS(1)     (7)  (6  (6
              Transactions with non-controlling interests, other than dividends     (97)        
              Additional long-term debt contracted   D.17.     505   4,697   765 
              Repayments of long-term debt   D.17.     (1,981)  (1,989  (1,253
              Net change in short-term debt   D.17.     310   (785  557 
              Acquisition of treasury shares   D.15.4.     (321)      (1,227
              Disposals of treasury shares, net of tax   D.15.     57   26   6 

              Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

                      (4,647)  (787  (3,809

              Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

                      44   25   (45
              Net change in cash and cash equivalents        1,773   466   2,515 

              Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

                   4,692   4,226   1,711 
              Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   D.13.     6,465   4,692   4,226 

              (1)   See Note C.1.

              (2)   Including available-for-sale financial assets.

              (3)   Including:

                                

                Income tax paid

                   (3,272  (2,981  (2,317

                Interest paid

                   (474  (269  (317

                Interest received

                   61   88    132  

                Dividends received from non-consolidated entities

                      3   5    5  
              (€ million)
               Note
               Year ended
              December 31,
              2012

               Year ended
              December 31,
              2011

               Year ended
              December 31,
              2010

               
                
              Net income attributable to equity holders of Sanofi    4,967  5,693  5,467 
                
              Non-controlling interests, excluding BMS (1) D.32.  20  15  17 
              Share of undistributed earnings of associates and joint ventures    37  27  52 
              Depreciation, amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets    4,907  5,553  5,129 
              Gains and losses on disposals of non-current assets, net of tax (2)    (86) (34) (111)
              Net change in deferred taxes    (916) (1,865) (1,511)
              Net change in provisions (3)    (710) 40  461 
              Cost of employee benefits (stock options and other share-based payments) D.15.2.–D.15.8.  155  143  133 
              Impact of the workdown of acquired inventories remeasured at fair value D.35.1.  23  476  142 
              Unrealized (gains)/losses recognized in income    106  (214) 245 
                
              Operating cash flow before changes in working capital    8,503  9,834  10,024 
                
              (Increase)/decrease in inventories    (445) (232) (386)
              (Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable    368  (257) (96)
              Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable    67  (87) 59 
              Net change in other current assets, current financial assets and other current liabilities    (322) 61  258 
                
              Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities (4)    8,171  9,319  9,859 
                
              Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets D.3.–D.4.  (1,612) (1,782) (1,662)
              Acquisitions of investments in consolidated undertakings, net of cash acquired (7) D.1.–D.18.  (282) (13,590) (1,659)
              Acquisitions of available-for-sale financial assets D.7.  (46) (26) (74)
              Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other non-current assets, net of tax (5)    358  359  136 
              Net change in loans and other financial assets    (5) 338  (216)
                
              Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities    (1,587) (14,701) (3,475)
                
              Issuance of Sanofi shares (6) D.15.1.  645  70  18 
              Dividends paid:            
              • to shareholders of Sanofi (6)    (3,487) (1,372) (3,131)
              • to non-controlling interests, excluding BMS (1)    (10) (17) (7)
              Transactions with non-controlling interests, other than dividends    (62)   (97)
              Additional long-term debt contracted D.17.  1,178  8,359  505 
              Repayments of long-term debt D.17.  (1,345) (2,931) (1,984)
              Net change in short-term debt    (448) (145) 314 
              Acquisition of treasury shares D.15.4.  (823) (1,074) (321)
              Disposals of treasury shares, net of tax D.15.  1  3  57 
                
              Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities    (4,351) 2,893  (4,646)
                
              Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents    24  1  55 
                
              Impact of Merial cash and cash equivalents (8) D.8.2.    147   
                
              Net change in cash and cash equivalents    2,257  (2,341) 1,793 
                
              Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period    4,124  6,465  4,692 
              Cash and cash equivalents, end of period D.13.  6,381  4,124  6,465 
                
              (1)
              See note C.1.
              (2)
              Including available-for-sale financial assets.
              (3)
              This line item includes contributions paid to pension funds (see Note D.19.1.)
              (4)
              Including:

                

              – Income tax paid

                  (2,735) (2,815) (3,389)

              – Interest paid

                  (495) (447) (475)

              – Interest received

                  68  100  62 

              – Dividends received from non-consolidated entities

                  6  7  3 
                
              (5)
              Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, investments in consolidated entities and other non-current financial assets.
              (6)
              The amounts shown for issuance of Sanofi shares and dividends paid to equity holders of Sanofi are presented net of dividends paid in shares, which do not generate a cash flow.
              (7)
              This line item also includes payments made in respect of contingent consideration identified and recognized as a liability in business combinations.
              (8)
              As of December 31, 2010, the cash and cash equivalents of Merial were presented in the balance sheet inAssets held for sale or exchange.

              (4)

              Property, plant – Net change in cash and equipment, intangible assets, investmentscash equivalents excluding Merial

              1,773

              – Net change in consolidated undertakingscash and other non-current financial assets.cash equivalents of Merial

              20
              (5)

              Arising primarily on the translation of U.S. dollar surplus – Net change in cash from American subsidiaries transferred to the sanofi-aventis parent company.and cash equivalents including Merial

              1,793

              The accompanying notes on pages F-10 to F-126F-122 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents


              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              INTRODUCTION

              Sanofi-aventis and        Sanofi, together with its subsidiaries (“sanofi-aventis”(collectively "Sanofi" or “the Group”"the Group"), is a diversified global healthcare groupleader engaged in the research, development manufacture and marketing of therapeutic solutions focused on patient needs. Sanofi has fundamental strengths in the healthcare products, drugsfield, operating via seven growth platforms: Emerging Markets, Diabetes Solutions, Human Vaccines, Consumer Health Care (CHC), Animal Health, New Genzyme and vaccines. The sanofi-aventis pharmaceutical portfolio includes flagship products, together with a broad range of prescription drugs, generic drugs and consumer health products.

              Sanofi-aventis,Other Innovative Products. Sanofi, the parent company, is asociété anonyme (a form of limited liability company) incorporated under the laws of France. The registered office is at 174, avenue de France, 7501354, rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France.

                      

              Sanofi-aventisSanofi is listed in Paris (Euronext: SAN) and New York (NYSE: SNY).

                      

              The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, and the notes thereto, were adopted by the sanofi-aventisSanofi Board of Directors on February 8, 2011.6, 2013.


              A. BASIS OF PREPARATION

              A.1. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

                      

              The consolidated financial statements cover the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008.2010.

                      

              In accordance with Regulation No. 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and Council of July 19, 2002 on the application of international accounting standards, sanofi-aventisSanofi has presented its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS since January 1, 2005. The term “IFRS”"IFRS" refers collectively to international accounting and financial reporting standards (IASs and IFRSs) and to interpretations of the interpretations committees (SIC and IFRIC), mandatorily applicable with mandatory application as of December 31, 2010.2012.

                      

              The consolidated financial statements of sanofi-aventisSanofi as of December 31, 20102012 have been prepared in compliance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and with IFRS as endorsed by the European Union as of December 31, 2010.2012.

                      

              IFRS as endorsed by the European Union as of December 31, 20102012 are available under the heading “IASs/IFRSs,"IAS/IFRS Standards and Interpretations”Interpretations" via the following web linklink:

              http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/accounting/ias/index_en.htm.

                      

              The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the IFRS general principles of fair presentation, going concern, accrual basis of accounting, consistency of presentation, materiality, and aggregation.

                      

              New standards, amendments and interpretations applicable in 20102012 with an impact on the consolidated financial statements are described in Note A.2. For standards, amendments and interpretations issued by the IASB that aredo not mandatorily applicablehave mandatory application in 2010,2012, refer to Note B.28.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              A.2. New standards, amendments and interpretations applicable in 20102012

                      

              NewThe new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations applicable in 2010issued by the IASB with anmandatory application for the Group as from the 2012 fiscal year are listed below. These pronouncements have no impact on the consolidated financial statements of sanofi-aventisthe Group.

                Amendment to IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures). This amendment applies to annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011, and has been endorsed by the European Union. It is intended to provide better financial information about transfers of financial assets, in particular securitizations. The amendment does not alter the way securitizations are accounted for, but clarifies the year ended December 31, 2010disclosure requirements. The relevant disclosures relating to transfers of trade receivables are as follows:provided in Note D.10. to the consolidated financial statements.

              Table of Contents


              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              – Revised IFRS 3:

              In 2008, the IASB issued a revised version of IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), which has been endorsed by the European Union. The revised IFRS 3, applied by sanofi-aventis to business combinations completed from 2010 onwards, changes the way in which the purchase method (now known as the “acquisition method” in the revised IFRS 3) is applied.

              The accounting policies applicable to business combinations are described in Note B.3. “Business combinations and transactions with non-controlling interests”, and in Note B.22. “Income tax expense”, which deals with unrecognized deferred tax assets.

              – Amended IAS 27

              In 2008, the IASB issued an amended version of IAS 27 (Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements), which has been endorsed by the European Union and is applicable simultaneously with the revised IFRS 3. The amendments to IAS 27 largely relate to transactions with non-controlling interests, and to partial disposals resulting in loss of control. The relevant accounting policies are described in Note B.3. “Business combinations and transactions with non-controlling interests”.

              – IFRS 5

              The first “Annual Improvements to IFRSs” standard, issued in 2008, included an amendment to IFRS 5 (Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations), which is mandatorily applicable at the same time as the amended IAS 27. This amendment clarifies the treatment of disposals resulting in loss of control as regards IFRS 5: in such cases, all assets and liabilities of the entity involved must be classified as assets or liabilities “held for sale”. This standard has been endorsed by the European Union. The Group’s accounting policy for such transactions already complied with this amendment (see Note B.7. “Assets held for sale or exchange”).

                Amendment ("Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets") to IAS 12 (Income Taxes). This amendment relates to investment property measured using the fair value model under IAS 40, and is not applicable to the Group.

                Amendment to IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements). This requires items of other comprehensive income that are subsequently reclassifiable to profit or loss to be presented separately from those that are not, and was early adopted by Sanofi with effect from 2011. This amendment was endorsed by the European Union on June 5, 2012.

              A.3. Use of estimates

                      

              The preparation of financial statements requires management to make reasonable estimates and assumptions based on information available at the date of preparationthe finalization of the financial statements, thatstatements. These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the financial statements, and disclosures of contingent assets and contingent liabilities.

              liabilities as at the date of the review of the financial statements. Examples of estimates and assumptions include:

                amounts deducted from sales for projected sales returns, chargeback incentives, rebates and price reductions (see NoteNotes B.14. and D.23.);

              provisions relating to product liability claims (see note D.22.);



              impairment of property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets, and investments in associates and joint ventures (see NoteNotes B.6. and D.5.);



              the valuation of goodwill and the valuation and useful life of acquired intangible assets (see Notes B.3., B.4.3., D.4. and B.4.3.D.5.);



              the amount of post-employment benefit obligations (see NoteNotes B.23. and D.19.1.);



              the amount of provisions for restructuring, litigation, tax risks and environmental risks (see NoteNotes B.12., B.22., D.19. and D.22.);



              the amount of deferred tax assets resulting from tax losses available for carry-forward and deductible temporary differences (see Notes B.22. and D.14.);

              the measurement of contingent paymentsconsideration (see NoteNotes B.3. and D.18.).

                      

              Actual results could differ from these estimates.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              B. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

              B.1. Basis of consolidation

                      

              In accordance with IAS 27 (Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements), the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the sanofi-aventisSanofi parent company and those of its subsidiaries, using the full consolidation method. Subsidiaries are entities which the Group controls (i.e. it has the power to govern their financial and operating activities). The existence of effectively exercisable or convertible potential voting rights is taken into account in determining whether control exists. Control is presumed to exist where the Group holds more than 50% of an entity’sentity's voting rights.

                      

              Equity interests in entities are consolidated from the date on which exclusive control of the entity is obtained; divested equity interests are deconsolidated on the date on which exclusive control ceases. The Group’sGroup's share of post-acquisition profits or losses is taken to the income statement, while post-acquisition movements in the acquiree’sacquiree's reserves are taken to consolidated reserves.

                      

              Entities over which sanofi-aventisSanofi exercises joint control are known as “joint ventures”"joint ventures" and are accounted for using the equity method in accordance with the option in IAS 31 (Interests in Joint Ventures).


              Table of Contents


              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                      

              Entities over which sanofi-aventisSanofi exercises significant influence are accounted for by the equity method in accordance with IAS 28 (Investments in Associates). Significant influence exists where sanofi-aventisSanofi has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but without the power to exercise control or joint control over those policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist where the Group owns, directly or indirectly via its subsidiaries, between 20% and 50% of the voting rights of the investee.

                      

              Acquisition-related costs are included as a component of the cost of acquiring joint ventures and associates.

                      

              Material transactions between consolidated companies are eliminated, as are intragroup profits.

              B.2. Foreign currency translation

              B.2.1. Accounting for transactions in foreign currencies in individual company accounts

                      

              Non-current assets (other than receivables) and inventories acquired in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the acquisition date.

              Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. The resulting gains and losses are recorded in the income statement. However, foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of advances between consolidated subsidiaries for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future are recognized directly in equity inCumulativeCurrency translation difference.

              B.2.2. Foreign currency translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries

                      Sanofi presents its consolidated financial statements in euros (€).

              In accordance with IAS 21 (The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates), each Group subsidiary translates foreign currency transactions into the currency that is most representative of its economic environment (the functional currency).

                      

              All assets and liabilities are translated into euros using the exchange rate of the subsidiary’ssubsidiary's functional currency prevailing at the balance sheet date. Income statements are translated using a weighted average exchange rate for the period. The resulting currency translation difference is recognized as a separate component of equity in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, and is recognized in the income statement only when the subsidiary is sold or is wholly or partially liquidated.

                      

              Under the exemptions allowed by IFRS 1, sanofi-aventisthe Sanofi Group elected to eliminate, through equity, all cumulativecurrency translation differences for foreign operations at the January 1, 2004 IFRS transition date.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              B.3. Business combinations and transactions with non-controlling interests

              B.3.1. Accounting for business combinations, transactions with non-controlling interests and loss of control

                      

              Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Under this method, the acquiree’sacquiree's identifiable assets and liabilities that satisfy the recognition criteria of IFRS 3 are measured initially at their fair values as at the date of acquisition, except for (i) non-current assets classified as held for sale which(which are measured at fair value less costs to sell.sell) and (ii) assets and liabilities that fall within the scope of IAS 12 (Income Taxes) and IAS 19 (Employee Benefits). Restructuring liabilities are not recognized as a liability of the acquiree unlessonly if the acquiree has an obligation as atof the acquisition date to carry out the restructuring.

                      

              Business combinations completed on or after January 1, 2010 are accounted for in accordance with the revised IFRS 3 (Business Combinations) and the amended IAS 27 (Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements). These revised standards are applied prospectively.


              Table of Contents

              The changes in these two standards have resulted in changes in the terminology used:
              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                      

              Revised IFRS 3 terminology

              Non-controlling interests

              Previous terminology: Minority interests

              Contingent consideration

              Alternative term:Contingent payment

              Consideration transferred

              Definition:Initial payment + contingent consideration

              The principal accounting rules applicable to business combinations and transactions with non-controlling interests include:

              Acquisition-related costs are recognized as an expense on the acquisition date, as a component ofOperating income. In the case of business combinations completed before January 1, 2010, these costs were accounted for as a component of the cost of the acquisition.

              Contingent consideration is recognized in equity if the contingent payment is settled by delivery of a fixed number of the acquirer’s equity instruments; in all other cases, it is recognized in liabilities related to business combinations. Contingent consideration is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date irrespective of the probability of payment. Subsequent adjustments after the twelve-month purchase price allocation period are recognized in profit or loss if the contingent consideration was originally recognized as a liability.
                Acquisition-related costs are recognized as an expense on the acquisition date, as a component ofOperating income.

                Contingent consideration is recognized in equity if the contingent payment is settled by delivery of a fixed number of the acquirer's equity instruments; otherwise, it is recognized inLiabilities related to business combinations. Contingent consideration is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date irrespective of the probability of payment. If the contingent consideration was originally recognized as a liability, subsequent adjustments to the liability are recognized in profit or loss in the line itemFair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities, unless the adjustment is made within the twelve months following the acquisition date and relates to facts and circumstances existing as of that date. Subsequent contingent consideration adjustments in respect of business combinations completed before January 1, 2010 continue to be accounted for in accordance with the pre-revision IFRS 3, i.e. through goodwill.

              In the case of business combinations completed before January 1, 2010 wherecontinue to be accounted for in accordance with the contractual arrangements for the combination included an adjustment to the cost of the combination contingent upon future events, this adjustment was included in the cost of the combination at the acquisition date, if the adjustment was probable and could be measured reliably. If the adjustment was not probable or could not be measured reliably, it was not included in the cost of the combination on initial recognition of the combination. If the adjustment subsequently became probable and reliably measurable, the additional consideration was treated as an adjustment to the cost of the combinationpre-revision IFRS 3 (i.e. as an adjustment tothrough goodwill).

              In the case of a step acquisition, the previously-held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured at its acquisition-date fair value, with the difference between this fair value and the carrying amount taken to profit or loss, along with any gains or losses relating to the previously-held interest that were initially recognized directly in equity (other comprehensive income) and which are reclassifiable to profit or loss.



              In the case of business combinations where control was acquireda step acquisition, the previously-held equity interest in stages before January 1, 2010, goodwill was determinedthe acquiree is remeasured at each stage asits acquisition-date fair value, with the excessdifference between this fair value and the carrying amount taken to profit or loss, along with any gains or losses relating to the previously-held interest that were recognized in other comprehensive income and which are reclassifiable to profit or loss.

              Goodwill may be calculated on the basis of either (i) the cost of the transaction over theentire fair value of the acquiree, or (ii) a share of assets acquired in each transaction. The remeasurement of the fair value of the previously-heldacquiree proportionate to the interest acquired. This option may be elected for each acquisition individually.

              The effects of (i) a buyout of non-controlling interests in a subsidiary already controlled by the Group, and (ii) a divestment of a percentage interest without loss of control, are recognized in equity.

              In a partial disposal resulting in loss of control, the retained equity interest wasis remeasured at fair value at the date of loss of control; the gain or loss recognized on the disposal will include the effect of this remeasurement and the items initially recognized in equity onand reclassified to profit or loss.

              Adjustments to the lineRemeasurementvalues of previously-held equity interests.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              assets and liabilities initially determined provisionally (pending the results of independent valuations or further analysis) are recognized as a retrospective adjustment to goodwill if they are made within twelve months of the acquisition date. Once this twelve-month period has elapsed, the effects of any adjustments are recognized directly in the income statement, unless they qualify as an error correction.

                      

              Goodwill may be calculated on the basis of either (i) the entire fair value of the acquiree, or (ii) a share of the fair value of the acquiree proportionate to the interest acquired. This option may be elected for each acquisition individually. For business combinations completed before January 1, 2010, goodwill was in all cases calculated on the basis of a share of the fair value of the acquiree proportionate to the interest acquired.

              The effects of (i) a buyout of non-controlling interests in a subsidiary already controlled by the Group, and (ii) divestment of a percentage interest without loss of control, are recognized in equity.

              In a partial disposal resulting in loss of control, the retained equity interest is remeasured at fair value at the date of loss of control; the gain or loss recognized on the disposal will include the effect of this remeasurement and the gain or loss on the sale of the equity interest, including items initially recognized in equity and reclassified to profit or loss.

              Adjustments to the values of assets and liabilities initially determined provisionally (pending the results of independent valuations or further analysis) are recognized as a retrospective adjustment to goodwill if they are made within twelve months of the acquisition date. Once this twelve-month period has elapsed, the effects of any adjustments are recognized directly in the income statement, unless they qualify as an error correction.

              Under the exemptions allowed by IFRS 1, sanofi-aventisthe Sanofi Group elected not to restate in accordance with IFRS 3 any business combinations completed prior to the January 1, 2004 transition date. This includes the combination between Sanofi and Synthélabo that took place in 1999.

              Purchase price allocations are performed under the responsibility of management, with assistance from an independent valuer in the case of major acquisitions.

              The revised IFRS 3 does not specify an accounting treatment for contingent consideration arising from a business combination made by an entity prior to the acquisition of control in that entity and carried as a liability in the acquired entity's balance sheet. The accounting treatment applied by the Group to such a liability is to measure it at fair value as of the acquisition date and to report it in the line itemLiabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests. This treatment is consistent with that applied to contingent consideration in the books of the acquirer.

              B.3.2. Goodwill

                      

              The excess of the cost of an acquisition over the Group’sGroup's interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree is recognized as goodwill at the date of the business combination.


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is shown as a separate line in the balance sheet in intangible assets underGoodwill, whereas goodwill arising on the acquisition of associates and joint ventures is recorded inInvestments in associates and joint ventures.

                      

              Goodwill arising on the acquisition of foreign entities is measured in the functional currency of the acquired entity and translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date.

                      

              In accordance with IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets), goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment (see Note B.6.).

                      

              Goodwill is tested for impairment annually for each cash-generating unit (CGU) and whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment might exist. Such events or circumstances include significant changes liable to have an other-than-temporary impact on the substance of the original investment.

              B.4. Other intangible assets

                      

              IntangibleOther intangible assets are initially measured at acquisition cost or production cost, including any directly attributable costs of preparing the asset for its intended use, or (in the case of assets acquired in a business combination) at fair value as at the date of the combination. They are amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives.

                      

              The useful lives of intangible assets are reviewed at each reporting date. The effect of any adjustment to useful lives is recognized prospectively as a change of accounting estimate.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              Amortization of other intangible assets is recognized in the income statement underAmortization of intangible assets with the exception of amortization of acquired or internally-developed software, which is recognized on the relevant line of the income statement according to the purpose for which the software is used.

                      

              Sanofi-aventisThe Group does not own any other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, otherlife.

                      Intangible assets (other than goodwill.

              Intangible assetsgoodwill) are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment, if any, in accordance with IAS 36 (see Note B.6.).

              B.4.1. Research and development not acquired in a business combination

                Internally generated research and development

                  In accordance with IAS 38 (Intangible Assets), internally generated research expenditure is expensed as incurred underResearch and development expenses.

                  Under IAS 38, internally generated development expenses are recognized as an intangible asset if, and only if, all the following six criteria can be demonstrated: (a) the technical feasibility of completing the development project; (b) the Group’sGroup's intention to complete the project; (c) the Group’sGroup's ability to use the project; (d) the probability that the project will generate future economic benefits; (e) the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the project; and (f) the ability to measure the development expenditure reliably.

                  Due to the risks and uncertainties relating to regulatory approval and to the research and development process, the six criteria for capitalization are considered not to have been met until marketing approval has been obtained from the regulatory authorities. Consequently, internally generated development expenses arising before marketing approval has been obtained, mainly the cost of clinical trials, are expensed as incurred underResearch and development expenses.

                  Chemical industrial development expenses incurred to develop a second-generation process are incurred after initial regulatory approval has been obtained, in order to improve the industrial process for an active


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  ingredient. To the extent that the six IAS 38 criteria are considered as being met, these expenses are capitalized underOther intangible assetsas incurred.

                Separately acquired research and development

                  Payments for separately acquired research and development are capitalized underOther intangible assets provided that they meet the definition of an intangible asset: a resource that is (i) controlled by the Group, (ii) expected to provide future economic benefits, and (iii) identifiable (i.e. is either separable or arises from contractual or legal rights). Under paragraph 25 of IAS 38, the first condition for capitalization (the probability that the expected future economic benefits will flow to the entity) is considered to be satisfied for separately acquired research and development. Because the amount of the payments is determinable, the second condition for capitalization (the cost can be measured reliably) is also met. Consequently, upfront and milestone payments to third parties related to pharmaceutical products for which regulatory marketing approval has not yet been obtained are recognized as intangible assets, and amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives from the date on which regulatory approval is obtained.

                  Payments under research and development arrangements relating to access to technology or to databases and payments made to purchase generics files are also capitalized, and amortized over the useful life of the intangible asset.

                  Subcontracting arrangements, payments for research and development services and continuous payments under research and development collaborations that are unrelated to the outcome of the research and development efforts, are expensed over the service term.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

              B.4.2. Intangible assets not acquired in a business combination

                      

              Licenses other than those related to pharmaceutical products and research projects, in particular software licenses, are capitalized at acquisition cost, including any directly attributable cost of preparing the software for its intended use. Software licenses are amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives for the Group (three to five years).

                      

              Internally generated costs incurred to develop or upgrade software are capitalized if the IAS 38 criteria for recognition as an intangible asset are satisfied, and amortized on a straight line basis over the useful life of the software from the date on which the software is ready for use.

              B.4.3. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination

              Intangible assets acquired in a business combination which relate to in-process research and development and are reliably measurable are identified separately identified from goodwill and capitalized inOther intangible assets in accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations) and IAS 38 (Intangible Assets). The related deferred tax liability is also recognized.

                      

              In-process research and development acquired in a business combination is amortized on a straight line basis over its useful life from the date of receipt of regulatory approval.

                      

              Rights to products soldmarketed by the Group are amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives, determined on the basis of cash flow forecasts that take account of, (amongamong other factors)factors, the period of legal protection of the related patents.

              B.5. Property, plant and equipment

                      

              Property, plant and equipment is initially measured and recognized at acquisition cost, including any directly attributable cost of preparing the asset for its intended use, or (in the case of assets acquired in a business combination) at fair value as at the date of the combination. The component-based approach to accounting for property, plant and equipment is applied. Under this approach, each component of an item of property, plant and


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              equipment with a cost which is significant in relation to the total cost of the item and which has a different useful life from the other components must be depreciated separately.

                      

              After initial measurement, property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment, except for land which is carried at cost less impairment.

                      

              Subsequent costs are not recognized as assets, unless (i) it is probable that future economic benefits associated with these costs will flow to the Group, and (ii) the costs can be measured reliably.

                      

              Day-to-day maintenance costs of property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred.

                      

              Borrowing costs attributable to the financing of items of property, plant and equipment, and incurred during the construction period of such items, are capitalized as part of the acquisition cost of the item.

                      

              Government grants relating to non-current assets are deducted from the acquisition cost of the asset to which they relate.

                      

              In accordance with IAS 17 (Leases), items of property, plant and equipment leased by sanofi-aventisSanofi as lessee under finance leases are recognized as an asset in the balance sheet, with the related lease obligation recognized as a liability. A lease qualifies as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to the Group. Assets held under finance leases are carried at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset or the present value of the minimum lease payments, and are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              The depreciable amount of items of property, plant and equipment, net of any residual value, is depreciated on a straight line basis over the useful life of the asset. The useful life of an asset is usually equivalent to its economic life.

                      

              The useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:

              Buildings 15 to 40 years
              Fixtures 10 to 20 years
              Plant and equipment 5 to 15 years
              Other tangible assetsproperty, plant and equipment 3 to 15 years

                      

              Useful lives and residual values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed annually. The effect of any adjustment to useful lives or residual values is recognized prospectively as a change of accounting estimate.

                      

              Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recognized as an expense in the income statement, in the relevant classification of expense by function.

              B.6. Impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and investments in associates and joint ventures

              B.6.1. Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

                      

              Assets that generate separate cash flows and assets included in cash-generating units (CGUs) are assessed for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets), when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset or CGU may be impaired.

                      

              A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

                      

              Under IAS 36, each CGU to which goodwill is allocated must (i) represent the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, and (ii) not be larger than an operating segment determined in accordance with IFRS 8 (Operating Segments), before application of the IFRS 8 aggregation criteria.


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Consequently, the CGUs used by sanofi-aventisthe Group to test goodwill for impairment correspond to the geographical sub-segments of each operating segment.

                      

              Quantitative and qualitative indications of impairment (primarily relating to the status of the research and development portfolio, pharmacovigilance, patent litigation, and the launch of competing products) are reviewed at each reporting date. If there is any internal or external indication of impairment, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the asset or CGU.

                      

              Intangible assets not yet available for use (such as capitalized in-process research and development), and CGUs that include goodwill, are tested for impairment annually whether or not there is any indication of impairment, and more frequently if any event or circumstance indicates that they might be impaired. These assets are not amortized.

                      

              When there is an internal or external indication of impairment, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the asset and recognizes an impairment loss whenif the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of the asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell or its value in use. To determine the value in use, the Group uses estimates of future cash flows generated by the asset or CGU, prepared using the same methods as those used in the initial measurement of the asset or CGU on the basis of medium-term plans.

                      

              In the case of goodwill, estimates of future cash flows are based on a five-year strategic plan plus an extrapolation of the cash flows beyond the five-year plan, plus a terminal value. In the case of other intangible assets, the period used is based on the economic life of the asset.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              Estimated cash flows are discounted at long-term market interest rates that reflect the best estimate by sanofi-aventisSanofi of the time value of money, the risks specific to the asset or CGU, and economic conditions in the geographical regions in which the business activity associated with the asset or CGU is located.

                      

              Certain assets and liabilities that are not directly attributable to a specific CGU are allocated between CGUs on a basis that is reasonable, and consistent with the allocation of the corresponding goodwill.

              Impairment losses on intangible assets are recognized underImpairment of intangible assets in the income statement.

              B.6.2. Impairment of investments in associates and joint ventures

              In accordance with IAS 28 (Investments in Associates), the Group applies the criteria specified in IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement) to determine whether an investment in an associate or joint venture may be impaired (see Note B.8.2.). If an investment is impaired, the amount of the impairment loss is determined by applying IAS 36 (see Note B.6.1.) and recognized inShare of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures.

              B.6.3. Reversals of impairment losses charged against property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and investments in associates and joint ventures

                      

              At each reporting date, the Group assesses if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment loss recognized in a prior period in respect of an asset (other than goodwill) or an investment in an associate or joint venture can be reversed. If this is the case, and the recoverable amount as determined based on the new estimates exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the Group reverses the impairment loss only to the extent of the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset.

              Reversals of impairment losses in respect of other intangible assets are recognized in the income statement underline itemImpairment of intangible assets, while reversals of impairment losses in respect of investments in associates and joint ventures are recognized in the income statement underline itemShare of profit/loss of associatesand joint ventures. Impairment losses taken against goodwill are never reversed, unless the goodwill is part of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate or joint venture.


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              B.7. Assets held for sale or exchange

                      

              In accordance with IFRS 5 (Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations), non-current assets and groups of assets must be classified as held for sale in the balance sheet if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Within the meaning of IFRS 5, the term “sale”"sale" also includes exchanges for other assets.

                      

              Non-current assets or asset groups held for sale must be available for immediate sale in their present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets, and a sale must be highly probable. Criteria used to determine whether a sale is highly probable include:

                the appropriate level of management must be committed to a plan to sell;

                an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan must have been initiated;

                the asset must be actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value;

                completion of the sale should be foreseeable within the twelve months following the date of classification as held for sale or exchange; and

                actions required to complete the plan should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

                      

              the appropriate level of management must be committed to a plan to sell;

              an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan must have been initiated;

              the asset must be actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value;

              completion of the sale should be foreseeable within the twelve months following the date of classification as held for sale or exchange; and

              actions required to complete the plan should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              Before the initial classification of the non-current asset (or asset group) as “held"held for sale or exchange”exchange", the carrying amounts of the asset (or of all the assets and liabilities in the asset group) must be measured in accordance with the applicable standards.

                      

              Subsequent to classification as “held"held for sale or exchange”exchange", the non-current asset (or asset group) is measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, with any write-down recognized by means of an impairment loss. Once a non-current asset has been classified as “held"held for sale or exchange”exchange", it is no longer depreciated or amortized.

              In a disposal of an equity interest leading to loss of control, all the assets and liabilities of the entity involved are classified as assets or liabilities “held"held for sale”sale" in the balance sheet line itemsAssets held for sale or exchange orLiabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange, provided that the disposal satisfies the IFRS 5 classification criteria.

                      

              The profit or loss generated by a held-for-saleheld for sale asset group is reported on a separate line in the income statement for the current period and for the comparative periods presented, provided that the asset group:

              represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or,

              is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or,

              is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

                represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or,

                is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or,

                is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

              Events or circumstances beyond the Group’sGroup's control may extend the period to complete the sale or exchange beyond one year without precluding classification of the asset (or disposal group) inAssets held for sale or exchange provided that there is sufficient evidence that the Group remains committed to the planned sale or exchange.

                      Finally, in the event of changes to a plan of sale that require an asset no longer to be classified as held for sale, IFRS 5 specifies the following treatment:

                The assets and liabilities previously classified as held for sale are reclassified to the appropriate balance sheet line items, with no restatement of comparative periods.

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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Each asset is measured at the lower of:

                (a)
                its carrying amount before the asset was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation, amortization or revaluation that would have been recognized if the asset had not been classified as held for sale; and

                (b)
                its recoverable amount at the date of the reclassification.

                The backlog of depreciation, amortization and impairment not recognized while non-current assets were classified as held for sale must be reported in the same income statement line item as that used to report (i) any impairment losses arising on initial classification of the assets as held for sale and (ii) gains or losses on the sale of such assets. In the consolidated income statement, these impacts are reported in the line itemOther gains and losses, and litigation.

                The net income of a business previously classified as discontinued or held for exchange and reported on a separate line in the income statement must be reclassified and included in net income from continuing operations, for all periods reported.

                In addition, segment information disclosed in the notes to the financial statements in accordance with IFRS 8 (Operating Segments) and relating to the income statement and the statement of cash flows (acquisitions of non-current assets) must also be restated for all prior periods reported.

              B.8. Financial instruments

              B.8.1. Non-derivative financial assets

                      

              Under IFRS, and in accordance with IAS 39 and IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Presentation), sanofi-aventisSanofi has adopted the following classification for non-derivative financial assets, based on the type of asset and on management intent at the date of initial recognition (except for assets already held at the transition date and reclassified at that date in accordance with IFRS 1). The designation and classification of such financial assets are subsequently reassessed at each reporting date.

                      

              Non-derivative financial assets are recognized on the date when sanofi-aventisSanofi becomes party to the contractual terms of the asset. On initial recognition, financial assets are measured at fair value, plus direct transaction costs in the case of financial assets not designated as fair value through profit or loss.

                      

              Classification, presentation and subsequent measurement of non-derivative financial assets are as follows:

                Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

                These assets are classified in the balance sheet in the line itemsNon-current financial assets, Current financial assets andCash and cash equivalents.

                Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss comprise assets held for trading (financial assets acquired principally for the purpose of reselling them in the near term, usually within less than 12 months), and financial instruments designated as fair value through profit and loss on initial recognition in accordance with the conditions for application of the fair value option.

                These financial assets are carried at fair value, without any deduction for transaction costs that may be incurred on sale. Realized and unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of these assets are recognized in the income statement, inFinancial income orFinancial expenses.

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                Realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on financial assets in currencies other than the euro are recognized in the income statement inFinancialincome orFinancial expenses.

              Available-for-sale financial assets

                  Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are (i) designated by management as available-for-sale or (ii) not classified as “financial"financial assets at fair value through profit or loss”loss", “held-to-maturity investments”"held-to-maturity investments" or “loans"loans and receivables”receivables". This category includes participating


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  interests in quoted or unquoted companies (other than investments in associates and joint ventures) that management intends to hold on a long-term basis. Available-for-sale financial assets are classified inNon-current financial assets.

                  Available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value, without any deduction for transaction costs that may be incurred on sale. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of these assets, including unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, are recognized directly in equity in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period in which they occur, except for impairment losses and foreign exchange gains and losses on debt instruments. On derecognition of an available-for-sale financial asset, or on recognition of an impairment loss on such an asset, the cumulative gains and losses previously recognized in equity are recognized in the income statement for the period underFinancial incomeorFinancial expenses.

                  Interest income and dividends on equity instruments are recognized in the income statement underFinancial income when the Group is entitled to receive payment.

                  Available-for-sale financial assets in the form of participating interests in companies not quoted in an active market are measured at cost if their fair value cannot be measured reliably; an impairment loss is recognized when there is objective evidence that such an asset is impaired.

                  Realized foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in the income statement underFinancial income orFinancial expenses.

                Held-to-maturity investments

                Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Group has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity.

                These investments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

                Sanofi-aventisSanofi did not hold any such investments during the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 or 2008.2010.

              Loans and receivables

                Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are presented in current assets, underOther current assets in the case of loans and underAccounts receivable in the case of receivables. Loans with a maturity of more than 12 months are presented in “Long-term"Long-term loans and advances”advances" underNon-current financial assets. Loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

                Realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in the income statement underFinancialincome orFinancialexpenses.

              B.8.2. Impairment of non-derivative financial assets

                      

              Indicators of impairment are reviewed for all non-derivative financial assets at each reporting date. Such indicators include default in contractual payments, significant financial difficulties of the issuer or debtor, probability of bankruptcy, or prolonged or significant decline in quoted market price. An impairment loss is recognized in the income statement whenif there is objective evidence that anof impairment resulting from one or more events after the initial recognition of the asset is impaired.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              (a "loss event") and this loss event has a reliably measurable impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset (or group of financial assets).

                      

              The impairment loss on loans and receivables, which are measured at amortized cost, is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’sasset's original effective interest rate.

                      

              When an impairment loss is identified on an available-for-sale financial asset, the cumulative losses previously recognized directly in equity are recorded in the income statement. The loss recognized in the income


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              statement is the difference between the acquisition cost (net of principal repaymentrepayments and amortization) and the fair value at the time of impairment, less any impairment loss previously recognized in the income statement.

                      

              The impairment loss on investments in companies that are not quoted in an active market and are measured at cost is the difference between the carrying amount of the investment and the present value of its estimated future cash flows, discounted at the current market interest rate for similar financial assets.

              Impairment losses in respect of loans are recognized underFinancial expenses in the income statement.

              Impairment losses in respect of trade receivables are recognized underSelling and general expenses in the income statement.

                      

              Impairment losses on investments in companies that are not quoted in an active market and are measured at cost, and on equity instruments classified as available-for-sale financial assets, cannot be reversed through the income statement.

              B.8.3. Derivative instruments

              Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are initially and subsequently measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement inOther operating income or inFinancial income orFinancial expenses depending on the nature of the underlying economic underlyingitem which they are intended to hedge.

                      

              Derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are measured in accordance with the hedge accounting requirements of IAS 39 (see Note B.8.4.).

              B.8.4. Hedging

                      

              Hedging involves the use of derivative financial instruments. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are intended to offset the exposure of the hedged items to changes in fair value.

                      

              As part of its overall interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk management policy, the Group enters into various transactions involving derivative instruments. Derivative instruments used in connection with the Group’sGroup's hedging policy may include forward exchange contracts, currency options, interest rate swaps and interest rate options.

                      

              Derivative financial instruments qualify as hedging instruments for hedge accounting purposes when (a) at the inception of the hedge there is formal designation and documentation of the hedging relationship and of the risk management strategy and objective; (b) the hedge is expected by management to be highly effective in offsetting the risk; (c) the forecast transaction being hedged is highly probable and presents an exposure to variations in cash flows that could ultimately affect profit or loss; (d) the effectiveness of the hedge can be reliably measured; and (e) the hedge is assessed on an ongoing basis and determined actually to have been highly effective throughout the reporting periods for which the hedge was designated.

              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

              Year ended December 31, 2010

              These criteria are applied when the Group uses derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

                Fair value hedge

                  A fair value hedge is a hedge of the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognized asset or liability or unrecognized firm commitment that could affect profit or loss.

                  Changes in fair value of the hedging instrument and changes in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in the income statement, underOther operating incomefor hedges of operating activities and underFinancial income orFinancial expenses for hedges of investing or financing activities.


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Cash flow hedge

                  A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability, or a highly probable forecast transaction, thatwhich could affect profit or loss.

                  Changes in fair value of the hedging instrument attributable to the effective portion of the hedge are recognized directly in equity in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Changes in fair value attributable to the ineffective portion of the hedge are recognized in the income statement underOther operating incomefor hedges of operating activities, and underFinancial income orFinancial expenses for hedges of investing or financing activities.

                  Cumulative changes in fair value of the hedging instrument previously recognized in equity are transferredreclassified to the income statement when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss. These transferred gains and losses are recorded underOther operating incomefor hedges of operating activities andFinancial income orFinancial expenses for hedges of investing or financing activities.

                  When a forecast transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability, cumulative changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument previously recognized in equity are included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability.

                  When the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in equity remains separately recognized in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. However, if the Group no longer expects the forecast transaction to occur, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in equity is recognized immediately in the income statement.

                Hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation

                  In the case of a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument attributable to the effective portion of the hedge are recognized directly in equity in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Changes in fair value attributable to the ineffective portion of the hedge are recognized in the income statement underFinancial incomeorFinancial expenses. When the investment in the foreign operation is sold, the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument previously recognized in equity are transferredreclassified to the income statement underFinancial incomeorFinancial expenses.

                Discontinuation of hedge accounting

                  Hedge accounting is discontinued when (a) the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or (b) the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, or (c) the Group revokes the hedge designation, or (d) management no longer expects the forecast transaction to occur.

              B.8.5. Non-derivative financial liabilities

                Borrowings and debt

                  Bank borrowings and debt instruments are initially measured at fair value of the consideration received, net of directly attributable transaction costs.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Subsequently, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. All costs related to the issuance of borrowings or debt instruments, and all differences between the issue proceeds net of transaction costs and the value on redemption, are recognized underFinancial expensesin the income statement over the term of the debt using the effective interest method.

                Liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests

                  Liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests are split into a current portion and a non-current portion. These line items are used to recognize contingent consideration payable in connection with business combinations (see Note B.3.1. for a description of the relevant accounting policy), and the fair value of put options granted to non-controlling interests.


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              NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Fair value adjustments to put options granted to non-controlling interests are recognized with a matching entry in equity.

                Other non-derivative financial liabilities

                  Other non-derivative financial liabilities include trade accounts payable, which are measured at fair value (which in most cases equates to face value) on initial recognition, and subsequently at amortized cost.

              B.8.6. Fair value of financial instruments

                      

              Under IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures), fair value measurements must be classified using a fair value hierarchy with the following levels:

              Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (without modification or repackaging);

              Level 2: quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, and valuation techniques in which all important inputs are derived from observable market data; and

              Level 3: valuation techniques in which not all important inputs are derived from observable market data.

                Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (without modification or repackaging);

                Level 2: quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, and valuation techniques in which all important inputs are derived from observable market data; and

                Level 3: valuation techniques in which not all important inputs are derived from observable market data.

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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                The table below sets forth the principles used to measure the fair value of the principal financial assets and liabilities recognized by sanofi-aventisthe Group in its consolidated balance sheet:

                Note

                Type of financial

                instrument

                Measurement
                principle applied

                in the  consolidated

                balance sheet
                Level in the
                IFRS 7 fair value
                hierarchy as
                disclosed in the
                notes to the
                consolidated
                financial
                statements

                Method used to determine fair value as

                disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements






                Market data



                Level in
                IFRS 7
                fair value
                hierarchy


                Note
                Type of financial
                instrument

                Measurement
                principle

                Valuation model
                Exchange
                rate

                Interest rate
                Volatility
                D.7. Available-for-sale financial assets (quoted equity securities) Fair value 1 Quoted market price N/A
                D.7. Available-for-sale financial assets (unquoted debt securities) Fair value 2 Present value of future cash flows N/A Mid swap + z-spread for
                bonds of comparable risk
                and maturity
                 N/A
                D.7. Long-term loans and advances Amortized cost N/A The amortized cost of long-term loans and advances at the balance sheet date is not materially different from their fair value.
                D.7. AssetsFinancial assets recognized under the fair value option(1) Fair value 1 Market value (net
                (net asset value)
                 N/A
                D.20. Forward currency contracts Fair value 2 Present value of future cash flows ECB
                Fixing
                 < 1 year: Mid Money Market
                > 1 year: Mid Zero Coupon
                N/A

                D.20.


                Currency options


                Fair value


                2


                Options with no knock-out feature:
                Garman & Kohlhagen

                Knock-out options: Merton, Reiner & Rubinstein


                ECB
                Fixing


                < 1 year: Mid Money Market

                > 1 year: Mid Zero Coupon

                N/A
                D.20.
                 
                Currency optionsFair value2

                Options with no knock-out feature:

                Garman & Kohlhagen

                Knock-out options: Merton, Reiner & Rubinstein

                ECB
                Fixing
                < 1 year: Mid Money Market

                > 1 year: Mid Zero Coupon

                Mid in-the-
                money
                D.20. Interest rate swaps Fair value 2 Present value of future cash flows N/A < 1 year: Mid Money Market
                and LIFFE interest rate futures
                futures

                > 1 year: Mid Zero Coupon

                 N/A
                D.20. Cross-currency swaps Fair value 2 Present value of future cash flows ECB
                Fixing
                 < 1 year: Mid Money Market
                and LIFFE interest rate futures
                futures

                > 1 year: Mid Zero Coupon

                 N/A
                D.13. Investments in collective investment schemes Fair value 1 Market value (net
                (net asset value)
                 N/A
                D.13. Negotiable debt instruments, commercial paper, sight deposits and term deposits Amortized cost N/A Because these instruments have a maturity of less than 3 months, amortized cost is regarded as an acceptable approximation of fair value as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

                D.17.


                Financial liabilities

                 

                Amortized cost(2)

                 

                N/A

                 


                For financial liabilities with a maturity of less than 3 months, amortized cost is regarded as an acceptable approximation of fair value as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.



                For financial liabilities with a maturity of more than 3 months, fair value as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements is determined either by reference to quoted market prices at the balance sheet date (quoted instruments) or by discounting the future cash flows based on observable market data at the balance sheet date (unquoted instruments).

                D.18. Liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests (CVRs)Fair value1Quoted market priceN/A
                D.18.Liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests (except CVRs) Fair value(3) 3 Contingent consideration payable in a business combination is a financial liability under IAS 32. The fair value of such liabilities is determined by adjusting the contingent consideration at the balance sheet date using the method described in Note D.18.

                (1)

                These assets are held to fund a deferred compensation plan offered to certain employees, included in the obligations described in Note D.19.1.

                (2)

                In the case of financial liabilities designated as hedged items in a fair value hedging relationship, the carrying amount in the consolidated balance sheet includes changes in fair value relating to the hedged risk(s).

                (3)

                In the case of business combinations completed prior to the application of the revised IFRS 3, contingent consideration is recognized when payment becomes probable (see Note B.3.1.).

                (1)
                These assets are held to fund a deferred compensation plan offered to certain employees, included in the obligations described in Note D.19.1.
                (2)
                In the case of financial liabilities designated as hedged items in a fair value hedging relationship, the carrying amount in the consolidated balance sheet includes changes in fair value relating to the hedged risk(s).
                (3)
                In the case of business combinations completed prior to application of the revised IFRS 3, contingent consideration is recognized when payment becomes probable (see Note B.3.1.).

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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                The other financial assets and liabilities included in the Groupconsolidated balance sheet are the following:are:

                  Non-derivative current financial assets and liabilities: due to their short-term maturity, the fair value of these instruments approximates their carrying amount (i.e., historical cost less any credit risk allowance).



                Investments in equity instruments not quoted in an active market: in accordance with IFRS 7, the fair value of these instruments is not disclosed because theirmarket whose fair value cannot be measured reliably.

                reliably, which are measured at amortized cost in accordance with IAS 39.

                B.8.7. Derecognition of financial instruments

                        

                Sanofi-aventisSanofi derecognizes a financial assetsasset when the contractual rights to cash flows from these assetsthe asset have ended or have been transferred and when the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership of these assets.the asset. If the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of these assets, they area financial asset, it is derecognized if the Group does not retain the control of these assets.the asset.

                        

                Financial liabilities areA financial liability is derecognized when the Group’sGroup's contractual obligations in respect of such liabilities arethe liability is discharged, or cancelled or expired.

                extinguished.

                B.8.8. Risks relating to financial instruments

                        

                Market risks in respect of non-current financial assets, cash equivalents, derivative instruments and debt are described in the risk factors presented in Item 3.D. and Item 11.

                        

                Credit risk is the risk that customers may fail to pay their debts. This risk also arises as a result of the concentration of the Group’sGroup's sales with its largest customers, in particular certain wholesalers in the United States. Customer credit risk is described in the risk factors presented in Item 3.D.

                B.9. Inventories

                        

                Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is calculated using the weighted average cost method or the first-in, first-out method, depending on the nature of the inventory.

                        

                The cost of finished goods inventories includes costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.

                        

                Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

                B.10. Cash and cash equivalents

                        

                Cash and cash equivalents as shown in the consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows comprise cash, plus liquid short-term investments that are (i) readily convertible into cash, and (ii) subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value in the event of movements in interest rates.

                B.11. Treasury shares

                        

                In accordance with IAS 32, sanofi-aventisSanofi treasury shares are deducted from equity, irrespective of the purpose for which they are held. No gain or loss is recognized in the income statement on the purchase, sale, impairment or cancellation of treasury shares.

                B.12. Provisions for risks

                        

                In accordance with IAS 37 (Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets), sanofi-aventisSanofi records a provision where it has a present obligation, whether legal or constructive, as a result of a past event; it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the outflow of resources.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                If the obligation is expected to be settled more than twelve months after the balance sheet date, or has no definite settlement date, the provision is recorded underProvisions and other non-current liabilities.

                        

                Provisions relating to the insurance programs in which the Group’sGroup's captive insurance company participates are based on risk exposure estimates calculated by management, with assistance from independent actuaries, using IBNR (Incurred But Not Reported) techniques. These techniques use past claims experience, within the Group and in the market, to estimate future trends in the cost of claims.

                        

                Contingent liabilities are not recognized, but are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements unless the possibility of an outflow of economic resources is remote.

                        

                Provisions are estimated on the basis of events and circumstances related to present obligations at the balance sheet date, of past experience, and to the best of management’smanagement's knowledge at the date of preparation of the financial statements.

                        

                Reimbursements offsetting the probable outflow of resources are recognized as assets only if it is virtually certain that they will be received. Contingent assets are not recognized.

                        

                Restructuring provisions are recognized if the Group has a detailed, formal restructuring plan at the balance sheet date and has announced its intention to implement this plan to those affected by it.

                        

                No provisions are recorded for future operating losses.

                        

                Sanofi-aventisSanofi records non-current provisions for certain obligations such as legal environmental obligations and litigation where an outflow of resources is probable and the amount of the outflow can be reliably estimated. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, these provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation, calculated using a discount rate that reflects an estimate of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation.

                Increases in provisions to reflect the effects of the passage of time are recognized inFinancial expenses.

                B.13. Emission rights

                Under international agreements, the European Union has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and instituted an emissions allowance trading scheme. Approximately ten sanofi-aventisSeven Sanofi sites in Europe are directly covered by the scheme. Sanofi-aventisSanofi accounts for emission allowances as follows: the annual allowances allocated by government are recognized as intangible assets measured at fair value at the date of initial recognition, with a matching liability recognized to reflect the government grant effectively arising from the fact that allowances are issued free of charge. As and when allowances are consumed, they are transferred to “Deliverable allowances”"Deliverable allowances" in order to recognize the liability to government in respect of actual CO2 emissions. If the allocated allowances are insufficient to cover actual emissions, an expense is recognized in order to reflect the additional allowances deliverable; this expense is measured at the market value of the allowances.

                B.14. Revenue recognition

                Revenue arising from the sale of goods is presented in the income statement underNet sales. Net sales comprise revenue from sales of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, and active ingredients, net of sales returns, of customer incentives and discounts, and of certain sales-based payments paid or payable to the healthcare authorities.

                        

                Revenue is recognized when all of the following conditions have been met: the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer; the Group no longer has effective control over the goods sold;

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                the amount of revenue and costs associated with the transaction can be measured reliably; and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group, in accordance with IAS 18 (Revenue). In particular,


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                the contracts between sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur and government agencies specify terms for the supply and acceptance of batches of vaccine; revenue is recognized when these conditions are met.

                        

                The Group offers various types of price reductions on its products. In particular, products sold in the United States are covered by various governmental programs (such as Medicare and Medicaid) under which products are sold at a discount. Rebates are granted to healthcare authorities, and under contractual arrangements with certain customers. Some wholesalers are entitled to chargeback incentives based on the selling price to the end customer, under specific contractual arrangements. Cash discounts may also be granted for prompt payment.

                        

                Returns, discounts, incentives and rebates, as described above, are recognized in the period in which the underlying sales are recognized as a reduction of sales revenue.

                        

                These amounts are calculated as follows:

                  Provisions for chargeback incentives are estimated on the basis of the relevant subsidiary’ssubsidiary's standard sales terms and conditions, and in certain cases on the basis of specific contractual arrangements with the customer. They represent management’smanagement's best estimate of the ultimate amount of chargeback incentives that will eventually be claimed by the customer.



                Provisions for rebates based on attainment of sales targets are estimated and accrued as each of the underlying sales transactions is recognized.



                Provisions for price reductions under Government and State programs, largely in the United States, are estimated on the basis of the specific terms of the relevant regulations and/or agreements, and accrued as each of the underlying sales transactions is recognized.



                Provisions for sales returns are calculated on the basis of management’smanagement's best estimate of the amount of product that will ultimately be returned by customers. In countries where product returns are possible, sanofi-aventisSanofi has implemented a returns policy that allows the customer to return products within a certain period either side of the expiry date (usually 6 months before and 12 months after the expiry date). The provision is estimated on the basis of past experience of sales returns.

                        

                The Group also takes account of factors such as levels of inventory in its various distribution channels, product expiry dates, information about potential discontinuation of products, the entry of competing generics into the market, and the launch of over-the-counter medicines.

                        

                In each case, the provisions are subject to continuous review and adjustment as appropriate based on the most recent information available to management.

                        

                The Group believes that it has the ability to measure each of the above provisions reliably, using the following factors in developing its estimates:

                  the nature and patient profile of the underlying product;



                the applicable regulations and/or the specific terms and conditions of contracts with governmental authorities, wholesalers and other customers;



                historical data relating to similar contracts, in the case of qualitative and quantitative rebates and chargeback incentives;



                past experience and sales growth trends for the same or similar products;



                actual inventory levels in distribution channels, monitored by the Group using internal sales data and externally provided data;



                the shelf life of the Group’sGroup's products; and



                market trends including competition, pricing and demand.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                Non-product revenues, mainly comprising royalty income from license arrangements that constitute ongoing operations of the Group (see Note C.), are presented inOther revenues.

                B.15. Cost of sales

                        

                Cost of sales consists primarily of the industrial cost of goods sold, payments made under licensing agreements, and distribution costs. The industrial cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and software, personnel costs, and other expenses attributable to production.

                B.16. Research and development expenses

                        

                Internally generated research costs are expensed as incurred.

                Internally generated pharmaceutical development costs are also expensed as incurred; they are not capitalized, because the criteria for capitalization are considered not to have been met until marketing approval for the related product has been obtained from the regulatory authorities. Recharges to or contributions from alliance partners are recorded as a reduction inResearch and development expenses.

                        

                Note B.4.1. “Research"Research and development not acquired in a business combination”combination" and Note B.4.3. “Intangible"Intangible assets acquired in a business combination”combination" describe the principles applied to the recognition of separately acquired research and development.

                B.17. Other operating income and expenses

                B.17.B.17.1. Other operating income

                        

                Other operating incomeincludes the share of profits that sanofi-aventisSanofi is entitled to receive from alliance partners in respect of product marketing agreements. It also includes revenues generated under certain complex agreements, which may include partnership and co-promotion agreements.

                        

                Upfront payments received are deferred for as long as a service obligation remains. Milestone payments are assessed on a case by case basis, and recognized in the income statement on delivery of the products and/or provision of the services in question. Revenue generated in connection with these services is recognized on the basis of delivery of the goods or provision of the services to the other contracting party.

                        

                This line also includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on operating activities (see Note B.8.4.), and operating gains on disposals not regarded as major disposals (see Note B.20.).

                B.18.B.17.2. Other operating expenses

                        

                Other operating expenses mainly comprise the share of profits that alliance partners are entitled to receive from sanofi-aventisSanofi under product marketing agreements.

                B.19.B.18. Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

                B.19.1.B.18.1. Amortization of intangible assets

                        

                The expenses recorded in this line item mainly comprise amortization of product rights (see Note D.4.), which are presented as a separate item because the benefit of these rights to the Group’sGroup's commercial, industrial and development functions cannot be separately identified.

                        

                Amortization of software is recognized as an expense in the income statement, in the relevant line items of expense by function.


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                B.19.2.
                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                B.18.2. Impairment of intangible assets

                        

                This line item records impairment losses (other than those associated with restructuring) recognized against intangible assets (including goodwill), and any reversals of such impairment losses.

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)B.19. Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities

                Year ended December 31, 2010        Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration that was (i) already carried in the books of an acquired entity or (ii) granted in connection with a business combination and initially recognized as a liability are reported in profit or loss in accordance with the principles described in Note B.3.1. Such adjustments are reported separately in the income statement, in the line item

                Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities. This line item also includes the effect of the unwinding of discount, and of exchange rate movements where the liability is expressed in a currency other than the functional currency of the reporting entity.

                B.20. Restructuring costs and GainsOther gains and losses, on disposals, and litigation

                B.20.1. Restructuring costs

                        

                Restructuring costsinclude early retirement benefits, compensation for early termination of contracts, and rationalization costs relating to restructured sites. Asset impairment losses directly attributable to restructuring are also recorded on this line. Restructuring costs included on this line relate only to unusual and major restructuring plans.

                B.20.2. GainsOther gains and losses, on disposals, and litigation

                        

                This line item comprises includes the impact of material transactions of an unusual nature or amount which the Group believes it necessary to report separately in the income statement in order to improve the relevance of the financial statements.

                        The line itemOther gains and losses, and litigation includes the following:

                  gains and losses on major disposals of property, plant and equipment, andof intangible assets, of assets (or groups of assets and liabilities) held for sale, or of a business within the meaning of the revised IFRS 3, other than those considered to be restructuring costs;

                  impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses on assets (or groups of assets and liabilities) held for sale, other than those considered to be restructuring costs;

                  expenses related to the reclassification of non-current assets previously accounted for as held for sale, where the amounts involved relate to previously-reported periods;

                  gains on bargain purchases; and

                  costs and provisions relatedrelating to major litigation.

                B.21. Financial expenses/expenses and income

                B.21.1. Financial expenses

                        

                Financial expensesmainly comprise interest charges on debt financing, negative changes in the fair value of financial instruments (where changes in fair value are taken to the income statement), realized and unrealized foreign exchange losses on financing and investing activities, and impairment losses on financial instruments. They also include any reversals of impairment losses on financial instruments.

                        

                Financial expenses also include the expenses arising from the unwinding of discount on non-current provisions, except provisions for retirement benefits and other long-term employee benefits. This line does not include cash discounts, which are deducted from net sales.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                B.21.2. Financial income

                        

                Financial income includes interest and dividend income, positive changes in the fair value of financial instruments (where changes in fair value are taken to the income statement), realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains on financing and investing activities, and gains or losses on disposals of financial assets.

                B.22. Income tax expense

                        

                Income tax expense includes all current and deferred taxes of consolidated companies.

                        

                Sanofi-aventisThe Sanofi Group accounts for deferred taxes in accordance with IAS 12 (Income Taxes), using the methods described below.

                        

                Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on taxable and deductible temporary differences, and on tax loss carry-forwards. Temporary differences are differences between the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the balance sheet and its tax base.

                Reforms to French business taxes were enacted on December 31, 2009 and apply as from January 1, 2010. The new tax, the CET (Contribution Economique Territoriale), has two components: the CFE (Cotisation FonciereFoncière des Entreprises) and the CVAE (Cotisation sur la Valeur Ajoutée des Entreprises). The second component is determined by applying a rate to the amount of value added generated by the business during the year.

                        

                Given that part of the CVAE component is calculated as the amount by which certain revenues exceed certain expenses, and given that this tax will be borne primarily by companies that own intellectual property rights on income derived from those rights (royalties, and margin on sales to third parties and to other Group companies), sanofi-aventisthe Group regards the CVAE component as meeting the definition of income taxes specified in IAS 12, paragraph 2 (“("taxes which are based on taxable profits”profits").

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the tax rate expected to apply in the period when a temporary difference is expected to reverse, based on tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

                        

                UnusedDeferred tax assets are recognized in respect of deductible temporary differences, tax losses available for carry-forward and unused tax credits are recognized as deferred tax assets to the extent that itfuture recovery is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized.regarded as probable. The recoverability of deferred tax assets is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking account of the profit forecasts contained in the Group's long-term business plan.

                        

                Sanofi-aventisThe Sanofi Group recognizes a deferred tax liability for temporary differences relating to interests in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures except when the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences. This applies in particular when the Group is able to control dividend policy and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

                        

                No deferred tax is recognized on eliminations of intragroup transfers of interests in subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures.

                        

                For consolidation purposes, each tax entity calculates its own net deferred tax position. All net deferred tax asset and liability positions are then aggregated and shown as separate line items on the assets and liabilities sides of the consolidated balance sheet respectively. Deferred tax assets and liabilities can be offset only if (i) the Group has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities, and (ii) the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority.

                        

                Deferred taxes are not discounted, except implicitly in the case of deferred taxes on assets and liabilities which are themselves discounted.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                        

                Withholding taxes on intragroup royalties and dividends, and on royalties and dividends collected from third parties, are accounted for as current income taxes.

                        

                In accounting for business combinations, the Sanofi Group complies with the revised IFRS 3 as regards the recognition of deferred tax assets after the initial accounting period. This means that the Group recognizes in profit or loss for the period any deferred tax assets recognized by the acquiree after the end of this period on temporary differences or tax loss carry-forwards existing at the acquisition date. Under

                        The positions adopted by the pre-revision IFRS 3, applicable priorGroup in tax matters are based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Some of these positions may be subject to January 1, 2010, such items were recognized as a reduction inuncertainty. The Group assesses the amount of goodwill.

                the tax liability to be recognized on the basis of the following assumptions: that its position will be examined by one or more tax authorities on the basis of all relevant information; that a technical assessment is carried out with reference to legislation, case law, regulations, and established practice; and that each position is assessed individually, with no offset or aggregation between positions. The line itemIncome tax expense includes the effect of tax disputes, and any penalties and late payment interest arising from such disputes.

                B.23. Employee benefit obligations

                        

                Sanofi-aventisThe Sanofi Group offers retirement benefits to employees and retirees of the Group. These benefits are accounted for in accordance with IAS 19 (Employee Benefits).

                        

                These benefits are in the form of either defined-contribution plans or defined-benefit plans.

                        

                In the case of defined-contribution plans, the contributions paid by sanofi-aventisSanofi are expensed in the period in which they occur, and no actuarial estimate is performed.

                        

                In the case of defined-benefit plans, sanofi-aventisSanofi recognizes its obligations to employees as a liability, based on an actuarial estimate of the rights vested and/or currently vesting in employees and retirees using the projected unit credit method. The amount of the liability is recognized net of the fair value of plan assets.

                        

                These estimates are performed at least once a year, and rely on demographic and financial assumptions aboutsuch as life expectancy, employee turnover, and salary increases. The estimated obligation is discounted.

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                In the case of multi-employer defined-benefit plans where plan assets cannot be allocated to each participating employer with sufficient reliability, the plan is accounted for as a defined-contribution plan, in accordance with paragraph 30 of IAS 19.

                        

                Obligations in respect of other post-employment benefits (healthcare, life insurance) offered by Group companies to employees are also recognized as a liability based on an actuarial estimate of the rights vested or currently vesting in employees and retirees at the balance sheet date.

                        

                Actuarial gains and losses relating to defined-benefit plans (pensions and other post-employment benefits), arising from the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and experience adjustments, are recognized in equity net of deferred taxes via the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, under the option allowed by the amendment to IAS 19.

                        All unrecognized actuarial gains and losses at the transition date, (JanuaryJanuary 1, 2004)2004, were recognized inEquity attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventisSanofi at that date in accordance with the optional treatment allowed in IFRS 1.

                        

                Past service cost is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. If benefits are already vested on the introduction of, or changes to, a defined-benefit plan, past service cost is recognized immediately as an expense.

                        

                Actuarial gains and losses and past service cost relating to other long-term employee benefits are recognized immediately in the income statement.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                B.24. Share-based payment

                B.24.1. Stock option plans

                        

                Sanofi-aventisSanofi has granted a number of equity-settled, share-based payment plans (stock option plans) to some of its employees.

                        

                In accordance with IFRS 2 (Share-Based Payment), services received from employees as consideration for stock options are recognized as an expense in the income statement, with the matching entry recognized in equity. The expense corresponds to the fair value of the stock option plans, and is charged to income on a straight-line basis over the four-year vesting period of the plan.

                        

                The fair value of stock option plans is measured at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model, taking into account the expected life of the options. The expense recognized in this evaluation takes into account the expected cancellation rate of the options. The expense is adjusted over the vesting period to reflect the actual cancellation rates resulting from the departure of the holders of the options.

                B.24.2. Employee share ownership plans

                        

                The sanofi-aventisSanofi Group may offer its employees the opportunity to subscribe to reserved share issues at a discount to the reference market price. Shares allotted to employees under these plans fall within the scope of IFRS 2. The discount is measured at the subscription date and recognized as an expense, with no reduction for any lock-up period.

                B.24.3. Restricted share plans

                        

                Sanofi-aventisSanofi may award restricted share plans to certain of its employees. The terms of these plans may make the award contingent on performance criteria for some grantees.

                        

                In accordance with IFRS 2, an expense equivalent to the fair value of such plans is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the plan, with the matching entry credited to equity. Depending on the country, the vesting period of such plans is eitherbetween two orand four years. Plans with a two-year or three-year vesting period are subject to a two-year lock-up period.

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                The fair value of stock option plans is based on the fair value of the equity instruments granted, representing the fair value of the services received during the vesting period. The fair value of an equity instrument granted under a plan is the market price of the share at the grant date, adjusted for expected dividends during the vesting period.

                B.25. Earnings per share

                        

                Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period, adjusted on a time-weighted basis from the acquisition date to reflect the number of sanofi-aventisSanofi shares held by the Group. Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of ordinary shares, computed using the treasury stock method.

                        

                This method assumes that (a) all outstanding dilutive options and warrants are exercised, and (b) the Group acquires its own shares at the quoted market price for an amount equivalent to the cash received as consideration for the exercise of the options or warrants, plus the expense arising on unamortized stock options.


                In the eventTable of a stock split or restricted share issue, earnings per share for prior periods is adjusted accordingly.Contents


                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                B.26. Segment information

                        

                In accordance with IFRS 8 (Operating Segments), the segment information reported by sanofi-aventisSanofi is prepared on the basis of internal management data provided to the Chief Executive Officer, who is the Group’sGroup's chief operating decision maker. The performance of these segments is monitored individually using internal reports and common indicators.

                        

                Sanofi-aventis reports information for twoThe segments reported by the Group correspond to its operating segments, with no aggregation. The Group consists of three operating segments: Pharmaceuticals, and Human Vaccines (Vaccines). and Animal Health. All other activities are combined in a separate segment, Other. These segments reflect the Group’sGroup's internal organizational structure, and are used internally for performance measurement and resource allocation.

                        

                Information on operating segments is provided in Note D.34. “Split"Split of net sales”sales" and Note D.35. “Segment information”"Segment information".

                B.27. Management of capital

                        

                In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group can adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, or repurchase its own shares, or issue new shares, or issue securities giving access to its capital.

                        

                The following objectives are defined under the terms of the Group’sGroup's share repurchase programs:

                  the implementation of any stock option plan giving entitlement to purchase shares in the Sanofi parent company;

                  the allotment or sale of shares to employees under statutory profit-sharing schemes and employee savings plans;

                  the awarding of restricted shares;

                  the cancellation of some or all of the repurchased shares;

                  market-making in the secondary market in the shares by an investment services provider under a liquidity contract in compliance with the ethical code recognized by theAutorité des marchés financiers;

                  the delivery of shares on the exercise of rights attached to securities giving access to the capital by redemption, conversion, exchange, presentation of a warrant or any other means;

                  the delivery of shares (in exchange, as payment, or otherwise) in connection with mergers and acquisitions;

                  the execution by an investment services provider of purchases, sales or transfers by any means, in particular via off-market trading;

                  or any other purpose that is or may in the future be authorized under the applicable laws and regulations.

                        

                the implementation of any stock option plan giving entitlement to purchase shares in the sanofi-aventis parent company;

                the allotment or sale of shares to employees under statutory profit-sharing schemes and employee savings plans;

                the award of restricted shares;

                the cancellation of some or all of the repurchased shares;

                market-making in the secondary market in the shares by an investment services provider under a liquidity contract in compliance with the ethical code recognized by theAutorité des marchés financiers;

                the delivery of shares on the exercise of rights attached to securities giving access to the capital by redemption, conversion, exchange, presentation of a warrant or any other means;

                the delivery of shares (in exchange, as payment, or otherwise) in connection with mergers and acquisitions;

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                the execution by an investment services provider of purchases, sales or transfers by any means, in particular via off-market trading;

                or any other purpose that is or may in the future be authorized under the applicable laws and regulations.

                The Group is not subject to any constraints on equity capital imposed by third parties.

                The gearing ratio (the ratio of debt, net of cash and cash equivalents to total equity) is a non-GAAP financial indicator used by management to measure overall net indebtedness and to manage the Group’s equity capital.

                Total equity includesEquity attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventisSanofi andEquity attributable to non-controlling interests, as shown on the consolidated balance sheet. Debt,We define "Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents is definedequivalents" as (i) the sum total of short-term debt, plus long-term debt plus relatedand interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt, minus (ii) the sum total of cash and cash equivalents and interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge cash and cash equivalents.

                For trends in this ratio, see Note D.17.

                B.28. New pronouncements issued by the IASB standards, amendments and interpretations applicable from 20112013 onwards

                        

                New standards, amendments and interpretationspronouncements applicable in 20102012 with an impact on the consolidated financial statements are described in Note A.2. “New standards, amendments and interpretations applicable in 2010”.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                        

                The note below describes standards, amendments and interpretations issued by the IASB that will be mandatorily applicablehave mandatory application in 20112013 or subsequent years, and the Group’sGroup's position regarding future application. None of these standards, amendments or interpretations has been early adopted by sanofi-aventis.

                the Group.

                B.28.1. Standards and amendments applicable to the sanofi-aventisSanofi consolidated financial statements

                        In May 2011, the IASB issued five standards (or amendments to standards) designed to improve the principles applied in the preparation of consolidated financial statements and the disclosure requirements for joint arrangements and for any type of entity in which an interest is held. In June 2012, the Accounting Regulatory Committee (ARC) issued a recommendation that these five pronouncements (the first five listed below) should have mandatory application within the European Union no later than annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, with an option for early adoption. The Sanofi Group will apply these standards and amendments (all of which were endorsed by the European Union in December 2012) with effect from January 1, 2013.

                  IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements) supersedes the parts of IAS 27 (Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements) relating to consolidated financial statements, and SIC-12 (Consolidation — Special Purpose Entities). The new standard redefines the concept of control. The Group has completed its assessment of IFRS 10, which will have no impact on the scope of consolidation.

                  IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements) supersedes IAS 31 (Interests in Joint Ventures) and SIC-13 (Jointly Controlled Entities — Non-Monetary Contributions by Venturers). The new standard establishes principles that are applicable to the accounting for arrangements that give joint control, which are classified either as a "joint operation" or as a "joint venture". Whether an arrangement is classified as a joint operation or a joint venture depends on the rights to the assets of the arrangement, and obligations for the liabilities of the arrangement, of each of the parties under the terms of the contractual arrangement establishing joint control. Under IFRS 11, proportionate consolidation is no longer a permitted option; the Group has not made use of this option. The Group has completed its assessment of IFRS 11, which will have no impact on the scope of consolidation.

                  IFRS 12 (Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities) covers all the disclosures required when an entity holds interests in subsidiaries, associates or unconsolidated structured entities, regardless of the level of control or influence over the entity. The impact of this standard on the notes to the financial statements is currently under review.

                        Two standards — IAS 27 (Consolidated and Separated Financial Statements) and IAS 28 (Investments in Associates) were amended, to bring them into line with the changes introduced by the publication of IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12.

                  The amended IAS 27 (Separate Financial Statements) is now limited to the provisions applicable to accounting for interests in subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates by reporting entities that prepare separate financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

                  The amended IAS 28 (Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures) must be applied in accounting for interests in associates, and for interests in joint ventures as defined in IFRS 11.

                  In June 2012, the IASB issued "Transition Guidance", a further amendment to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12.

                In October 2010,2012, the IASB issued an amendment to IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures).10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 on Investment Entities. This amendment is applicable to annual periods beginning on or after Julyfrom January 1, 2011,2014, and has not yet been endorsed by the European Union. The Group does not expect this amendment to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements. An investment entity is an entity meeting specific criteria; in particular its corporate purpose is to invest funds in order to obtain returns in the form of capital appreciation or investment income. The amendment requires investment entities to account for their investment in the entities they control at fair value through profit or loss; this is an exception to the IFRS 10 consolidation requirements. The Group does not expect this amendment to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                        In May 2011, the IASB and the FASB jointly issued a standard proposing a common definition of fair value, and application guidance. The standard — IFRS 13 (Fair Value Measurement) under IFRS — also specifies the disclosures to be made to help users of financial statements understand how fair value is measured. The standard does not change the scope of application of fair value accounting. It will have mandatory application as from January 1, 2013 and was endorsed by the European Union in December 2012. The Group is intendedcurrently assessing this new standard, but does not expect it to improve disclosure about transfershave a material impact on the financial statements.

                        In June 2011, the IASB issued an amended version of IAS 19, which will have mandatory application from January 1, 2013 and was endorsed by the European Union on June 5, 2012. The amendment must be applied retrospectively, which means that it must be applied to comparative periods as though it had always been applied.

                  The principal changes to IAS 19 are as follows:

                  The main change is to the method applied in determining the assumption used for the long-term return on plan assets, which will now be based on the discount rate used to measure the present value of the obligation. The current method is based on the expected return on plan assets. Net interest expense on a defined-benefit liability now consists of two components: interest expense, and interest income.

                  The amended IAS 19 also eliminates the option of deferring actuarial gains and losses under the "corridor" method. Under the revised standard, all actuarial gains and losses must be recognized directly in other comprehensive income. The Group already applies this method.

                  Finally, the amended standard eliminates the deferral of unvested past service cost, which must now be recognized immediately in profit or loss.

                        Applying the amendments to IAS 19 would have had an overall negative impact on net income of €78 million in 2012 and €47 million in 2011. The main components of the impact are:

                    Negative impact of the change in the discount rate used to determine the return on plan assets: €99 million in 2012, €80 million in 2011.

                    Positive impact of (i) the elimination of deferral of unvested past service cost and (ii) the immediate recognition in profit or loss of all the effects of plan amendments: €6 million in 2012, €21 million in 2011.

                        In December 2011, the IASB issued two amendments on the offsetting of financial assets in particular securitization transactions. It doesand financial liabilities:

                    Amendment to IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures), applicable retrospectively to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, which introduced additional disclosure requirements about the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities.

                    Amendment to IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Presentation), applicable retrospectively to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, which clarified the requirements relating to offsetting.

                        These amendments, which do not alter the waycurrent accounting treatment of offsetting, have no impact on the Group's financial statements. They were endorsed by the European Union in which securitizations are currently accounted for, but specifies the disclosures that must be made.December 2012.

                        

                In May 2010,2012, the IASB issued the third “ImprovementsAnnual Improvements to IFRSs”,IFRSs: 2009-2011 Cycle, as part of its annual process of revising and improving existing standards. This documentpronouncement has not yet been endorsed by the European Union. The amendments contained in this document do not contradict existing standards, but merely provide clarification. Most of these amendments (applicable to annual periods beginning on or after July1, 2010) are intended to clarify how the revised IFRS 3 (Business Combinations) is toit contains will be applied, and to achieve consistency between the revised IFRS 3, the amended IAS 27 (Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements), and other IASB pronouncements affected by the application of these two standards. Sanofi-aventis does not expect any material impact from the application of the 2010 “Improvements to IFRSs”, which also contains an amendment to IAS 34 (Interim Financial Reporting), applicable to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011. This amendment requires2013. The Group does not expect these amendments to have a material impact on its financial statements. The principal amendments are:

                    IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements): clarification of the requirements for comparative information and consistency with the conceptual framework.

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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                    IAS 16 (Property, Plant and Equipment): classification of servicing equipment.

                    IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Presentation): tax effects of distributions to holders of equity instruments, and of transaction costs of an equity transaction.

                    IAS 34 (Interim Financial Reporting): interim financial reports to include an explanation of eventsreporting and transactions that are significant to an understanding of changes in the financial positionsegment information for total assets and performance of the reporting entity.

                    liabilities.

                        

                In late 2009, the IASB issued the following standards and amendments, of which only IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments), which has not yet been endorsed by the European Union:

                Amendment to IAS 24 (Related Party Disclosures). This amendment, applicable to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011, sets out the disclosure requirements in respect of future

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                commitments related to a particular event involving related parties. Sanofi-aventis already discloses such information. The amendment also simplified the disclosure requirements for government-related entities; this part of the amendment does not apply to sanofi-aventis.

                IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments).Union. This standard is applicable to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013,2015, and completes the first of the three phases of the IASB financial instruments project. The next two phases will deal with “Financial"Financial Instruments: Amortized Cost and Impairment”Impairment" and “Hedge Accounting”"Hedge Accounting". Final completion of IFRS 9 is scheduled for the first half of 2011. The three phases of IFRS 9 are intended to replace IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement). The Group will assess the overall impact of IFRS 9 once all the phases have been published.

                        

                Amendment to IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Presentation), on the classification of rights issues. This amendment is applicable to annual periods beginning on or after February 1, 2010, and deals with issues of subscription rights in a currency other than the issuer’s functional currency. To date, such issues have been accounted for as derivatives (i.e. as a liability). Under the amendment, subscription rights must be recognized as equity when certain conditions are met, irrespective of the currency in which the exercise price is expressed. Because sanofi-aventis has not issued any instruments of this type, this amendment does not apply to the consolidated financial statements.

                In December 2010,March 2012, the IASB issued "Government Loans", an amendment to IFRS 1. Because IFRS 1 deals with the following amendments, which havefirst-time adoption of IFRS, this amendment is not applicable to the Group.

                B.28.2. New interpretations

                        The IASB has issued IFRIC 20 (Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine). This interpretation will be applicable from January 2013, and has not yet been endorsed by the European Union:

                Amendment to IAS 12 (Income Taxes). This amendment, applicable to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012, provides a practical approach for measuring deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets when investment property is measured using the fair value model in IAS 40 (Investment Property). Because sanofi-aventis does not own any investment property measured in accordance with IAS 40, this amendmentUnion. It does not apply to the consolidated financial statements.

                Amendments to IFRS 1 (First-Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards). Two amendments to IFRS 1 have been issued. The first allows first-time adopters to derecognize their financial assets and financial liabilities prospectively at the date of transition to IFRS, rather than from the fixed date (January 1, 2004) initially stipulated in IFRS 1. Such derecognition must comply with IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement). The second gives guidance on how an entity should present IFRS financial statements after a period during which it has been unable to do so because of severe hyperinflation. These amendments are applicable to annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011, but because they apply solely to first-time adopters of IFRS they have no impact on the sanofi-aventis consolidated financial statements.

                B.28.2. New interpretations

                The IASB has also issued the following interpretations, which are mandatorily applicable from 2011 onwards and had been endorsed by the European Union at the balance sheet date:

                IFRIC 19 (Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments). This interpretation, which applies to annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2010, addresses the classification and measurement methods to be used by an entity when the terms of a financial liability are renegotiated and result in the entity issuing equity instruments to a creditor to extinguish all or partactivities of the financial liability. Given the absence of any transaction falling within the scope of this interpretation, IFRIC 19 does not apply to the sanofi-aventis consolidated financial statements.

                Amendment to IFRIC 14 (IAS 19 — The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction). This amendment, applicable to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011, clarifies the accounting treatment of voluntary prepayments intended to meet minimum funding requirements. It will be applicable from 2011 onwards, and has no impact on the sanofi-aventis consolidated financial statements.

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)Group.

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                C. ALLIANCES

                C.1. Alliance arrangements with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)

                        

                Two of the Group’sGroup's leading products were jointly developed with BMS: the anti-hypertensive agent irbesartan (Aprovel®(Aprovel®/Avapro®Avapro®/Karvea®Karvea®) and the anti-atherothrombosis treatment clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix®(Plavix®/Iscover®Iscover®).

                As inventor of the two molecules, sanofi-aventisSanofi is paid a royalty on alla portion of sales generated by these products.products in the co-promotion and co-marketing territories. The portion of this royalty received by sanofi-aventisSanofi on sales generated by BMS in territories under the operational management of BMS (see below) is recorded inOther revenues. As co-developers of the products, sanofi-aventisSanofi and BMS each receive equal development royalties from their two licensees, which have been responsible, since 1997, for marketing the products using their local distribution networks, composed of subsidiaries of both groups. These licensees operate in two separate territories: (i) Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, under the operational management of sanofi-aventis;Sanofi; and (ii) other countries (excluding Japan), under the operational management of BMS. In Japan, Aprovel®Aprovel® has since June 2008 been marketed jointly by Shionogi Pharmaceuticals and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd.Ltd since June 2008. The alliance with BMS does not cover the rights to Plavix®Plavix® in Japan, where the product is marketed by sanofi-aventis.Sanofi.

                        

                The products are marketed in different ways in different countries.

                        

                Co-promotion consists of a pooling of sales resources under a single brand name, and is preferably achieved through contracts or through appropriate tax-transparent legal entities. Each partner records directly its share of taxable income.

                        

                Co-marketing consists of separate marketing of the products by each local affiliate using its own name and resources under different brand names for the product.

                        

                In certain countries of Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, the products are marketed on an exclusive basis by sanofi-aventis.Sanofi.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                        

                In the territory managed by sanofi-aventis,Sanofi, operations are recognized by the Group as follows:

                  (i)
                  In most countries of Western Europe and in some Asian countries (excluding Japan) for clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix®/Iscover®) only, co-promotion is used for both products. The legal entities used are partnerships (sociétés en participation) or other tax-transparent entities, which are majority-owned by and under the operational management of the Group. Sanofi recognizes all the revenue associated with the sale of the drugs, as well as the corresponding expenses. The share of profits reverting to BMS subsidiaries is shown inNet income attributable to non-controlling interests in the income statement, with no tax effect (because BMS receives a pre-tax share of profits).

                    The line itemNon-controlling interests, excluding BMS in the consolidated statement of cash flows takes account of the specific terms of the alliance agreement.

                  (ii)
                  In Germany, Spain and Greece, and in Italy for irbesartan (Aprovel®/Avapro®/ Karvea®/Karvezide®) only, co-marketing is used for both products, and Sanofi recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations.

                  (iii)
                  In those countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia (excluding Japan) where the products are marketed exclusively by Sanofi, the Group recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations. Sanofi has had the exclusive right to market Aprovel® in Scandinavia and in Ireland since September 2006, and the exclusive right to market Plavix® in Malaysia since January 1, 2010.

                        

                (i)

                In most countries of Western Europe and in some Asian countries (excluding Japan) for clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix®/Iscover®) only, co-promotion is used for both products. The legal entities used are partnerships (sociétés en participation) or other tax-transparent entities, which are majority-owned by and under the operational management of the Group. Sanofi-aventis recognizes all the revenue associated with the sale of the drugs, as well as the corresponding expenses. The share of profits reverting to BMS subsidiaries is shown inNet income attributable to non-controlling interests in the income statement, with no tax effect (because BMS receives a pre-tax share of profits).

                The line itemNon-controlling interests, excluding BMS in the consolidated statement of cash flows takes account of the specific terms of the alliance agreement.

                (ii)

                In Germany, Spain and Greece, and in Italy for irbesartan (Aprovel®/Avapro®/ Karvea®) only, co-marketing is used for both products, and sanofi-aventis recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations.

                (iii)

                In those countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia (excluding Japan) where the products are marketed exclusively by sanofi-aventis, the Group recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations. Sanofi-aventis has had the exclusive right to market Aprovel® in Scandinavia and in Ireland since September 2006, and the exclusive right to market Plavix® in Malaysia since January 1, 2010.

                In the territory managed by BMS, operations are recognized by the Group as follows:

                  (i)
                  Co-promotion is used in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico through entities that are majority-owned by and under the operational management of BMS. Sanofi does not recognize revenues; rather, it invoices the entity for its promotion expenses, records its royalty income inOther revenues, and records its share of profits (net of tax) inShare of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures.

                  (ii)
                  In Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Australia for clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix®/Iscover®) and for irbesartan (Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea®/Karvezide®) and in Colombia for clopidogrel bisulfate only, co-marketing is used, and Sanofi recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations.

                  (iii)
                  In certain other Latin American countries, where the products are marketed exclusively by Sanofi, the Group recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations.

                        On September 27, 2012, Sanofi and BMS signed an agreement relating to their alliance following the loss of exclusivity of Plavix® and Avapro®/Avalide® in many major markets.

                (i)

                Co-promotion is used in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico through entities that are majority-owned by and under the operational management of BMS. Sanofi-aventis does not recognize revenues;

                        Under the terms of this new agreement, which took effect on January 1, 2013, BMS will return to Sanofi its rights to Plavix® and Avapro®/Avalide® in all markets worldwide with the exception of Plavix in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, giving Sanofi sole control and freedom to operate commercially. In exchange, BMS will receive royalty payments on Sanofi's sales of branded and unbranded Plavix® and Avapro®/Avalide® worldwide (except for Plavix® in the United States and Puerto Rico) until 2018, and will also receive a payment of $200 million from Sanofi in December 2018, part of which will be to buy out the non-controlling interests (see Notes D.16. and D.18.). Rights to Plavix® in the United States and Puerto Rico remain unchanged and continue to be governed by the terms of the original agreement until December 2019.

                        In addition, under the terms of the agreement ongoing disputes between the companies related to the alliance have been resolved. The resolution of these disputes includes various commitments by both companies, including a one-time payment of $80 million by BMS to Sanofi as compensation for the loss caused by the Avalide® supply disruption in the United States in 2011.


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                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010C.2. Alliance arrangements with Regeneron

                Collaboration agreement on Zaltrap® (aflibercept)

                        Zaltrap® (aflibercept) is a solution administered by intravenous perfusion, used in association with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) as a treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer.

                        In September 2003, Sanofi and Regeneron signed an agreement to collaborate on the development and commercialization of Zaltrap® (see Note D.21.). Under the terms of this agreement (as amended in 2005), Sanofi is responsible for funding 100% of the development costs, co-promotion rights are shared between Sanofi and Regeneron, and the profits generated from sales of Zaltrap® worldwide (except Japan) are shared equally. Sales of Zaltrap® made by subsidiaries under the control of Sanofi are recognized in consolidated net sales, and the associated costs incurred by those subsidiaries are recognized as operating expenses in the consolidated income statement. Regeneron's share of the profits is recognized in the line itemOther operating expenses, a component of operating income.

                        Under the terms of the same agreement, Regeneron agreed to repay 50% of the development costs initially funded by Sanofi. Contractually, this amount represents 5% of the residual repayment obligation per quarter, but may not exceed Regeneron's profit share for the quarter unless Regeneron voluntarily decides to make a larger payment in a given quarter.

                rather, it invoices the entity for its promotion expenses, records its royalty income inOther revenues, and records its share of profits (net of tax) inShare of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures.

                        The agreement also stipulates milestone payments to be made by Sanofi on receipt of specified marketing approvals for Zaltrap® in the United States, within the European Union and in Japan.

                (ii)

                In Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Australia for clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix®/Iscover®) and for irbesartan (Aprovel®/Avapro®/Karvea® ) and in Colombia for clopidogrel bisulfate only, co-marketing is used, and sanofi-aventis recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations.

                        In the United States, Zaltrap® is a registered trademark of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The product was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2012, and has been marketed in the United States since that date.

                (iii)In certain other Latin American countries, where the products are marketed exclusively by sanofi-aventis, the Group recognizes revenues and expenses generated by its own operations.

                        In Japan, Sanofi will develop and commercialize Zaltrap®, with Regeneron entitled to receive a royalty.

                Collaboration agreement on the discovery, development and commercialization of human therapeutic antibodies

                        In November 2007, Sanofi and Regeneron signed additional agreements under which Sanofi committed to funding the development costs of Regeneron's human monoclonal antibody research program until 2017, up to a maximum of $160 million a year (see Note D.21.). Sanofi has an option to license for further development any antibodies discovered by Regeneron that attain Investigational New Drug (IND) status.

                        If such an option is exercised, Sanofi is primarily responsible for funding, and co-develops the antibody with Regeneron. Sanofi and Regeneron would share co-promotion rights and profits on sales of the co-developed antibodies. Development costs for the drug candidate are shared between the companies, with Sanofi generally funding these costs up front, except that following receipt of the first positive Phase III trial results for a co-developed drug candidate, subsequent Phase III trial-related costs for that drug candidate are shared 80% by Sanofi and 20% by Regeneron. Once a product begins to be marketed, Regeneron will progressively repay out of its profits 50% of the development costs borne by Sanofi for all antibodies licensed by Sanofi. However, Regeneron are not required to apply more than 10% of its share of the profits from collaboration products in any calendar quarter towards reimbursing Sanofi for these development costs. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Sanofi may also be required to make milestone payments based on aggregate sales of antibodies. In 2012, six antibodies were in clinical development; two of which were in Phase III.

                        If Sanofi does not exercise its licensing option for an antibody under development, Sanofi will be entitled to receive a royalty once the antibody begins to be marketed.


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                C.2.
                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                C.3. Alliance agreements with Warner Chilcott (previously with Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, the “Alliance Partner”"Alliance Partner")

                        

                Actonel®Actonel® (risedronate sodium) is a new-generation biphosphonate indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Historically, Actonel®Actonel® was developed and marketed in collaboration with Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals. Procter & Gamble sold its pharmaceuticals interests to Warner Chilcott on October 30, 2009. Consequently, Actonel®Actonel® has, since that date, been marketed in collaboration with Warner Chilcott.

                        

                This alliance agreement covers the worldwide development and marketing of the product, except for Japan for which sanofi-aventisthe Group holds no rights.

                        

                Local marketing arrangements may take various forms:

                  Co-promotion, whereby sales resources are pooled but only one of the two parties to the alliance agreement (Sanofi or the Alliance Partner) invoices product sales. Co-promotion is carried out under contractual agreements and is not based on any specific legal entity. The Alliance Partner sells the product and incurs all the related costs in France and Canada. This co-promotion scheme also included Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg until December 31, 2007, the Netherlands until March 31, 2008, and the United States and Puerto Rico until March 31, 2010. Sanofi recognizes its share of revenues under the agreement as a component of operating income on theOther operating income line. Since April 1, 2010, Sanofi has received royalties from the Alliance Partner on sales made by the Alliance Partner in the United States and Puerto Rico. In the secondary co-promotion territories (the United Kingdom until December 31, 2008, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal and Australia) Sanofi sells the product, and recognizes all the revenues from sales of the product along with the corresponding expenses. The share due to the Alliance Partner is recognized inCost of sales.

                  Co-promotion, whereby sales resources are pooled but only one of the two parties to the alliance agreement (sanofi-aventis or the Alliance Partner) invoices product sales. Co-promotion is carried out under contractual agreements and is not based on any specific legal entity. The Alliance Partner sells the product and incurs all the related costs in France and Canada. This co-promotion scheme also included Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg until December 31, 2007, the Netherlands until March 31, 2008, and the United States and Puerto Rico until March 31, 2010. Sanofi-aventis recognizes its share of revenues under the agreement as a component of operating income on theOther operating income line. Since April 1, 2010, sanofi-aventis has received royalties from the Alliance Partner on sales made by the Alliance Partner in the United States and Puerto Rico. In the secondary co-promotion territories (the United Kingdom until December 31, 2008, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal and Australia) sanofi-aventis sells the product, and recognizes all the revenues from sales of the product along with the corresponding expenses. The share due to the Alliance Partner is recognized inCost of sales.

                Co-marketing, which applies in Italy, whereby each party to the alliance agreement sells the product in the country under its own name, and recognizes all revenue and expenses from its own operations in its income statement. Each company also markets the product independently under its own brand name in Spain, although Spain is not included in the co-marketing territory.



                The product has been marketed by the Alliance Partner independently in Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg since January 1, 2008; in the Netherlands since April 1, 2008; and in the United Kingdom since January 1, 2009. Sanofi recognizes its share of revenues under the alliance agreement inOther operating income.

                In all other territories, Sanofi has exclusive rights to sell the product and recognizes all revenues and expenses from its own operations in its income statement, but in return for these exclusive rights pays the Alliance Partner a royalty based on actual sales. This royalty is recognized inCost of sales.

                        

                The product has been marketed by the Alliance Partner independently in Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg since January 1, 2008; in the Netherlands since April 1, 2008; and in the United Kingdom since January 1, 2009. Sanofi-aventis recognizes its share of revenues under the alliance agreement inOther operating income.

                In all other territories, sanofi-aventis has exclusive rights to sell the product and recognizes all revenue and expenses from its own operations in its income statement, but in return for these exclusive rights pays the Alliance Partner a royalty based on actual sales. This royalty is recognized inCost of sales.

                Sanofi-aventisIn 2010, Sanofi and Warner Chilcott have begunbegan negotiations on the future of their alliance arrangements.

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) In an arbitration proceeding, an arbitration panel decided on July 14, 2011 that the termination by Warner Chilcott of an ancillary agreement did not entail the termination of the Actonel® Alliance. Pursuant to this decision, the alliance will remain in effect until January 1, 2015.

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                D. DETAILED NOTES TOPRESENTATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                D.1. Significant acquisitionsImpact of changes in the scope of consolidation

                        

                Business combinations completed on or after January 1, 2010 are accounted for using the acquisition method in accordance with the revised IFRS 3. The accounting policies applicable to business combinations are described in Note B.3.1.

                D.1.1. Business combinations during 2012

                        During the year, Sanofi completed the acquisitions of Pluromed, Inc. (Biosurgery) and Newport (Animal Health). The impact of these acquisitions was not material at Group level (see Note D.4.).


                Table of Contents

                D.1.1. Principal
                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                D.1.2. Final purchase price allocation for 2011 acquisitions

                  – Genzyme

                        Sanofi acquired control of Genzyme Corporation (Genzyme) at a cash price of $74 per share or $20.4 billion (€14.3 billion) on April 4, 2011, the completion date of the public exchange offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Genzyme. Genzyme, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanofi, is a biotechnology group headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts (United States). Genzyme's primary areas of focus were rare diseases, renal endocrinology, oncology and biosurgery.

                        As part of the acquisition, Sanofi issued one contingent value right (CVR) per Genzyme share held by Genzyme shareholders. Sanofi issued 291 million CVRs.

                        The CVRs (representing a maximum commitment of $4.1 billion at the acquisition date) are listed on the NASDAQ market under the ticker "GCVRZ". As of April 4, 2011, the quoted price per CVR was $2.35, equivalent to $685 million (€481 million) for all the CVRs issued. This price was used as the basis for determining the overall fair value of the contingent consideration. In accordance with the revised IFRS 3, this contingent consideration was measured at fair value at the acquisition date and included in the price paid to acquire control of Genzyme for the purposes of determining goodwill. The liability related to this contingent consideration is recognized in the balance sheet line itemLiabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests (see Note D.18.).

                        The final purchase price allocation is as follows:

                (€ million)
                Fair value at
                acquisition date

                Property, plant and equipment1,933
                Other intangible assets10,059
                Non-current financial assets103
                Inventories925
                Accounts receivable764
                Cash and cash equivalents1,267
                Long-term and short-term debt(835)
                Liability related to the "Bayer" contingent consideration(585)
                Accounts payable(315)
                Deferred taxes(2,911)
                Other assets and liabilities(166)
                Net assets of Genzyme as of April 4, 201110,239
                Goodwill4,575
                Purchase price (1)14,814
                (1)
                Includes €481 million representing the valuation of the CVRs as of the acquisition date.

                        On completion of the valuations carried out during the measurement period, the deferred tax liability was €489 million higher than in the provisional purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2011 (see Note D.1.1 to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011). This increase was mainly due to the finalization of the assessment of the tax regimes applicable to the €10,059 million of intangible assets. This assessment was finalized within the measurement period, in accordance with paragraph 45 of the revised IFRS 3. Consequently, the comparative amounts reported for 2011 have been revised, in accordance with paragraph 49 of the revised IFRS 3.

                        In a business combination completed in May 2009, prior to Sanofi's acquisition of control over Genzyme, Genzyme acquired from Bayer Schering Pharma A.G. (Bayer) the worldwide development and marketing rights to


                Table of Contents


                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                alemtuzumab (under the brand name LemtradaTM), a molecule currently under development for multiple sclerosis, as well as the rights to the products Campath®, Fludara® and Leukine®.

                        This pre-existing contingent consideration was measured at its fair value as of April 4, 2011, and was recognized as a liability in the balance sheet line itemLiabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests. The amount is remeasured at fair value at each reporting date. The impact of the resulting fair value adjustment is recognized in profit or loss in the line itemFair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities, in the same way as other contingent consideration on business combinations (see Note D.18.).

                        Acquisition-related costs recognized in profit or loss in 2011 amounted to €65 million, mostly recorded in the line itemOther operating expenses.

                        The impact of this acquisition, as reflected in the statements of cash flows in the line itemAcquisitions of investments in consolidated undertakings, net of cash acquired, was a net cash outflow of €13.1 billion.

                  – BMP Sunstone

                        On February 24, 2011, Sanofi completed the acquisition of 100% of BMP Sunstone Corporation, a pharmaceutical company previously quoted on the NASDAQ market, which is developing a portfolio of branded pharmaceuticals and healthcare products in China. Through BMP Sunstone, the Group manufactures pediatric and feminine healthcare products, sold in pharmacies across the country.

                        The purchase consideration was €384 million, excluding acquisition-related costs of €4 million that were recognized mainly in the line itemOther operating expenses in 2011.

                        The final purchase price allocation for this acquisition was completed in 2012, and was not materially different from the provisional allocation in 2011.

                  – Topaz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

                        In October 2011, Sanofi acquired Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc., a U.S. pharmaceutical research company which has developed an innovative anti-parasitic treatment for head lice. An upfront payment of $35 million was made upon closing of the transaction. The agreement provides for other potential milestone payments when the product obtains marketing approval and based on the attainment of sales targets. The total amount of these payments, including the upfront payment, could reach $207.5 million.

                        The final purchase price allocation for this acquisition was completed in 2012, and was not materially different from the provisional allocation in 2011.

                  – Universal Medicare Private Limited

                        In November 2011, Sanofi acquired the business of Universal Medicare Private Limited, one of the leading Indian producers of neutraceuticals and life management products, including vitamins, antioxidants, mineral supplements and anti-arthritics, for a consideration of €83 million.

                        The final purchase price allocation for this acquisition was completed in 2012, and was not materially different from the provisional allocation in 2011.

                D.1.3. Disposals

                        In 2012, Sanofi sold its 39.1% interest in Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher.

                        In 2011, Sanofi sold its Dermik dermatology business to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. for €321 million. The transaction includes all Dermik assets, including a portfolio of several leading brands in


                Table of Contents


                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                therapeutic and esthetic dermatology such as Benzaclin®, Carac® and Sculptra®, and a manufacturing site in Canada.

                        The pre-tax loss arising from this sale was recognized in 2011 in the line itemOther gains and losses, and litigation (see Note D.28.).

                        There were no material disposals during the year ended December 31, 2010.

                D.1.4. Business combinations during 2010

                        The principal acquisitions in 2010 were as follows:

                  - TargeGen, Inc. (TargeGen)

                        

                In July 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired 100% of the capital of TargeGen, Inc., a U.S. biopharmaceutical company developing small moleculemolecules kinase inhibitors for the treatment of certain forms of leukemia, lymphoma and other hematological malignancies and blood disorders. An upfront payment of $75 million was made on completion. FutureThe agreement provides for other potential milestone payments may be made at various stages in the development of TG 101348, TargeGen’s101 348, TargeGen's principal product candidate. The total amount of payments (including the upfront payment) could reach $560 million.

                The provisionalfinal purchase price allocation of TargeGen is shown below:for this acquisition was not materially different from the provisional allocation.

                ($ million)  Historical
                cost
                   Fair value
                remeasurement
                   Fair
                value
                 
                Intangible assets (1)        230    230 
                Deferred taxes   53    (83   (30
                Other assets and liabilities   1         1 

                Net assets of TargeGen (July 2010)

                   54    147    201 

                Goodwill

                               

                Purchase price (2)

                             201 

                (1)

                TG 101348, a product currently in the development phase.

                (2)

                Includes the estimated contingent consideration relating to potential future milestone payments (see Note D.18.).

                  - Chattem, Inc. (Chattem)

                        

                On February 9, 2010, sanofi-aventis acquired Chattem, Inc. bySanofi successfully completingcompleted a cash tender offer. Headquarteredoffer for Chattem, based in Chattanooga (United States),. Chattem is a major consumer health playerhas become Sanofi's platform in the United States producing and distributing 26 brandedfor consumer health products toiletries and dietary supplements across various market segments. Chattem will manage the Allegra® brand, and act as the platform for sanofi-aventis over-the-counter and consumer health products in the United States. As of December 31, 2010, sanofi-aventis held 100% of the outstanding shares of Chattem.

                The provisional purchase price allocation of Chattem is shown below:

                ($ million)  Historical
                cost
                  Fair value
                remeasurement
                   

                Fair

                value

                 
                Intangible assets   576   967    1,543 
                Property, plant and equipment   38   3    41 
                Inventories   48   29    77 
                Deferred taxes   (2  (376   (378
                Long-term and short-term debt   (377  (114   (491
                Other assets and liabilities   (65  (15   (80

                Net assets of Chattem as of February 9, 2010

                   218   494    712 

                Goodwill

                            1,064 

                Purchase price

                            1,776(1)(2)  

                (1)

                Acquisition-related costs recognized directly in profit or loss amounted to $16 million.

                (2)

                Resulting in a net cash outflow of €1,277 million.

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                Since the acquisition date, Chattem has generated net sales of €328 million and business net income (see definition in Note D.35.) of €110 million, and has made a negative contribution of €5 million to net income (including expenses recognized duringmanaged the period in connection with the fair value remeasurement of the company’s assets at the acquisition date).

                D.1.2. Other principal business combinations in the year ended December 31, 2010

                The acquisition in April 2010 of a controlling interest in the capital of Bioton Vostok, a Russian insulin manufacturer. Under the terms of the agreement, put options were granted to non-controlling interests (see Note D.18. “Liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests”).

                The formation in May 2010 of a joint venture with Nichi-Iko Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. (Nichi-Iko), a leading player in the Japanese generics market, to expand generics activities in the country. As well as forming this joint venture, sanofi-aventis also took a 4.66% equity interest in the capital of Nichi-Iko (see Note D.7.).

                The acquisition in June 2010 of the cosmetics and skincare products distribution activities of the Canadian company Canderm Pharma, Inc. This business generated CAD 24 million of net sales in 2009.

                The acquisition in August 2010 of a 100% equity interest in the Polish company Nepentes S.A. for a consideration of PLN 425 million (€106 million), aimed at diversifying the sanofi-aventis consumer health portfolio in Poland, and in Central and Eastern Europe generally.

                The acquisition in October 2010 of VaxDesign, a U.S. biotechnology company which has developed a technology for in vitro modeling of the human immune system that can be used to select the best candidate vaccines at the pre-clinical stage. Under the terms of the agreement, an upfront payment of $55 million was made upon closing of the transaction, and a further $5 million will be payable upon completion of a specified development milestone.

                The acquisition in October 2010 of a 60% equity interest in the Chinese company Hangzhou Sanofi Minsheng Consumer Healthcare Co. Ltd, in partnership with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., with sanofi-aventis also granting the alliance partner a put option over the remaining shares not held by sanofi-aventis (see Note D.18.).

                D.1.3. Principal acquisitions during 2009

                - Merial

                The acquisition by sanofi-aventis of the equity interest held by Merck & Co., Inc. in Merial Limited (Merial) was completed on September 17, 2009. Consequently, the twelve-month purchase price allocation period ended in September 2010. Detailed information about the impact of Merial on the sanofi-aventis consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 is provided in Note D.8. “Assets held for sale or exchange”.

                The final purchase price allocation is set forth in the table below:

                ($ million)       Historical
                cost
                   Fair value
                remeasurement
                  Fair
                value
                 
                Intangible assets     147    5,153   5,300 
                Property, plant and equipment     740    130   870 
                Inventories     492    241   733 
                Deferred taxes     53    (1,440  (1,387
                Other assets and liabilities        264    (46  218 

                Net assets of Merial as of September 17, 2009

                   a     1,696    4,038   5,734 

                Share of net assets acquired as of September 17, 2009 (50%)

                   b              2,867 
                Goodwill (September 17, 2009 transaction)   c              1,169 
                Purchase price(1)   d=b+c              4,036 

                (1)

                Includes acquisition-related costs of $36 million

                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year ended December 31, 2010

                The fair value of Merial as of September 17, 2009, as reported in the sanofi-aventis consolidated financial statements after adjustments to the purchase price allocation, breaks down as follows:

                ($ million)Fair value

                Purchase price

                d4,036
                + Carrying amount of the previously-held equity interest in Merial (equity method)1,765
                + Remeasurement of the previously-held equity interest (50%), excluding goodwill(1)1,551

                Total value of Merial in the sanofi-aventis consolidated financial statements as of September 17, 2009, after adjustments to the purchase price allocation

                7,352

                Comprising:

                – Net assets of Merial as of September 17, 2009a5,734
                – Goodwill (September 17, 2009)c1,169
                – Goodwill (August 20, 2004)449

                (1)

                Adjusted by $193 million during the purchase price allocation period.

                - BiPar

                On April 27, 2009, sanofi-aventis acquired 100% of BiPar Sciences (BiPar), an American biopharmaceutical company developing novel tumorselective approaches for the treatment of different types of cancers. BiPar is the leading company in the emerging field of DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) repair using Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. The purchase price is contingent on the achievement (regarded as probable) of milestones related to the development of BSI-201, and could reach $500 million. The amount of contingent consideration recognized in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2010 is disclosed in Note D.18. “Liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests”.Allegra® brand since 2011. The final purchase price allocation for this acquisition was not materially different from the provisional allocation.

                        The other acquisitions in 2010 were as follows:

                  - Medley

                  OnThe acquisition in April 27, 2009, sanofi-aventis2010 by Sanofi of a controlling interest in the capital of Bioton Vostok, a Russian insulin manufacturer. Under the terms of the agreement, put options were granted to non-controlling interests (see Note D.18.).

                  The formation in May 2010 of a joint venture with Nichi-Iko Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. (Nichi-Iko), a leading player in the Japanese generics market. As well as forming this joint venture, Sanofi also acquired a 4.66% equity interest in the capital of Nichi-Iko Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. (see Note D.7.).

                  The acquisition in June 2010 of the cosmetics and skincare products distribution activities of the Canadian company Canderm Pharma, Inc.

                  The acquisition in August 2010 of a 100% equity interest in Medley, the third largest pharmaceuticalPolish company Nepentes S.A. for a consideration of PLN 425 million (€106 million), aimed at diversifying the Sanofi consumer health portfolio in BrazilPoland, and in Central and Eastern Europe generally.

                  The acquisition in October 2010 of VaxDesign, a U.S. biotechnology company which has developed a technology for in vitro modeling of the human immune system that can be used to select the best candidate vaccines at the pre-clinical stage. Under the terms of the agreement, an upfront payment of $55 million was made upon closing of the transaction, and a leading generics companyfurther $5 million will be payable upon completion of a specified development milestone.

                  The acquisition in that country. The purchase price, based on an enterprise valueOctober 2010 of €500 million, was €348 million inclusive of acquisition-related costs. The final purchase price allocation for this acquisition was not materially different from the provisional allocation, and the final amount of goodwill recognized was €376 million.

                  - Zentiva

                  On March 11, 2009, sanofi-aventis successfully closed its offer for Zentiva N.V. (Zentiva). As of December 31, 2009, sanofi-aventis held about 99.1% of Zentiva’s share capital. The purchase price was €1,200 million, including acquisition-related costs. The final purchase price allocation for this acquisition was not materially different from the provisional allocation, and the final amount of goodwill recognized was €886 million. Following the buyout of the remaining non-controlling interests, sanofi-aventis held a 100%60% equity interest in Zentiva as of December 31, 2010.

                  Previously, sanofi-aventisthe Chinese company Hangzhou Sanofi Minsheng Consumer Healthcare Co. Ltd, in partnership with Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., with Sanofi also granting the alliance partner a put option over the remaining shares not held a 24.9% interest in Zentiva, which was accounted for as an associate by the equity methodSanofi (see Note D.6.D.18.).


                Table of Contents

                - Shantha Biotechnics

                In August 2009, sanofi-aventis took control of Shantha Biotechnics (Shantha), a vaccines company based in Hyderabad (India), by acquiring the shares of ShanH, the owner of Shantha. In the purchase price allocation, identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill were measured at a fair value of €374 million. This amount includes the acquisition-date value of the Shan5® pentavalent vaccine, which was partially written down in 2010 (see Note D.5.).


                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                Year endedD.2. Merial

                        In March 2010, Sanofi exercised its contractual right to combine its Animal Health business (Merial) with that of Merck (Intervet/Schering-Plough) to form a new joint venture owned equally by Merck and Sanofi. Consequently, all of the assets and liabilities of Merial were reported respectively in the line itemsAssets held for sale or exchange andLiabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange, and the net income of Merial was reported in the line itemNet income from the held-for-exchange Merial business, in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note B.7.).

                        However, on March 22, 2011, Merck and Sanofi announced the end of the agreement to form a new joint venture in animal health and the decision to maintain two separate entities, Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough, operating independently. This decision was primarily due to the complexity of implementing the proposed transaction, both in terms of the nature and extent of the anticipated divestitures and the length of time necessary for the worldwide antitrust review process.

                        As a result, Sanofi's investment in Merial has since January 1, 2011 been presented in the relevant line items of the consolidated balance sheet and income statement. In accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note B.7.), this change in accounting method was treated as follows:

                  As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the assets and liabilities of Merial are reported in the relevant balance sheet line items, without restating the presentation of the balance sheet as of December 31, 2010.

                  The net income from the Merial business presented in the line itemNet income from the held-for-exchange Merial business in the previously published financial statements has been reclassified and included in income from continuing operations for all periods reported.

                  Merial's assets have been valued since January 1, 2011 at their carrying amount before their reclassification as assets held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation, amortization or impairment which would have been recognized if the asset had never been classified as held for sale.

                  The backlog of depreciation, amortization and impairment not recognized during the period from September 18, 2009 through December 31, 2010

                  D.1.4. Other principal business combinations amounts to €519 million (see Note D.28.), and is reported in the year ended December 31, 2009

                  Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA (Fovea), a privately-held French biopharmaceutical research and development company specializingincome statement in ophthalmology, acquired October 30, 2009. The purchase consideration is contingent on milestone payments of up to €280 million linked to the development of three products. The amount of contingent consideration recognized in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2010 is disclosed in Note D.18. “Liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests”.

                  Oenobiol (November 2009), one of France’s leading players in health and beauty dietary supplements.

                  Laboratorios Kendrick (March 2009), one of Mexico’s leading manufacturers of generics.

                  Helvepharm (July 2009), a Swiss generics company.

                  D.1.5. Principal acquisitions during 2008

                  - Acambis

                  In September 2008, sanofi-aventis completed the acquisition of Acambis plc for £285 million. Acambis plc became Sanofi Pasteur Holding Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanofi Pasteur Holding S.A. This company develops novel vaccines that address unmet medical needsline itemOther gains and losses, and litigation.

                  Depreciation and amortization from January 1, 2011 are presented in the income statement line item corresponding to the type or substantially improve current standards of care. Sanofi Pasteur and Acambis plc had already been developing vaccines in a successful partnership of more than a decade: Acambis plc had been conducting major projects under exclusive collaboration agreements with sanofi pasteur, for vaccines against dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis (see Note D.4.).

                  - Symbion Consumer

                  In September 2008, sanofi-aventis completed the acquisitionuse of the Australian company Symbion CP Holdings Pty Ltd (Symbion Consumer) for AUD 560 million. Symbion Consumer manufactures, markets and distributes nutraceuticals (vitamins and mineral supplements) and overasset, based on the counter brands throughout Australia and New Zealand. Symbion Consumer has a portfolioprinciples applied to continuing operations.

                  In addition, this decision extinguished Sanofi's obligation to pay Merck $250 million to establish parity in the joint venture, or to pay the additional consideration of brands including Natures Own, Cenovis, Bio-organics, Golden Glow and Microgenics (see Note D.4.).

                  In accordance with$750 million stipulated in the pre-revision IFRS 3 (see Note B.3.1.), adjustments to the acquisition cost of business combinations completed prior to January 1, 2010 (Fovea, Shantha, Medley) — in particular those contingent upon future events — have been recognized as adjustments to goodwill.

                  agreement signed on July 29, 2009.

                  D.2. DivestmentsTable of Contents

                  No material divestments occurred during 2010, 2009 or 2008.


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010D.3. Property, plant and equipment

                          

                  D.3.Property, plant and equipment

                  Property, plant and equipment (including assets held under finance leases) comprise:

                  (€ million)  Land  Buildings  Plant &
                  equipment
                    Fixtures,
                  fittings & other
                    Property, plant
                  and equipment
                  in process
                     Total 
                  Gross value at January 1, 2008   213    2,994    4,498    1,382    1,291     10,378  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation   5    13    9        12     39  
                  Acquisitions and other increases       30    55    67    1,207     1,359  
                  Disposals and other decreases   (4  (6  (4  (58  (1   (73
                  Translation differences   (7  (46  (80  (22  13     (142
                  Transfers   8    315    501    176    (1,010   (10
                  Gross value at December 31, 2008   215    3,300    4,979    1,545    1,512     11,551  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation   61    245    199    26    13     544  
                  Acquisitions and other increases   1    32    87    63    1,170     1,353  
                  Disposals and other decreases   (3  (22  (23  (157  (17   (222
                  Translation differences   6    26    24    5    4     65  
                  Transfers   (5  463    581    122    (1,348   (187
                  Gross value at December 31, 2009   275    4,044    5,847    1,604    1,334     13,104  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation   1    29    15    5    7     57  
                  Acquisitions and other increases   1    12    57    71    1,058     1,199  
                  Disposals and other decreases   (3  (14  (12  (124       (153
                  Translation differences   11    172    134    38    31     386  
                  Transfers   (11  312    482    76    (1,076   (217
                  Gross value at December 31, 2010   274    4,555    6,523    1,670    1,354     14,376  
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at January 1, 2008   (3  (888  (1,976  (940  (33   (3,840
                  Depreciation expense       (205  (476  (161       (842
                  Impairment losses   (1  (17  (14  (5  (4   (41
                  Disposals               50         50  
                  Translation differences       11    46    13         70  
                  Transfers       6    20    (13       13  
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at December 31, 2008   (4  (1,093  (2,400  (1,056  (37   (4,590
                  Depreciation expense       (238  (530  (161       (929
                  Impairment losses   (4  (73  (22  (4  (5   (108
                  Disposals   2    12    24    148    2     188  
                  Translation differences       (4  (16  (3       (23
                  Transfers   3    87    103    (5       188  
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at December 31, 2009   (3  (1,309  (2,841  (1,081  (40   (5,274
                  Depreciation expense       (298  (623  (167       (1,088
                  Impairment losses   (4  (29  12    (2  (6   (29
                  Disposals       10    1    114         125  
                  Translation differences       (66  (67  (24       (157
                  Transfers   5    140    42    11    4     202  
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at December 31, 2010   (2  (1,552  (3,476  (1,149  (42   (6,221
                  Carrying amount: January 1, 2008   210    2,106    2,522    442    1,258     6,538  
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2008   211    2,207    2,579    489    1,475     6,961  
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2009   272    2,735    3,006    523    1,294     7,830  

                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2010

                     272    3,003    3,047    521    1,312     8,155  

                  (€ million)
                   Land
                   Buildings
                   Plant &
                  equipment

                   Fixtures,
                  fittings & other

                   Property, plant
                  and equipment
                  in process

                   Total
                   
                    
                  Gross value at January 1, 2010  275  4,044  5,847  1,604  1,334  13,104 
                    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation  1  29  15  5  7  57 
                  Acquisitions and other increases  1  12  57  71  1,058  1,199 
                  Disposals and other decreases  (3) (14) (12) (124)   (153)
                  Currency translation differences  11  172  134  38  31  386 
                  Transfers(3)  (11) 312  482  76  (1,076) (217)
                    
                  Gross value at December 31, 2010  274  4,555  6,523  1,670  1,354  14,376 
                    
                  Merial (1)  31  384  208  50  84  757 
                  Changes in scope of consolidation  72  770  396  13  613  1,864 
                  Acquisitions and other increases  5  28  111  82  1,214  1,440 
                  Disposals and other decreases  (3) (32) (19) (89) (1) (144)
                  Currency translation differences  4  60  (27)   45  82 
                  Transfers(3)  (8) 171  448  284  (1,060) (165)
                    
                  Gross value at December 31, 2011  375  5,936  7,640  2,010  2,249  18,210 
                    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation    5  1      6 
                  Acquisitions and other increases  9  70  83  44  1,145  1,351 
                  Disposals and other decreases  (5) (8) (17) (161) (22) (213)
                  Currency translation differences  (2) (42) (23) (10) (11) (88)
                  Transfers(3)  7  320  622  235  (1,326) (142)
                    
                  Gross value at December 31, 2012  384  6,281  8,306  2,118  2,035  19,124 
                    
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at January 1, 2010  (3) (1,309) (2,841) (1,081) (40) (5,274)
                    
                  Depreciation expense    (298) (623) (167)   (1,088)
                  Impairment losses  (4) (29) 12  (2) (6) (29)
                  Disposals    10  1  114    125 
                  Currency translation differences    (66) (67) (24)   (157)
                  Transfers(3)  5  140  42  11  4  202 
                    
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at December 31, 2010  (2) (1,552) (3,476) (1,149) (42) (6,221)
                    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation    24  18  12    54 
                  Depreciation expense (2)    (362) (700) (199)   (1,261)
                  Impairment losses  (28) (184) (31) (29) (15) (287)
                  Disposals    23  3  81    107 
                  Currency translation differences  (1) (10) 26  1  (1) 15 
                  Transfers(3)  12  151  54  (85) 1  133 
                    
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at December 31, 2011  (19) (1,910) (4,106) (1,368) (57) (7,460)
                    
                  Depreciation expense    (353) (655) (193)   (1,201)
                  Impairment losses  1  (19) (23)   (111) (152)
                  Disposals  3  3  5  145  21  177 
                  Currency translation differences    8  5  6    19 
                  Transfers (3)    39  51  (21) 2  71 
                    
                  Accumulated depreciation & impairment at December 31, 2012  (15) (2,232) (4,723) (1,431) (145) (8,546)
                    
                  Carrying amount: January 1, 2010  272  2,735  3,006  523  1,294  7,830 
                    
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2010  272  3,003  3,047  521  1,312  8,155 
                    
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2011  356  4,026  3,534  642  2,192  10,750 
                    
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2012  369  4,049  3,583  687  1,890  10,578 
                    
                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)(1)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The “Transfers”This line includes the Merial property, plant and equipment previously presented asAssets held for sale or exchange, which were reclassified following the years ended December 31,announcement of the decision to maintain two separate entities (Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough) operating independently.

                  (2)
                  Includes the expense related to the backlog of depreciation for 2009 and 2010 on Merial property plant, and 2009 mainly comprisesequipment previously classified asAssets held for sale or exchange; this expense is presented in the line itemOther gains and losses, and litigation in the income statement.
                  (3)
                  This line also includes reclassifications of assets toAssets held for sale or exchange.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          Acquisitions during 2012 amounted to €1,351 million. The Pharmaceuticals segment made acquisitions totaling €1,061 million, primarily investments in industrial facilities (€533 million excluding Genzyme in 2012, versus €510 million in 2011 and €471 million in 2010) and in construction and fitting-out at research sites (€97 million in 2012, versus €124 million in 2011 and €159 million in 2010). Genzyme accounted for €301 million of Pharmaceuticals segment acquisitions in 2012, compared with €218 million in 2011. Acquisitions by the Vaccines segment reached €207 million (versus €302 million in 2011 and €423 million in 2010). The Animal Health segment accounted for €83 million of acquisitions in 2012, versus €78 million in 2011. Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment included €27 million of capitalized interest costs, against €44 million in 2011 and €27 million in 2010.

                          Firm orders for property, plant and equipment stood at €323 million as of December 31, 2012 (versus €292 million as of December 31, 2011 and €321 million as of December 31, 2010). Property, plant and equipment pledged as security for liabilities amounted to €225 million as of December 31, 2012 (versus €239 million as of December 31, 2011 and €26 million as of December 31, 2010 (€15 million as of December 31, 2009 and €10 million as of December 31, 2008)2010).

                          

                  Following impairmentImpairment tests conducted onof property, plant and equipment conducted using the method described in Note B.6., resulted in the recognition during 2012 of net impairment losses of €152 million. Most of this relates to the reorganization of research and development (see Note D.27.). In 2011, impairment testing led to the recognition of net impairment losses of €287 million, relating mainly to research and development sites and to an industrial facility in Slovakia. In 2010, an impairment loss of €53 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2010 (mainly in respect ofon a site designated as held for sale), along withas well as an impairment loss reversal of €24 million. In the year ended December 31, 2009, an impairment loss of €107 million was recognized on sites designated as held for sale (principally, Alnwick in the United Kingdom and Porcheville in France); see Note D.8.2. In the year ended December 31, 2008, an impairment loss of €41 million was recognized, primarily on industrial sites in France and the United States.

                          

                  Acquisitions made in the Pharmaceuticals segment related primarily to investments in industrial facilities (€471 million in 2010, versus €496 million in 2009 and €501 million in 2008) and in facilities and equipment at research sites (€159 million in 2010, versus €325 million in 2009 and €376 million in 2008). Acquisitions in the Vaccines segment totaled €423 million in 2010 (compared with €446 million in 2009 and €382 million in 2008). Capitalized borrowing costs amounting to €27 million were included in acquisitions of property, plant and equipment in 2010, versus €30 million in 2009 and €24 million in 2008. Firm orders for property, plant and equipment amounted to €321 million at December 31, 2010, versus €351 million at December 31, 2009 and €450 million at December 31, 2008.

                  The table below shows amounts for items of property, plant and equipment held under finance leases:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Land  3  7  7 
                  Buildings  86  137  84 
                  Other property, plant and equipment  17  17  15 
                    
                  Total gross value  106  161  106 
                    
                  Accumulated depreciation and impairment  (42) (64) (78)
                    
                  Carrying amount  64  97  28 
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                    December 31,
                  2009
                    December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Land   7    7    7  
                  Buildings   84    99    99  
                  Other property, plant and equipment   15    6    7  

                  Total gross value

                     106    112    113  
                  Accumulated depreciation and impairment   (78  (81  (83

                  Carrying amount

                     28    31    30  

                  Future minimum lease payments due under finance leases atas of December 31, 20102012 were €100 million (compared with €123 million as of December 31, 2011 and €28 million (versus €27 million atas of December 31, 2009 and €31 million at December 31, 2008)2010), including interest of €22 million (versus €30 million as of December 31, 2011 and €3 million (versus €3 million atas of December 31, 2009 and €5 million at December 31, 2008)2010).

                          

                  The payment schedule is as follows:

                  December 31, 2010  Payments due by period 
                  (€ million)  Total   Under
                  1 year
                     From 1 to
                  3 years
                     From 3 to
                  5 years
                     

                  Over 5

                  years

                   

                  Finance lease obligations:

                            

                  – principal

                     25     6     11     6     2  

                  – interest

                     3     1     2            

                  Total

                     28     7     13     6     2  

                  December 31, 2012
                   Payments due by period
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   Under
                  1 year

                   From 1 to
                  3 years

                   From 3 to
                  5 years

                   Over
                  5 years

                   
                    
                  Finance lease obligations:                
                  – principal  78  13  27  27  11 
                  – interest  22  7  9  4  2 
                    
                  Total  100  20  36  31  13 
                    

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.4. Goodwill and other intangible assets

                          

                  Other intangible assets break down as follows:

                  (€ million)  Acquired
                  Aventis
                  R&D
                    Other
                  Acquired
                  R&D
                    Rights to
                  marketed
                  Aventis
                  products
                    Products,
                  trademarks
                  and other
                  rights
                    Software  Total
                  other
                  intangible
                  assets
                   
                  Gross value at January 1, 2008   2,644    336    29,011    1,554    587    34,132  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation       198        139    2    339  
                  Acquisitions and other increases       85        18    47    150  
                  Disposals and other decreases       (74      (2  (53  (129
                  Translation differences   109    15    1,008    66    1    1,199  
                  Transfers   (300  (2  300    (15  1    (16
                  Gross value at December 31, 2008   2,453    558    30,319    1,760    585    35,675  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation       789        1,405    12    2,206  
                  Acquisitions and other increases       275        62    56    393  
                  Disposals and other decreases       (70      (1  (2  (73
                  Translation differences   (45  (51  (451  47    2    (498
                  Transfers   (87  (9  87    11    2    4  
                  Gross value at December 31, 2009   2,321    1,492    29,955    3,284    655    37,707  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation       192       1,365       1,557 
                  Acquisitions and other increases       167       154   67   388 
                  Disposals and other decreases       (7      (3  (9  (19
                  Translation differences   121   61   1,669   304   28   2,183 
                  Transfers   (173  (341  173   389   (1  47 

                  Gross value at December 31, 2010

                     2,269   1,564   31,797   5,493   740   41,863 
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at January 1, 2008   (267  (19  (13,365  (811  (488  (14,950
                  Amortization expense       (29  (3,277  (176  (52  (3,534
                  Impairment losses, net of reversals   (1,233  (69  (253  1        (1,554
                  Disposals       71        2    53    126  
                  Translation differences   (2  (1  (486  (37  1    (525
                  Transfers   18        (18  24    (2  22  
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at Dec. 31, 2008   (1,484  (47  (17,399  (997  (488  (20,415
                  Amortization expense       (70  (3,155  (303  (50  (3,578
                  Impairment losses, net of reversals       (28  (344          (372
                  Disposals       69        2        71  
                  Translation differences   28    2    288    19    (1  336  
                  Transfers       2        (4      (2
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at Dec. 31, 2009   (1,456  (72  (20,610  (1,283  (539  (23,960
                  Amortization expense           (3,050  (479  (49  (3,578
                  Impairment losses, net of reversals   (10  (132  (117  (174      (433
                  Disposals       5       3   9   17 
                  Translation differences   (75  (3  (1,178  (106  (24  (1,386
                  Transfers   1   62       (108  1   (44
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at Dec. 31, 2010   (1,540  (140  (24,955  (2,147  (602  (29,384
                  Carrying amount: January 1, 2008   2,377   317   15,646   743   99   19,182 
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2008   969   511   12,920   763   97   15,260 
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2009   865   1,420   9,345   2,001   116   13,747 

                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2010

                     729   1,424   6,842   3,346   138   12,479 

                  (€ million)
                   Acquired
                  Aventis
                  R&D

                   Other
                  Acquired
                  R&D

                   Rights to
                  marketed
                  Aventis
                  products

                   Products,
                  trademarks
                  and other
                  rights

                   Software
                   Total
                  other
                  intangible
                  assets

                   
                    
                  Gross value at January 1, 2010  2,321  1,492  29,955  3,284  655  37,707 
                    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation    192    1,365    1,557 
                  Acquisitions and other increases    167    154  67  388 
                  Disposals and other decreases    (7)   (3) (9) (19)
                  Currency translation differences  121  61  1,669  304  28  2,183 
                  Transfers (3)  (173) (341) 173  389  (1) 47 
                    
                  Gross value at December 31, 2010  2,269  1,564  31,797  5,493  740  41,863 
                    
                  Merial (1)    674    3,235  70  3,979 
                  Changes in scope of consolidation  (42) 2,235  (1,044) 8,122  38  9,309 
                  Acquisitions and other increases    92    62  107  261 
                  Disposals and other decreases    (13)   (9) (2) (24)
                  Currency translation differences  43  154  667  580  7  1,451 
                  Transfers (3)  (167) (444) 167  450  11  17 
                    
                  Gross value at December 31, 2011  2,103  4,262  31,587  17,933  971  56,856 
                    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation    10    79    89 
                  Acquisitions and other increases    87    123  83  293 
                  Disposals and other decreases    (20)   (15) (30) (65)
                  Currency translation differences  (36) (53) (553) (296) (8) (946)
                  Transfers (3)  (279) (178) 279  166  12   
                    
                  Gross value at December 31, 2012  1,788  4,108  31,313  17,990  1,028  56,227 
                    
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at January 1, 2010  (1,456) (72) (20,610) (1,283) (539) (23,960)
                    
                  Amortization expense      (3,050) (479) (49) (3,578)
                  Impairment losses, net of reversals  (10) (132) (117) (174)   (433)
                  Disposals and other decreases    5    3  9  17 
                  Currency translation differences  (75) (3) (1,178) (106) (24) (1,386)
                  Transfers  1  62    (108) 1  (44)
                    
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at Dec. 31, 2010  (1,540) (140) (24,955) (2,147) (602) (29,384)
                    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation  42    832  1  1  876 
                  Amortization expense (2)      (1,754) (1,972) (107) (3,833)
                  Impairment losses, net of reversals    (101) 34  (75) (1) (143)
                  Disposals and other decreases    13    8  5  26 
                  Currency translation differences  (33) (6) (591) (119) (2) (751)
                  Transfers        (4) (4) (8)
                    
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at December 31, 2011  (1,531) (234) (26,434) (4,308) (710) (33,217)
                    
                  Amortization expense      (1,452) (1,839) (105) (3,396)
                  Impairment losses, net of reversals  12  (111)   (18) (3) (120)
                  Disposals and other decreases    18    16  25  59 
                  Currency translation differences  30  4  475  96  6  611 
                  Transfers    (1)   3  26  28 
                    
                  Accumulated amortization & impairment at December 31, 2012  (1,489) (324) (27,411) (6,050) (761) (36,035)
                    
                  Carrying amount: January 1, 2010  865  1,420  9,345  2,001  116  13,747 
                    
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2010  729  1,424  6,842  3,346  138  12,479 
                    
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2011  572  4,028  5,153  13,625  261  23,639 
                    
                  Carrying amount: December 31, 2012  299  3,784  3,902  11,940  267  20,192 
                    
                  (1)
                  This line item includes the Merial other intangible assets (other than goodwill) previously presented asAssets held for sale or exchange, which were reclassified following the announcement of the decision to maintain two separate entities (Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough) operating independently.
                  (2)
                  Includes the expense related to the backlog of amortization for 2009 and 2010 on Merial intangible assets previously classified asAssets held for sale or exchange; this expense is presented in the line itemOther gains and losses, and litigation in the income statement.
                  (3)
                  The "Transfers" line mainly relates to acquired R&D that came into commercial use during the year and is being amortized from the date of marketing approval.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Movements in goodwill for the last three financial periods are shown below:

                  (€ million)
                   Gross value
                   Impairment
                   Carrying amount
                   
                    
                  Balance at January 1, 2010  29,758  (25) 29,733 
                    
                  Movements for the period (1)  1,017    1,017 
                  Currency translation differences  1,183  (1) 1,182 
                    
                  Balance at December 31, 2010  31,958  (26) 31,932 
                    
                  Merial goodwill (2)  1,210    1,210 
                  Genzyme goodwill (3)  4,575    4,575 
                  Other movements for the period (1)  275    275 
                  Currency translation differences  588  2  590 
                    
                  Balance at December 31, 2011 (4)  38,606  (24) 38,582 
                    
                  Acquisitions during the period (1)  14    14 
                  Other movements for the period (5)  (144)   (144)
                  Currency translation differences  (376) (3) (379)
                    
                  Balance at December 31, 2012  38,100  (27) 38,073 
                    
                  (1)
                  Mainly relating to changes in the scope of consolidation: in 2012, relates to Newport (€8 million) and Pluromed, Inc. (€6 million) (see Note D.1.1.).
                  (2)
                  Previously reported inAssets held for sale or exchange, and reclassified following the announcement of the decision to maintain Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough as two separate businesses operating independently.
                  (3)
                  See Note D.1.2.
                  (4)
                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).
                  (5)
                  Mainly comprises an adjustment to goodwill following reversal of the Fovea contingent consideration liability in accordance with the pre-revision IFRS 3 (see Note D.18.).

                  •  Genzyme acquisition (2011)

                          The Genzyme final purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of intangible assets totaling €10,059 million as of the acquisition date (see Note D.1.2.). This figure includes €7,727 million for marketed products in the fields of rare diseases (primarily Cerezyme®, Fabrazyme® and Myozyme®), renal endocrinology (primarily Renagel®), biosurgery (primarily Synvisc®), and oncology. It also includes €2,148 million for assets relating to Genzyme's in-process research and development projects, primarily LemtradaTM and eliglustat. The Genzyme brand was valued at €146 million.

                  •  Merial acquisition (2009)

                          When Sanofi took control of Merial in 2009, intangible assets were recognized for a total of €3,980 million. This figure includes €3,104 million for marketed products (in particular Frontline®), €674 million for in-process research and development projects, and €131 million for the Merial brand.

                  (€ million)  Gross value  Impairment  Carrying amount 
                  Balance at January 1, 2008   27,226   (27  27,199 
                  Movements for the period(1)   397       397 
                  Translation differences   565   2    567 
                  Balance at December 31, 2008   28,188   (25  28,163 
                  Movements for the period(1)   1,798       1,798 
                  Translation differences   (228      (228
                  Balance at December 31, 2009   29,758   (25  29,733 
                  Movements for the period(1)   1,017       1,017 
                  Translation differences   1,183   (1  1,182 
                  Balance at December 31, 2010   31,958   (26  31,932 

                          In 2012, some of the acquired research and development (€15 million) came into commercial use, and began to be amortized from the date of marketing approval. The main item involved was a parasiticide for the bovine market in the United States.

                  (1)

                  Mainly relating to changes in the scope of consolidation.

                          In 2011, some of the acquired research and development (€451 million) came into commercial use, and began to be amortized from the date of marketing approval. The main item involved was Certifect® in the United States and the European Union.

                  •  Aventis Acquisitionacquisition (2004)

                          

                  On August 20, 2004, sanofi-aventisSanofi acquired Aventis, a global pharmaceutical group created in 1999 by the merger between Rhône-Poulenc and Hoechst.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  As part of the process of creating the new Group, the two former parent companies — Sanofi-Synthélabo (renamed sanofi-aventis)Sanofi) and Aventis — were merged on December 31, 2004.

                          

                  The total purchase price as measured under IFRS 3 (Business Combinations) was €52,908 million, of which €15,894 million was settled in cash.

                          

                  Goodwill arising from the acquisition of Aventis amounted to €28,285 million as of December 31, 2012 (compared with €28,573 million as of December 31, 2011 and €28,228 million atas of December 31, 2010, compared with €27,221 million at December 31, 2009 and €27,632 million at December 31, 2008.2010).

                          

                  Rights to marketed products and goodwill arising on the Aventis acquisition were allocated on the basis of the split of the Group’sGroup's operations into business and geographical segments, and valued in the currency of the relevant geographical segment (mainly euros and U.S. dollars) with assistance from an independent valuer. The average period of amortization for marketed products was initially set at 8 years, based on cash flow forecasts which, among other factors, take account of the period of legal protection offered by the related patents.

                          

                  Rights to marketed Aventis products represent a diversified portfolio of rights relating to many different products. As of December 31, 2010, 80.6%2012, 75% of the carrying amount of these rights related to the Pharmaceuticals segment, and 19.4%25% to the Vaccines segment. The five principal pharmaceutical products in this portfolio by carrying amount (Lantus®/Apidra®: €1,859 million; Lovenox®: €541 million; Allegra®: €350 million; Actonel®: €323 million; Arava®: €316 million) accounted for approximately 61.5% of the total carrying amount of product rights for the Pharmaceuticals business as of December 31, 2010.

                          

                  During 2008,2012, some of the acquired Aventis research and development (€300279 million) came into commercial use; it is beinguse, and began to be amortized from the date of marketing approval. The main products involved are Pentacel® vaccinethe multiple sclerosis treatment Aubagio® (teriflunomide) in the United States, and the “once-a-month” dose of Actonel®second-line prostate cancer drug Jevtana® (cabazitaxel) in the United States.rest of the world.

                          

                  During 2009,2011, some of the acquired Aventis research and development (€87167 million) came into commercial use; it is beinguse, and began to be amortized from the date of marketing approval. The main item involved was the oncology product involved is Sculptra®Jevtana® (cabazitaxel) in the United States.European Union.

                          

                  DuringIn 2010, some of the acquired Aventis research and development (€173 million) came into commercial use; it is being amortized from the date of marketing approval.use. The main productitem involved iswas the oncology drug Jevtana®product Jevtana® (cabazitaxel) in the United States.

                  •  Other acquisitions

                          Acquisitions of intangible assets (excluding software and business combinations) amounted to €210 million in 2012, most of which related to licensing agreements (for a description of the principal agreements, see Note D.21.).

                          During 2012, €163 million of acquired research and development (other than Aventis and Merial acquired R&D) came into commercial use; the main item involved was €97 million relating to an anti-parasite product acquired in the Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc. acquisition (see Note D.1.2.).

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)        Intangible assets relating to CO2 emission quotas amounted to €4.1 million at December 31, 2012, compared with €4.2 million at December 31, 2011.

                  Year        The increase in goodwill and other intangible assets (excluding Genzyme and Merial) in the year ended December 31, 2010

                  2011 primarily related to the acquisition of BMP Sunstone (see Note D.1.2.).

                          Acquisitions of intangible assets (excluding software and business combinations) in 2011 amounted to €154 million, mainly related to licensing agreements (for a description of the principal agreements, see Note D.21.).

                  Other acquisitions

                          

                  Increases in goodwill and other intangible assets and goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2010 were mainly due to business combinations completed during the year. Details of theThe purchase price allocations for the principal acquisitions made during 2010, are providedas described in Note D.1. “Significant acquisitions”.

                  Acquisitions of intangible assets during 2010 (other than software and assets recognized in business combinations) totaled €321 million, most of which related to license agreements (see Note D.21. for a description ofD.1.4., generated the principal agreements).following impacts:

                  The effects of the final purchase price allocations of the principal acquisitions of 2009 (see Note D.1.) were as follows:

                  Medley:

                    Chattem: recognition of intangible assets of €181€1,121 million, and goodwill of €376€773 million.

                  Zentiva:

                  TargeGen: recognition of intangible assets of €976 million (mainly comprising the value€176 million.

                  Table of marketed products and of the Zentiva trademark), and of goodwill of €886 million (including the effect of buyouts of non-controlling interests during the period).

                  Contents

                  The effects of the final purchase price allocations of the principal acquisitions of 2008 (see Note D.1.) were as follows:
                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  Symbion Consumer: recognition of intangible assets of €116 million, and goodwill of €206 million.

                  Acambis: recognition of intangible assets of €223 million (including €198 million for research projects), and goodwill of €197 million.

                  During the year ended December 31,In 2010, acquired non-Aventis research brought into commercial use mainly comprised Zentiva generics in Eastern Europe, the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and the Libertas®Libertas® formulation of Actonel®Actonel® in the United States.

                  •  Dermik sale (2011)

                          

                  AcquisitionsThe "Change in scope of consolidation" line includes the €212 million carrying amount of the intangible assets during 2009 (other than softwaregoodwill) of the Dermik dermatology business (which was sold to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.), and assets recognized in business combinations) totaled €337the derecognition of the €77 million and related mainlygoodwill relating to license agreements, including the collaboration agreements with Exelixis and Merrimack.

                  Acquisitions of intangible assets during 2008 (other than software and assets recognized in business combinations) totaled €103 million and related mainly to license agreements, including the collaboration agreements with Novozymes and Dyax Corp.

                  Dermik.

                  Amortization of intangible assets is recognized in the income statement underin theAmortization of intangible assets line item except for amortization of software, which is recognized onin the relevant linecomponent of theoperating income statement according to the purpose for which the software is used:

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Cost of sales   11     11     10  
                  Research and development expenses   11     14     14  
                  Selling and general expenses   26     24     28  
                  Other operating expenses   1     1       

                  Total

                     49     50     52  

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010 (1)

                   
                    
                  Cost of sales  27  13  11 
                  Research and development expenses  13  16  11 
                  Selling and general expenses  61  55  26 
                  Other gains and losses, and litigation (2)    18   
                  Other operating expenses  4  5  1 
                    
                  Total  105  107  49 
                    
                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)(1)

                  Excluding Merial
                  Year ended December 31, 2010(2)

                  See Note D.28.

                  D.5. Impairment of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

                  •  Goodwill

                          

                  The recoverable amount of cash generating units (CGUs) is determined by reference to the value in use of each CGU, based on discounted estimates of the future cash flows from the CGU, in accordance with the policies described in Note B.6.1.

                          

                  The allocation of goodwill to CGUsas of December 31, 2012 is shown below:

                  (€ million)
                   Pharmaceuticals:
                  Europe

                   Pharmaceuticals:
                  North America

                   Pharmaceuticals:
                  Other Countries

                   Vaccines:
                  USA

                   Vaccines:
                  Other Countries

                   Animal
                  Health

                   Group
                  Total

                   
                    
                  Goodwill  15,025  14,010  6,717  751  337  1,233  38,073 
                    

                          The goodwill arising on Pluromed, Inc. was allocated to the Pharmaceuticals North America CGU. The goodwill arising on Newport was allocated to the Animal Health CGU.

                  (€ million)  December 31, 2010 
                      Pharmaceuticals:
                  Europe
                     Pharmaceuticals:
                  North America
                     Pharmaceuticals:
                  Other Countries
                     Vaccines:
                  USA
                     Vaccines:
                  Other Countries
                     Group
                  Total
                   
                  Goodwill   13,718     12,525     4,612     739     338     31,932  

                          The goodwill arising on Genzyme was allocated to the relevant CGUs in the Pharmaceuticals segment.

                  Value        The value in use isof each CGU was determined by applying a post-taxan after-tax discount rate of 9% to estimated future post-taxafter-tax cash flowsflows.

                          A separate discount rate is used for each CGU in order to take account of its specific economic conditions.

                          The rates used for impairment testing in 2012 were in a range from 7.0% to 10.5% (principally 8.0% for Pharmaceuticals North America, and 8.5% for Pharmaceuticals Europe); an identical value in use for the Group would be obtained by applying a uniform 9% rate to all the CGUs.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          The pre-tax discount rate (calculatedrates applied to estimated pre-tax cash flows are calculated by iteration from the previously-determined value in use) applieduse. They range from 12.4% to estimated future pre-tax cash flows is approximately14.0%, and equate to a uniform rate of 13% for the entire Group.Group as a whole.

                          

                  The assumptions used in testing goodwill for impairment are reviewed annually. Apart from the discount rate, the principal assumptions used in 20102012 were as follows:

                    The perpetual growth rates applied to future cash flows were in a range from 0% (in particular, for Europe and North America) to 2%1% for Pharmaceuticals CGUs, and from 1% to 3% for the Vaccines and Animal Health CGUs.

                  Sanofi-aventis

                  The Group also applies assumptions on the probability of success of its current research and development projects, and more generally on its ability to renew its product portfolio in the longer term.

                          

                  Value in use (determined as described above) is compared with carrying amount, and this comparison is then subject to sensitivity analysis with reference to the two principal parameters (discount rate and perpetual growth rate).

                          

                  NoOver all the CGUs, no reasonable change in the assumptions used in 2012 would require an impairment would needloss to be recognized unless the discount rate used to calculateagainst goodwill. No impairment loss would be required even if value in use waswere to exceedbe calculated using:

                    a discount rate up to 2.6 points above the 9% rate actually used by more than 2.5 percentage points. Similarly, rates used; or

                    a zero perpetual growth rate would not result in any impairment ofup to 5.5 points below the goodwill of these CGUs.

                    rates used.

                          

                  No impairment losses were recognized against goodwill in the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011, or 2008.2010.

                  •  Other intangible assets

                          

                  When there is evidence that an asset may have become impaired, its value in use is calculated by applying a post-tax discount rate to the estimated future post-tax cash flows from that asset. For the purposes of impairment testing, the tax cash flows relating to the asset are determined using a notional tax rate incorporating the notional tax benefit that would result from amortizing the asset if its value in use were regarded as its depreciable amount for tax purposes. Applying post-tax discount rates to post-tax cash flows gives the same values in use as would be obtained by applying pre-tax discount rates to pre-tax cash flows.

                          

                  The post-tax discount rates used during 2010in 2012 for impairment testing of other intangible assets in the Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and VaccinesAnimal Health segments were obtained by adjusting the Group’s Weighted Average CostGroup's 8% weighted average cost of Capital of 8%capital to reflect specific country and business risks, giving post-tax rates in a range from 9% to 13%11%.

                          

                  In most cases, there are no market data that would enable fair value less costs to sell to be determined other than by means of a similar estimate based on future cash flows. Consequently, the recoverable amount is in substance equal to the value in use.

                          In 2012, impairment testing of other intangible assets (excluding software) resulted in the recognition of a €117 million net impairment loss, mainly comprising:

                    net impairment losses of €99 million against Pharmaceuticals research projects, largely due to the discontinuation of some development programs in Oncology; and

                    impairment losses of €18 million against rights for marketed products in Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          In 2011, impairment testing of other intangible assets (excluding software) resulted in the recognition of a €142 million net impairment loss. This includes:

                    Year ended December 31, 2010Impairment losses of €101 million against Pharmaceuticals research projects, primarily as a result of the interruption of the Goiter research program and the ending of research collaboration agreements; and



                    A net loss of €41 million, reflecting (i) impairment losses against various marketed products in the Pharmaceuticals segment and (ii) partial reversal of an impairment loss taken against Actonel®, following confirmation that the terms of the collaboration agreement signed with Warner Chilcott were to be maintained.

                          

                  In 2010, impairment losses of €433 million were recognized based on the results of impairment testing of other intangible assets. These losses arose mainly on marketed products (€291 million), including Actonel®Actonel® (due to proposed amendments to the terms of the collaboration agreement with Warner Chilcott, see Note C.2.)Chilcott) and Shan5®Shan5® (due to revised sales projections following requalification of the vaccine by the World Health Organization). Impairment losses recognized in respect of research projects totaled €142 million, and arose mainly from revisions to the development plan for BSI-201 following announcement of the initial results from the Phase III trial in triple-negative metastatic breast cancer and from decisions to halt development on some other projects.

                  In 2009, impairment losses of €372 million were recognized based on the results of impairment tests. These losses related mainly to the marketed products Actonel®, Benzaclin® and Nasacort®, and took account of changes in the competitive environment and the approval dates of generics.

                  In 2008, impairment losses were recognized to take account of:

                  the discontinuation of research projects, principally larotaxel and cabazitaxel (new taxane derivatives intended as treatments for breast cancer, €1,175 million) and the antihypertensive ilepatril, both of which were recognized as assets on the acquisition of Aventis, plus the oral anti-cancer agent S-1 following the termination of the agreement with Taiho Pharmaceutical on development and marketing of this product;

                  settlements reached with Barr in the United States relating to the marketed product Nasacort®, and the impact of generics on certain products.

                  •  Property, plant and equipment

                          

                  Impairment losses taken against property, plant and equipment are disclosed in Note D.3.

                  D.6. Investments in associates and joint ventures

                          

                  For definitions of the terms “associate”"associate" and “joint venture”"joint venture", refer to Note B.1.

                          

                  Investments in associates and joint ventures break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   % interest
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Sanofi Pasteur MSD  50.0  287  313  343 
                  Infraserv GmbH and Co. Höchst KG  31.2  79  87  92 
                  Entities and companies managed by Bristol-Myers Squibb (1)  49.9  74  307  265 
                  Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher        128 
                  Other investments    47  100  96 
                    
                  Total     487  807  924 
                    
                  (1)
                  Under the terms of the agreements with BMS (see Note C.1.), the Group's share of the net assets of entities majority-owned by BMS is recorded inInvestments in associates and joint ventures.

                          Since November 2011, Sanofi has no longer been represented on the Board of Directors of Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher and consequently, as a result of the loss of significant influence, no longer accounts for this interest using the equity method. This interest was recognized as an available-for-sale financial asset as of December 31, 2011, and was sold in August 2012.

                  (€ million)  % interest   Dec. 31,
                  2010
                     Dec. 31,
                  2009
                    Dec. 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Sanofi Pasteur MSD   50.0     343     407   427  
                  Merial (until September 17, 2009)   50.0          — (2)   1,203  
                  InfraServ Höchst   31.2     92     95   96  
                  Entities and companies managed by Bristol-Myers Squibb(1)   49.9     265     234   196  
                  Zentiva (until March 30, 2009)   24.9          — (3)   332  
                  Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher   39.1     128     123   119  
                  Other investments        96     96   86  

                  Total

                          924     955   2,459  

                          The reduction in the carrying amount of the interests in entities and companies managed by Bristol-Myers Squibb during the year ended December 31, 2012 mainly reflects the loss of exclusivity for Plavix® and Avapro® in the United States during 2012.

                  (1)

                  Under the terms of the agreements with BMS (see Note C.1.), the Group’s share of the net assets of entities majority-owned by BMS is recorded inInvestments in associates and joint ventures.

                  (2)

                  Merial has been accounted for by the full consolidation method since September 18, 2009; see Note D.8.

                  (3)

                  Zentiva has been accounted for by the full consolidation method since March 31, 2009; see Note D.1.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The financial statements include arm's length commercial transactions between the Group and certain of its associates and joint ventures.ventures that are regarded as related parties. The principal transactions of this natureand balances with related parties are summarized below:

                  (€ million)  2010   2009   2008 
                  Sales   541     517     432  
                  Royalties(1)   1,324     1,179     1,014  
                  Accounts receivable(1)   441     419     370  
                  Purchases   227     247     254  
                  Accounts payable   22     32     30  
                  Other liabilities(1)   350     297     242  

                  (1)

                  (€ million)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Sales  320  526  541 
                  Royalties (1)  564  1,292  1,324 
                  Accounts receivable (1)  79  503  441 
                    
                  Purchases  231  236  227 
                  Accounts payable  22  21  22 
                  Other liabilities (1)  100  404  350 
                    
                  (1)
                  These items mainly relate to entities and companies managed by BMS.

                  Key financial indicators for associates and joint ventures, excluding the effects of purchase price allocations, are as follows:

                      Principal associates (1)
                  100% impact
                     Principal joint ventures (2)
                  Share held by sanofi-aventis
                   
                  (€ million)  2010   2009   2008   2010   2009   2008 
                  Non-current assets   512     526     1,919     25     27     354  
                  Current assets   1,336     1,278     2,717     231     224     688  
                  Non-current liabilities   468     336     913     100     32     99  
                  Current liabilities   690     792     1,798     142     178     404  
                  Equity attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis   387     391     1,622     14     41     536  
                  Non-controlling interests   303     285     303               2  
                  Net sales   8,114     9,325     9,770     459     1,203     1,537  
                  Cost of sales   2,130     2,397     2,555     179     359     433  
                  Operating income   3,163     3,144     2,838     49     312     372  
                  Net income   3,035     2,880     2,384     8     222     225  

                  (1)

                  The figures reported above are full-year figures, before allocation of partnership profits. The following associates are included in this table for 2008: BMS/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, BMS/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, BMS/Sanofi-Synthelabo Partnership, Yves Rocher, Merial, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, and Zentiva. Figures for Merial are not included in this table with effect from September 18, 2009 (the date since when Merial has been accounted for by the full consolidation method), and figures for Zentiva are not included in this table with effect from March 31, 2009 (the date since when Zentiva has been accounted for by the full consolidation method).

                  (2)

                  The principal joint ventures are:

                  PartnerBusiness
                  Merial (until September 17, 2009)Merck & Co., Inc.Animal Health
                  Sanofi Pasteur MSDMerck & Co., Inc.Vaccines

                  companies managed by BMS.

                  D.7. Non-current financial assets

                  The main items included inNon-current financial assets are:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Available-for-sale financial assets  2,569  1,302  816 
                  Pre-funded pension obligations (see Note D.19.1.)  6  6  4 
                  Long-term loans and advances  695  573  483 
                  Assets recognized under the fair value option  135  124  121 
                  Derivative financial instruments (see Note D.20.)  394  394  220 
                    
                  Total  3,799  2,399  1,644 
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Available-for-sale financial assets   816     588     491  
                  Pre-funded pension obligations (see Note D.19.1.)   4     3     1  
                  Long-term loans and advances   483     256     186  
                  Assets recognized under the fair value option   121     100     72  
                  Derivative financial instruments (see Note D.20.)   220     51     71  

                  Total

                     1,644     998     821  

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Equity investmentsinterests classified as available-for-sale financial assets include:

                  A total of 1.5 million shares representing a 4.66% equity interest in Nichi-Iko, acquired in June 2010 and valued oninclude the basis of the quoted market price as of December 31, 2010 at €40 million.following publicly traded investments:

                    An 18.32% equity interest in the biopharmaceuticals company Regeneron, with which sanofi-aventisSanofi has research and development collaboration agreements (see NoteNotes D.21. and C.2.). This investment had a carrying amount of €2,051 million as of December 31, 2012 based on the quoted market price of $171.07 as of that date; this compares with a carrying amount of €678 million as of December 31, 2011 and €389 million atas of December 31, 2010 (€2482010.

                    An equity interest in the biopharmaceuticals company Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, with a carrying amount of €24 million atas of December 31, 2009, and €1952012.

                    A 4.66% equity interest in Nichi-Iko Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. valued at €28 million atas of December 31, 2008).

                  Equity interests in research and development companies such2012, based on the quoted market price as Proteome Science (€2of that date (compared with €34 million atbased on the quoted market price as of December 31, 2010, €22011).

                  An equity interest in Isis Pharmaceuticals, obtained via the acquisition of Genzyme, valued at €40 million atas of December 31, 2009, and €32012 based on the quoted market price as of that date (versus €28 million atas of December 31, 2008) and Genfit (€3 million at December 31, 2010, €5 million at December 31, 2009, €4 million at December 31, 2008)2011).



                  Financial assets held to match commitments, (€288 million at December 31, 2010, €269 million at December 31, 2009, and €223 million at December 31, 2008).

                  During 2010, the Group divested its 13% equity interest in ProStrakan for €28 million; this investment had a carrying amount of €25amounting to €301 million as of December 31, 2009.

                  2012, €272 million as of December 31, 2011, and €288 million as of December 31, 2010.

                          

                  During 2008, the Group divested its equity interestOther comprehensive income recognized in Millennium (carrying amount €46 million), generating a pre-tax gainrespect of €38 million (see Note D.29.).

                  The cumulativeavailable-for-sale financial assets represents unrealized net after-tax gain recognized directlygains of €1,745 million as of December 31, 2012 (including €1,669 million for the investment in Regeneron), versus €409 million as of December 31, 2011 and €164 million as of December 31, 2010.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          A 10% fall in the stock prices of quoted equity oninvestments classified as available-for-sale financial assets atwould have had the following impact as of December 31, 2010 was €164 million, relating mainly to the investment in Regeneron (€111 million). This compares with a cumulative unrealized net after-tax gain of €38 million at December 31, 2009, and a cumulative unrealized net after-tax loss of €49 million at December 31, 2008, mainly on the investment in Regeneron.2012:

                  The impact of a 10% fall in stock prices on quoted shares included in available-for-sale assets at December 31, 2010 would have been as follows:

                  (€ million)
                  Sensitivity
                   
                  Income/(expense) recognized directly in equity,Other comprehensive income before tax  (58231)
                  Income before tax   

                  Total

                    (58231)

                          

                  AAs regards other available-for-sale financial assets, a 10% fall in stock prices of other available-for-sale financial assets combined with a simultaneous 0.5% rise in the yield curve would have had the following impact atas of December 31, 2010:2012:

                  (€ million)
                  Sensitivity
                   
                  Income/(expense) recognized directly in equity,Other comprehensive income before tax  (1718)
                  Income before tax   

                  Total(1)

                    (1718)
                  (1)
                  This impact would represent approximately 6% of the value of the underlying assets.

                          

                  (1)

                  This impact would represent approximately 6% of the value of the underlying assets.

                  Available-for-sale financial assets also include equity investments not quoted in an active market. These investments had a carrying amount of €82 million as of December 31, 2012, €260 million as of December 31, 2011, and €47 million atas of December 31, 2010, compared with €31 million at2010. The reduction in 2012 is related to the sale of the investment in Yves Rocher.

                          The carrying amount of Greek government bonds as of December 31, 2009 and €342012 was €16 million, at December 31, 2008.of which €8 million are reported inCurrent financial assets (see Note D.12.).

                          

                  Long-term loans and advances are measured at amortized cost, which at the balance sheet date was not materially different from their fair value. The increase in long-term loans and advances between December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 was mainly due to surety paid in connection with ongoing litigation.

                  Assets recognized under the fair value option represent a portfolio of financial investments held to fund a deferred compensation plan offered to certain employees.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.8. Assets and liabilities held for sale or exchange

                          

                  A breakdown as of December 31, 20102012 of assets held for sale or exchange, and of liabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange, is shown below:

                  (€ million)       December 31,
                  2010
                     December  31,
                  2009(1)
                   
                  Merial   D.8.1.     7,019     6,540  
                  Other   D.8.2.     17     4  

                  Total assets held for sale or exchange

                          7,036     6,544  
                  Merial   D.8.1.     1,672     1,501  

                  Total liabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange

                          1,672     1,501  

                  (1)

                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period.

                  (€ million)
                    
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Merial (1) D.8.2.      7,019 
                  Other D.8.1.  101  67  17 
                    
                  Total assets held for sale or exchange    101  67  7,036 
                    
                  Merial (1) D.8.2.      1,672 
                  Other D.8.1.  38  20   
                    
                  Total liabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange    38  20  1,672 
                    
                  D.8.1. Merial(1)

                  In March 2010, sanofi-aventis exercised its contractual right to combine Merial with the Intervet/Schering-Plough business to form a new joint venture equally owned by Merck and sanofi-aventis. Formation of the new joint venture is subject to signature of final agreements, antitrust review in the United States, Europe and other countries, and other customary closing conditions. Closing of the transaction is expected in 2011.

                  In accordance with the accounting policy described in Note B.7., with effect from December 31, 2009 the entireThe assets of Merial, have been reported on the lineclassified inAssets held for sale or exchange in 2010, were reclassified in 2011 to the relevant balance sheet line items, in accordance with paragraph 26 of IFRS 5.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.8.1. Other assets held for sale

                          As of December 31, 2012, other assets held for sale mainly comprised certain assets of BMP Sunstone held for sale; Zentiva's industrial site at Hlohovec (Slovakia); and research and development sites in the United States and France.

                          As of December 31, 2011, other assets held for sale mainly comprised assets of the BMP Sunstone sub-group that had been held for sale since the acquisition date, plus research and development sites in France and industrial or tertiary sites in Europe.

                          As of December 31, 2010, other assets held for sale comprised research and development sites in France.

                  D.8.2. Merial

                          As explained in Note D.2., and the entireassets and liabilities of Merial have been reported onin the relevant balance sheet lineLiabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange. The net income of Merial is reported on the lineNet income from the held-for-exchange Merial business.

                  item since January 1, 2011.

                  The table below shows the assets and liabilities of Merial classified inAssets held for sale or exchange andLiabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange at as of December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, after elimination of intercompany balances between Merial and other Group companies.

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December  31,
                  2009(1)
                   

                  Assets

                      

                  • Property, plant and equipment and financial assets

                     811     684  

                  • Goodwill

                     1,209     1,124  

                  • Intangible assets

                     3,961     3,683  

                  • Deferred tax assets

                     92     60  

                  • Inventories

                     344     425  

                  • Accounts receivable

                     405     373  

                  • Other current assets

                     50     64  

                  • Cash and cash equivalents

                     147     127  

                  Total assets held for sale or exchange

                     7,019     6,540  

                  Liabilities

                      

                  • Long-term debt

                     4     6  

                  • Non-current provisions

                     70     85  

                  • Deferred tax liabilities

                     1,132     1,034  

                  • Short-term debt

                     24     22  

                  • Accounts payable

                     161     124  

                  • Other current liabilities

                     281     230  

                  Total liabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange

                     1,672     1,501  

                  (€ million)
                  (1)December 31,
                  2010

                  Assets

                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable• Property, plant and equipment and financial assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period.

                  811

                  • Goodwill

                  1,210

                  • Other intangible assets

                  3,961

                  • Deferred tax assets

                  92

                  • Inventories

                  344

                  • Accounts receivable

                  405

                  • Other current assets

                  49

                  • Cash and cash equivalents

                  147
                  Total assets held for sale or exchange7,019
                  Liabilities

                  • Long-term debt

                  4

                  • Non-current provisions

                  70

                  • Deferred tax liabilities

                  1,132

                  • Short-term debt

                  24

                  • Accounts payable

                  161

                  • Other current liabilities

                  281
                  Total liabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange1,672


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Changes in the balances relating to Merial between December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 are mainly due to translation effects arising from movements in the U.S. dollar exchange rate between those dates, and to adjustments to the purchase price allocation.

                  The components ofNet income from the held-for-exchange Merial business are shown below:

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   

                  Net sales

                     1,983   479 (2)     
                  Operating income   575   69 (2)     
                  Net financial income/(expense)       (2)     
                  Income tax expense   (189  (35) (2)     
                  Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures       139 (1)   120  

                  Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business

                     386   175   120  

                  (1)

                  Until September 17, 2009.

                  (2)

                  From September 18, 2009.

                  The table below sets forth, as required by IFRS 5, disclosures of how net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis, net income attributable to non-controlling interests, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are split between activities other than Merial and the held-for-exchange Merial business:

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business   5,335     5,516     4,172  
                  Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business   386     175     120  

                  Net income

                     5,721     5,691     4,292  

                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests:

                        

                  Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business

                     254     426     441  

                  Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business

                                 

                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

                     254     426     441  

                  Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis:

                        

                  Net income excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business

                     5,081     5,090     3,731  

                  Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business

                     386     175     120  

                  Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

                     5,467     5,265     3,851  

                  Basic earnings per share:

                        

                  Excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business (in euros)

                     3.89     3.90     2.85  

                  Held-for-exchange Merial business (in euros)

                     0.30     0.13     0.09  

                  Basic earnings per share (in euros)

                     4.19     4.03     2.94  

                  Diluted earnings per share:

                        

                  Excluding the held-for-exchange Merial business (in euros)

                     3.88     3.90     2.85  

                  Held-for-exchange Merial business (in euros)

                     0.30     0.13     0.09  

                  Diluted earnings per share (in euros)

                     4.18     4.03     2.94  

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below sets forth the net sales of Merial’s principal products, expressed in millions of U.S. dollars:

                  ($ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Frontline® and other fipronil-based products   1,027     996     1,053  
                  Vaccines   837     794     790  
                  Avermectin   473     475     512  
                  Other   298     289     288  

                  Total

                     2,635     2,554     2,643  

                  The contractual obligations and other commitments of Merial as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:

                  (€ million)     Payments due by period 
                    Total  Under
                  1 year
                    From 1 to
                  3 years
                     From 3 to
                  5 years
                    Over
                  5 years
                   
                  Obligations and other contractual commitments:       

                  • outflows

                     129   104   9    12   4 

                  • inflows

                     (34  (30       (3  (1

                  Total obligations and other contractual commitments

                     95   74   9    9   3 

                  D.8.2. Other assets held for sale

                  As of December 31, 2010, other assets held for sale relate to R&D facilities in France.

                  As of December 31, 2009, other assets held for sale related to the ongoing divestment of the R&D facilities at Alnwick and Porcheville and of an industrial site. An impairment loss of €107 million was charged against these assets (and recognized underRestructuring costs in the income statement) prior to their reclassification as held for sale.

                  As of December 31, 2008, sanofi-aventis had assets held for sale relating to the ongoing divestment of a plant at Colomiers in the Haute-Garonne region of France. These assets were fully written down as of that date.

                  D.9. Inventories

                          

                  Inventories break down as follows:

                   
                   December 31, 2012
                   December 31, 2011
                   December 31, 2010
                   
                   
                     
                  (€ million)
                   Gross
                   Impairment
                   Net
                   Gross
                   Impairment
                   Net
                   Gross
                   Impairment
                   Net
                   
                    
                  Raw materials  969  (72) 897  973  (93) 880  838  (88) 750 
                  Work in process  3,755  (294) 3,461  3,444  (209) 3,235  2,940  (255) 2,685 
                  Finished goods  2,171  (150) 2,021  2,107  (171) 1,936  1,714  (129) 1,585 
                    
                  Total  6,895  (516) 6,379  6,524  (473) 6,051  5,492  (472) 5,020 
                    

                          The value of inventories related to Genzyme was €925 million at the acquisition date (see note D.1.2.) and €540 million at December 31, 2011. Merial inventories reclassified as of January 1, 2011 amounted to €344 million (see note D.8.2.).

                  (€ million)  December 31, 2010   December 31, 2009   December 31, 2008 
                    Gross   Impairment  Net   Gross   Impairment  Net   Gross   Impairment  Net 
                  Raw materials   838     (88  750     752     (96  656     615     (91  524  
                  Work in process   2,940     (255  2,685     2,456     (241  2,215     2,028     (226  1,802  
                  Finished goods   1,714     (129  1,585     1,709     (136  1,573     1,449     (185  1,264  

                  Total

                     5,492     (472  5,020     4,917     (473  4,444     4,092     (502  3,590  

                          

                  The impact of changes in provisions for impairment of inventories in 2010 iswas a net expense of €28 million in 2012, compared with €6 million in 2011 and €22 million compared with €26 million in 2009 and €30 million in 2008. Impairment losses against inventories as of December 31, 2010 relate primarily to the product Ketek®.2010.

                          Inventories pledged as security for liabilities amountamounted to €11€16 million atas of December 31, 2010.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  2012.

                  D.10. Accounts receivable

                          

                  Accounts receivable break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Gross value  7,641  8,176  6,633 
                  Impairment  (134) (134) (126)
                    
                  Net value  7,507  8,042  6,507 
                    

                          The value of trade receivables related to Genzyme totaled €764 million at the acquisition date (see Note D.1.2.). Merial trade receivables reclassified as of January 1, 2011 amounted to €405 million (see Note D.8.2.).

                  (€ million)  

                  December 31,

                  2010

                    

                  December 31,

                  2009

                    

                  December 31,

                  2008

                   
                  Gross value   6,633   6,111   5,391 
                  Impairment   (126  (96  (88

                  Net value

                     6,507   6,015   5,303 

                          

                  The impactImpairment losses (net of changes in provisions for impairment ofreversals) against accounts receivable (see Note B.8.2.) amounted to €11 million in 2010 is a net expense of2012, compared with €32 million compared with a net expense of €5 million in 2009both 2011 and a net expense of €7 million in 2008.2010.

                          

                  The gross value of overdue receivables atas of December 31, 2010 is2012 was €1,057 million, compared with €1,103 million as of December 31, 2011 and €887 million (versus €884 million atas of December 31, 2009 and €794 million at December 31, 2008).2010.

                  (€ million)
                   Overdue accounts
                  Gross value

                   Overdue
                  <1 month

                   Overdue from
                  1 to 3 months

                   Overdue from
                  3 to 6 months

                   Overdue from
                  6 to 12 months

                   Overdue
                  >12 months

                   
                    
                  December 31, 2012  1,057  371  247  152  126  161 
                  December 31, 2011  1,103  278  227  187  135  276 
                  December 31, 2010  887  255  207  127  97  201 
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  Overdue accounts
                  Gross value
                     Overdue <
                  1 month
                     Overdue from
                  1 to 3 months
                     Overdue from
                  3 to 6 months
                     Overdue from
                  6 to 12 months
                     Overdue >
                  12 months
                   
                  December 31, 2010   887     255     207     127     97     201  
                  December 31, 2009   884     288     172     132     110     182  
                  December 31, 2008   794     267     146     121     95     165  

                  Amounts overdue by more than one month relate mainly to public-sector customers.

                          Some Sanofi subsidiaries have assigned receivables to factoring companies or banks, without recourse. Because these receivables were assigned without recourse, they have been derecognized from the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012; the amount involved is €53 million. The residual guarantees relating to these transfers are immaterial.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.11. Other current assets

                          

                  Other current assets break down as follows:

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Taxes recoverable   1,188     1,019     927  
                  Other receivables(1)   626     914     781  
                  Prepaid expenses   186     171     173  

                  Total

                     2,000     2,104     1,881  

                  (1)

                  This line mainly comprises amounts due from alliance partners, advance payments to suppliers, sales commission receivable, and amounts due from employees.

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Taxes recoverable  1,575  1,455  1,188 
                  Other receivables (1)  522  690  626 
                  Prepaid expenses  258  256  186 
                    
                  Total  2,355  2,401  2,000 
                    
                  (1)
                  This line mainly comprises amounts due from alliance partners, advance payments to suppliers, sales commission receivable, and amounts due from employees.

                  D.12. Current financial assets

                          

                  Current financial assets break down as follows:

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Interest rate derivatives measured at fair value (see Note D.20.)   1     18     33  
                  Currency derivatives measured at fair value (see Note D.20.)   27     251     348  
                  Other current financial assets   23     8     22  

                  Total

                     51     277     403  

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Interest rate derivatives measured at fair value (see Note D.20.)  40  90  1 
                  Currency derivatives measured at fair value (see Note D.20.)  82  48  27 
                  Other current financial assets  56 (1) 35 (2) 23 
                    
                  Total  178  173  51 
                    
                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)(1)

                  Year ended

                  Includes €8 million of Greek government bonds as of December 31, 20102012 (see Note D.7.).
                  (2)

                  Includes €23 million of Greek government bonds as of December 31, 2011.

                  D.13. Cash and cash equivalents

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Cash   696     689     502  
                  Cash equivalents(1)   5,769     4,003     3,724  

                  Cash and cash equivalents(2)(3)

                     6,465     4,692     4,226  
                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Cash  904  1,029  696 
                  Cash equivalents (1)  5,477  3,095  5,769 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents (2)  6,381  4,124  6,465 
                    
                  (1)
                  Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012 mainly comprised (i) €2,964 million invested in collective investment schemes, including euro-denominated funds classified by the AMF as "money-market" or "short-term money-market" and U.S. dollar-denominated money-market funds compliant with SEC Rule 2a-7 (December 31, 2011: €1,879 million); (ii) €1,065 million of term deposits (December 31, 2011: €316 million); (iii) €510 million of commercial paper (December 31, 2011: €260 million); and (iv) €507 million held by captive insurance and reinsurance companies in accordance with insurance regulations (December 31, 2011: €460 million).
                  (2)
                  Includes €100 million held by the Venezuelan subsidiary as of December 31, 2012, which is subject to foreign exchange controls.

                  (1)

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Cash equivalents at December 31, 2010 mainly comprised €4,805 million invested in collective investment schemes classified as Euro Money-Market Funds by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers and €786 million of term deposits.

                  (2)

                  Includes cash held by captive insurance and reinsurance companies in accordance with insurance regulations: €436 million at December 31, 2010, €430 million at December 31, 2009, and €429 million at December 31, 2008.

                  (3)

                  Includes €31 million held by the Venezuelan subsidiary, which is subject to foreign exchange controls.

                  D.14. Net deferred tax position

                          

                  The net deferred tax position breaks down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Deferred tax on:          
                  • Consolidation adjustments (intragroup margin in inventory)  1,156  858  875 
                  • Provision for pensions and other employee benefits  1,608  1,297  1,157 
                  • Remeasurement of other acquired intangible assets (1)  (5,641) (6,815) (3,706)
                  • Recognition of acquired property, plant and equipment at fair value  (83) (75) (76)
                  • Equity interests in subsidiaries and investments in foreign affiliates (2)  (1,276) (1,154) (399)
                  • Tax losses available for carry-forward  593  617  152 
                  • Stock options and other share-based payment  79  40  12 
                  • Accrued expenses and provisions deductible at the time of payment (3)  1,923  1,946  1,349 
                  • Other  86  389  (121)
                    
                  Net deferred tax liability  (1,555) (2,897) (757)
                    
                  (1)
                  Includes deferred tax liabilities of €1,417 million as of December 31, 2012 relating to the remeasurement of Aventis intangible assets, €2,761 million relating to Genzyme, and €368 million relating to Merial.
                  (2)
                  In some countries, the Group is liable to withholding taxes and other tax charges when dividends are distributed. Consequently, the Group recognizes a deferred tax liability on the reserves of foreign subsidiaries (approximately €22.6 billion) which the Group regards as likely to be distributed in the foreseeable future.
                  (3)
                  Includes deferred tax assets related to restructuring provisions, amounting to €615 million as of December 31, 2012, €451 million as of December 31, 2011, and €389 million as of December 31, 2010.

                          The reserves of Sanofi subsidiaries that would be taxable if distributed but for which no distribution is planned, and for which no deferred tax liability has therefore been recognized, totaled €18.4 billion as of December 31, 2012, compared with €15.7 billion as of December 31, 2011 and €16.2 billion as of December 31, 2010.

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                    December 31,
                  2009
                    December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Deferred tax on:    
                  • Consolidation adjustments (intragroup margin in inventory)   875   858   845 
                  • Provision for pensions and other employee benefits   1,157   1,097   1,070 
                  • Remeasurement of acquired intangible assets(1)   (3,706  (4,144  (4,805
                  • Recognition of acquired property, plant and equipment at fair value   (76  (99  (65
                  • Tax cost of distributions made from reserves(2)   (399  (643  (769
                  • Tax losses available for carry-forward   152   70   171 
                  • Stock options   12   21   6 
                  • Other non-deductible provisions and other items   1,228   819   799 

                  Net deferred tax liability

                     (757  (2,021  (2,748

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  (1)

                  Includes a deferred tax liability of €2,559 million as of December 31, 2010 relating to the remeasurement of Aventis intangible assets.

                  (2)

                  In some countries, the Group is liable to withholding taxes and other tax charges when dividends are distributed. Consequently, the Group recognizes a deferred tax liability on those reserves (approximately €16 billion) which the Group regards as likely to be distributed in the foreseeable future (see Note D.30.).

                  The table below shows when the tax losses available for carry-forward by the Group are due to expire:

                  (€ million)
                   Tax losses available
                  for carry-forward (1)

                   
                    
                  2013  24 
                  2014  15 
                  2015  30 
                  2016  16 
                  2017  145 
                  2018 and later (2)  2,197 
                    
                  Total at December 31, 2012  2,427 (3)
                    
                  Total at December 31, 2011  2,699 (4)
                    
                  Total at December 31, 2010  1,028 (5)
                    
                  (1)
                  Excluding tax loss carry-forwards on asset disposals. Tax loss carry-forwards on asset disposals were zero at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, versus €101 million at December 31, 2010.
                  (2)
                  Mainly comprises tax losses available for carry-forward indefinitely.
                  (3)
                  The Group's policies for the recognition of deferred tax assets are described in Note B.22. The recognition of deferred tax assets is determined on the basis of profit forecasts for each tax group. These forecasts are consistent with the Group's long-term business plan, and are based on time horizons that take account of the period of availability of tax loss carry-forwards and the specific circumstances of each tax group. Deferred tax assets relating to tax loss carry-forwards as of December 31, 2012 amounted to €734 million, of which €141 million were not recognized.
                  (4)
                  Deferred tax assets relating to tax loss carry-forwards as of December 31, 2011 amounted to €843 million, of which €226 million were not recognized.
                  (5)
                  Deferred tax assets relating to tax loss carry-forwards as of December 31, 2010 amounted to €357 million, of which €205 million were not recognized.

                          

                  (€ million)     
                  2011   21  
                  2012   19  
                  2013   15  
                  2014   8  
                  2015   17  
                  2016 and later   948  

                  Total tax losses available for carry-forward at December 31, 2010(1)

                     1,028  

                  Total tax losses available for carry-forward at December 31, 2009

                     642  

                  Total tax losses available for carry-forward at December 31, 2008

                     845  

                  (1)

                  Excluding tax loss carry-forwards on asset disposals. Tax loss carry-forwards on asset disposals amounted to €101 million at December 31, 2010, €597 million at December 31, 2009, and €776 million at December 31, 2008.

                  Use of these tax loss carry-forwards is limited to the entity in which they arose. In jurisdictions where tax consolidations are in place, tax losses can be netted against taxable income generated by the entities in the same consolidated tax group.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Deferred tax assets not recognized because their future recovery was not regarded as probable given the expected results of the entities in question amounted to €413 million in 2012, €476 million in 2011, and €451 million at December 31,in 2010 (including €35 million on asset disposals), compared with €486 million at December 31, 2009 (including €99 million on asset disposals) and €374 million at December 31, 2008 (including €162 million on asset disposals).

                  The effect of recognizing previously unrecognized deferred tax assets in accounting for business combinations (requiring a corresponding adjustment to goodwill) amounted to €88 million at December 31, 2009 and €6 million at December 31, 2008.

                  D.15. Consolidated shareholders’shareholders' equity

                  D.15.1. Share capital

                          

                  The share capital of €2,621,995,570€2,652,685,918 consists of 1,310,997,7851,326,342,959 shares with a par value of €2.

                          

                  The number of ownTreasury shares held by the Group as treasury shares isare as follows:

                   
                   Number of shares
                  in million

                   %
                   
                    
                  December 31, 2012  3.1  0.24% 
                  December 31, 2011  17.2  1.28% 
                  December 31, 2010  6.1  0.46% 
                  January 1, 2010  9.4  0.71% 
                    

                          

                      Number of shares   % 
                  December 31, 2010   6,070,712     0.46%  
                  December 31, 2009   9,422,716     0.71%  
                  December 31, 2008   10,014,971     0.76%  
                  January 1, 2008   37,725,706     2.76%  

                  Treasury shares are deducted from shareholders’shareholders' equity. Gains and losses on disposals of treasury shares are taken directly to equity and are not recognized in net income for the period.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  Movements in the share capital of the sanofi-aventisSanofi parent company over the last three years are presented below:

                  Date
                   Transaction
                   Number of
                  shares

                   Share
                  capital (1)

                   Additional
                  paid-in
                  capital (1)

                   
                    
                  January 1, 2010    1,318,479,052  2,637  6,738 
                    
                  During 2010 Capital increase by exercise of stock subscription options  430,033  1  17 
                  Board of Directors meeting of April 28, 2010 Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares  (7,911,300) (16) (404)
                    
                  December 31, 2010    1,310,997,785  2,622  6,351 
                    
                  During 2011 Capital increase by exercise of stock subscription options  1,593,369  4  66 
                  During 2011 Capital increase by issue of restricted shares  587,316  1  (1)
                  June 16, 2011 Capital increase by payment of dividends in shares  38,139,730  76  1,814 
                  Board of Directors meeting of July 27, 2011 Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares  (2,328,936) (5) (116)
                  Board of Directors meeting of November 2, 2011 Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares  (8,070,453) (16) (372)
                    
                  December 31, 2011    1,340,918,811  2,682  7,742 
                    
                  During 2012 Capital increase by exercise of stock subscription options  11,945,454  24  621 
                  During 2012 Capital increase by issue of restricted shares  1,074,063  2  (2)
                  Board of Directors meeting of April 26, 2012 Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares  (21,159,445) (42) (1,088)
                  Board of Directors meeting of October 24, 2012 Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares  (6,435,924) (13) (405)
                    
                  December 31, 2012    1,326,342,959  2,653  6,868 
                    
                  (1)
                  Amounts expressed in € million.

                          

                           (€ million) 
                  Date  Transaction  Number of
                  shares
                    Share
                  capital
                    Additional
                  paid-in
                  capital
                   

                  January 1, 2008

                        1,365,916,644    2,732    9,410  
                  During 2008  Capital increase by exercise of stock subscription options   1,046,238    2    37  
                  Board meeting of April 29, 2008  Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares   (51,437,419  (103  (2,843

                  December 31, 2008

                        1,315,525,463    2,631    6,604  
                  During 2009  Capital increase by exercise of stock subscription options   2,953,589    6    134  

                  December 31, 2009

                        1,318,479,052    2,637    6,738  
                  During 2010  Capital increase by exercise of stock subscription options   430,033    1    17  
                  Board meeting of April 28, 2010  Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares   (7,911,300  (16  (404

                  December 31, 2010

                        1,310,997,785    2,622    6,351  

                  For equity related disclosures about the management of capital as required under IFRS 7, refer to Note B.27.

                          A total of 11,945,454 shares were issued during 2012 as a result of the exercise of Sanofi stock subscription options.

                          In addition, a total of 1,074,063 shares vested and were issued in 2012 under restricted share plans. This total includes 523,477 shares issued in March 2012 under the March 1, 2010 plan, and 533,000 shares issued in October 2012 to grantees in France under the global plan under which all employees were entitled to 20 shares each.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.15.2. Restricted share plans

                          

                  Restricted share plans are accounted for in accordance with the policies described in Note B.24.3.

                    The meeting of the sanofi-aventis Board of Directors held on October 27, 2010 decided to awardmeeting of March 5, 2012 approved a worldwide restricted share plan underwith performance conditions involving 4,694,260 shares, of which 20 shares were granted to each employee of the Group. The fair value per share granted is the market price of the share as of the date of grant (€49.53), adjusted for expected dividends during the vesting period. A total of 2,101,340 shares were granted under this plan.

                  The fair value of this restricted share plan is €67 million.

                  The meeting of the sanofi-aventis Board of Directors held on March 1, 2010 decided to award a discretionary restricted share plan. A total of 1,231,249 shares were granted, 699,524 of which3,127,160 will vest after a four-year service period and 531,7251,567,100 will vest after a three-year service period but will be subject to a further two-year lock-up period.

                      The plan was measured as of the date of grant. The fair value per share awarded is the quoted market price per share as of that date (€57.62), adjusted for dividends expected during the vesting period.

                      The fair value of this plan is €192 million. This amount is being recognized in profit or loss over the vesting period, with the matching entry recognized directly in equity; the expense recognized in 2012 was €45 million.

                    The Board of Directors meeting of March 9, 2011 approved a restricted share plan with performance conditions involving 3,330,650 shares, of which 1,934,610 will vest after a four-year service period and 1,396,040 will vest after a two-year service period but will be subject to a further two-year lock-up period. The fair value per share grantedawarded is the quoted market price per share as of the date of grant (€50.28), adjusted for dividends expected during the vesting period.

                      The fair value of this plan is €125 million.

                    The Board of Directors meeting of October 27, 2010 approved a worldwide restricted share plan, under which 20 shares were awarded to each employee of the Group. The fair value per share awarded is the quoted market price per share as of the date of grant (€49.53), adjusted for dividends expected during the vesting period. A total of 2,101,340 shares were awarded under this plan.

                      The fair value of this plan is €67 million.

                    The Board of Directors meeting of March 1, 2010 approved a restricted share plan involving 1,231,249 shares, of which 699,524 will vest after a four-year service period and 531,725 will vest after a two-year service period but will be subject to a further two-year lock-up period. The fair value per share awarded is the quoted market price per share as of the date of grant (€54.82), adjusted for expected dividends during the vesting period.

                    The fair value of this restricted share plan is €50 million.

                          

                  The total expense recognized for all restricted share plans in the year ended December 31, 20102012 was €36€125 million, compared with €11€84 million in the year ended December 31, 2009.2011 and €36 million in the year ended December 31, 2010.

                          

                  AsThe number of restricted shares not yet vested as of December 31, 2010, there were 4,467,968 restricted shares outstanding: 2,101,3402012 was 10,414,053, comprising 4,584,920 under the 2012 plans, 3,184,240 under the 2011 plans, 1,470,980 under the October 2010 plan, 1,208,261plans, 631,544 under the March 2010 plan,plans, and 1,158,367542,369 under the March 2009 plan. Asplans. The number of restricted shares not yet vested was 7,062,324 as of December 31, 2009, there were 1,181,049 restricted shares outstanding.

                  The meeting of the sanofi-aventis Board of Directors held on March 2, 2009 decided to award a restricted share plan. A total of 1,194,064 shares were granted, 604,004 of which will vest after a four-year service period2011 and 590,060 of which will vest after a two-year service period but will be subject to a further two-year lock-up period (including 65,000 shares which are also contingent upon performance conditions). The fair value per share granted is the market price per share4,467,968 as of the date of grant (€41.10), adjusted for expected dividends during the vesting period.

                  The fair value of this restricted share plan is €37 million.

                  December 31, 2010.

                  D.15.3. Capital increase reserved for employee share ownership plans

                          On May 6, 2011, the Annual General Meeting of Sanofi shareholders approved the payment of a dividend of €2.50 per share in respect of the year ended December 31, 2010, with an option for payment in cash or in newly-issued Sanofi shares. This option was exercised by shareholders representing 57.8% of the shares, as a result which 38,139,730 new shares were issued for payment of the dividend in shares. The shares issued represent 2.9% of the share capital, and led to an increase of €76 million in the share capital and €1,814 million in additional paid-in capital (net of issuance costs).

                          Capital increases arising from the exercise of Sanofi stock subscription options and restricted share plans are described in Note D.15.1.

                  There were no share issues reserved for employee share ownership plansemployees in 2010, 20092011 or 2008.2012.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.15.4. Repurchase of sanofi-aventisSanofi shares

                          

                  The sanofi-aventis Shareholders’On May 4, 2012, the Annual General Meeting of May 17, 2010 authorizedSanofi shareholders approved a share repurchase program for a period of 18 months. Sanofi-aventis has not repurchased any of its own shares underUnder this program since that date.and only this program, the Group repurchased 6,060,150 shares in 2012 for a total amount of €397 million.

                          

                  UnderOn May 6, 2011, the share repurchase program authorized by the Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting of April 17, 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi shareholders approved a share repurchase program for a period of 18 months. Under this program, the Group repurchased 5,871,0267,513,493 shares in the first half of its own shares during 20102012 for a total amount of €321€426 million, and 21,655,140 shares in 2011 for a total amount of €1,074 million.

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisOn May 17, 2010, the Annual General Meeting of Sanofi shareholders approved a share repurchase program for a period of 18 months. The Group did not repurchase any of its own shares during 2009.

                  The Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting of May 14, 2008 authorized a share repurchase program, under which sanofi-aventis purchased 810,000 of its own shares during the period from June 6, 2008 through August 21, 2008 for a total of €36 million (including transaction costs).

                  this program.

                  D.15.5. ReductionReductions in share capital

                          

                  The meeting ofOn October 24, 2012, the sanofi-aventis Board of Directors held onapproved the cancellation of 6,435,924 treasury shares (€418 million), representing 0.49% of the share capital as of that date.

                          On April 26, 2012, the Board of Directors approved the cancellation of 21,159,445 treasury shares (€1,130 million), representing 1.60% of the share capital as of that date.

                          On November 2, 2011, the Board of Directors approved the cancellation of 8,070,453 treasury shares (€388 million), representing 0.60% of the share capital as of that date.

                          On July 27, 2011, the Board of Directors approved the cancellation of 2,328,936 treasury shares (€121 million), representing 0.17% of the share capital as of that date.

                          On April 28, 2010, decided to cancelthe Board of Directors approved the cancellation of 7,911,300 treasury shares (€420 million), representing 0.60% of the share capital as of that date.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The meeting of the sanofi-aventis Board of Directors held on April 29, 2008 decided to cancel 51,437,419 treasury shares (€2,946 million), of which 51,407,169 had been repurchased through April 14, 2008 under the share repurchase program, representing 3.77% of the share capital as of that date (see Note D.15.4.).

                  These cancellations had no effect on consolidated shareholders’shareholders' equity.

                  D.15.6. CumulativeCurrency translation differences

                          

                  CumulativeCurrency translation differences break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011 (1)

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Attributable to equity holders of Sanofi  (1,918) (1,390) (1,318)
                  Attributable to non-controlling interests  (24) (16) (4)
                    
                  Total  (1,942) (1,406) (1,322)
                    
                  (1)
                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                    December 31,
                  2009 (1)
                    December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis   (1,318  (3,962  (3,669
                  Attributable to non-controlling interests   (4  (15  (16

                  Total

                     (1,322  (3,977  (3,685

                  (1)

                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1.); the impact on cumulative translation differences was €3 million.

                  The movement in cumulativecurrency translation differences during the period was mainly due to the effect of changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rate, primarily on goodwill, intangible assets and inventories.

                          

                  In accordance with the accounting policy described in Note B.8.4., cumulativecurrency translation differences attributable toequity holders of sanofi-aventisSanofi include the post-tax effecteffects of currency hedges of net investments in foreign operations, which amounted tooperations; these effects (after tax) were €72 million at December 31, 2012, €66 million at December 31, 2011, and €85 million at December 31, 2010 compared with €86 million at December 31, 2009 and €98 million at December 31, 2008.2010.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.15.7. Income and expenses recognized directly in equityOther comprehensive income

                          

                  Movements in other comprehensive income and expenses recognized directly in equity break downare as follows:

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009(1)
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   

                  Balance, beginning of period

                     (3,755  (4,436)  (4,659
                  Available-for-sale financial assets:    

                  • Change in fair value(2)

                     141   110   (132

                  • Tax effects

                     (15  (23)  33  
                  Cash flow hedges:    

                  • Change in fair value(3)

                     17   (175)  104  

                  • Tax effects

                     (6  61   (37
                  Zentiva fair value remeasurement:    

                  • Change in fair value(4)

                         108     

                  • Tax effects

                         (28)    
                  Merial fair value remeasurement:    

                  • Change in fair value(4)

                         1,379     

                  • Tax effects

                         (326)    
                  Actuarial gains and losses    

                  • Impact of asset ceiling

                     1   2   2  

                  • Actuarial gains/(losses) excluding associates, joint ventures and Merial

                     (316  (169)  (824

                  • Actuarial gains/(losses) on associates and joint ventures

                     (1  (2)  (7

                  • Actuarial gains/(losses) on Merial

                     5         

                  • Tax effects

                     172   36   136  
                  Change in cumulative translation differences    

                  • Translation differences on foreign subsidiaries(5)/(6)

                     2,656   (280)  948  

                  • Hedges of net investments in foreign operations

                     (2  (18)    

                  • Tax effects

                     1   6     

                  Balance, end of period

                     (1,102  (3,755)  (4,436
                  Attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis   (1,097  (3,739)  (4,419
                  Attributable to non-controlling interests   (5  (16)  (17

                  (1)

                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), sanofi-aventis adjusted the values of certain identifiable assets and liabilities of Merial during the purchase price allocation period (see Note D.1.); the impact on the fair value remeasurement was €164 million before tax effects, and a tax effect of (€33) million.

                  (2)

                  Includes reclassifications to profit or loss: (€0.4) million in 2010, (€1) million in 2009, and (€11) million in 2008.

                  (3)

                  Includes reclassifications to profit or loss: €7 million in 2010, (€123) million in 2009 and (€9) million in 2008 in operating income; €5 million in 2010, (€35) million in 2009 and (€17) million in 2008 in net financial expense.

                  (4)

                  Fair value remeasurement of the previously-held equity interest (Zentiva 24.9%, Merial 50%) as of the date when control was acquired.

                  (5)

                  Includes €155 million for Merial in 2010, and €10 million for Merial from the acquisition date through December 31, 2009.

                  (6)

                  Includes a reclassification of €3 million to profit or loss in 2010.

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011 (1)

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Balance, beginning of period  (1,477) (1,102) (3,755)
                    
                  Attributable to equity holders of Sanofi  (1,460) (1,097) (3,739)
                  Attributable to non-controlling interests  (17) (5) (16)
                    
                  Actuarial gains/(losses)          

                  • Impact of asset ceiling

                    1    1 

                  • Actuarial gains/(losses) excluding associates and joint ventures

                    (1,549) (677) (311)

                  • Actuarial gains/(losses) on associates and joint ventures

                    (7)   (1)

                  • Tax effects

                    492  138  172 
                    
                  Items not subsequently reclassifiable to profit or loss  (1,063) (539) (139)
                    
                  Available-for-sale financial assets:          

                  • Change in fair value (2)

                    1,451  250  141 

                  • Tax effects

                    (114) (5) (15)
                  Cash flow hedges:          

                  • Change in fair value (3)

                    (4) 5  17 

                  • Tax effects

                    1  (2) (6)
                  Change in currency translation differences:          

                  • Currency translation differences on foreign subsidiaries (4)

                    (542) (65) 2,656 

                  • Hedges of net investments in foreign operations

                    10  (30) (2)

                  • Tax effects

                    (4) 11  1 
                    
                  Items subsequently reclassifiable to profit or loss  798  164  2,792 
                    
                  Balance, end of period  (1,742) (1,477) (1,102)
                    
                  Attributable to equity holders of Sanofi  (1,718) (1,460) (1,097)
                  Attributable to non-controlling interests  (24) (17) (5)
                    
                  (1)
                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).
                  (2)
                  Including reclassifications to profit or loss: (€16 million) in 2012, not significant in 2011 or 2010.
                  (3)
                  Including reclassifications to profit or loss in operating income: not significant in 2012 or 2011, €7 million in 2010; in net financial expense, €0.4 million in 2012, €2 million in 2011 and €5 million in 2010.
                  (4)
                  Includes reclassifications to profit or loss of (€1 million) in 2012, €1 million in 2011 and €3 million in 2010.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.15.8. Share-based payment

                  Stock option plans

                  a) Assumption by sanofi-aventisSanofi of the obligations of Aventis

                  Stock subscription option plans

                          

                  With effect from December 31, 2004, sanofi-aventisSanofi substituted for Aventis in all the rights and obligations of the issuer in respect of stock subscription options granted to employees and former corporate officers of Aventis and of related companies (as defined in article L.225-180 of the Commercial Code) and not exercised as of that date.

                          

                  With effect from December 31, 2004, stock subscription options granted by Aventis and not yet exercised may be exercised in sanofi-aventisSanofi shares on the same terms, subject to the adjustments described below. The number and subscription price of the optioned shares have been adjusted to reflect the share exchange ratio applicable to Aventis shareholders, subject to possible further adjustment in the event of future capital transactions. The new terms for the exercise of options, subject to future financial adjustments, are as follows:

                    The number of sanofi-aventisSanofi shares for which each grantee may subscribe under a given stock option plan equals the number of Aventis shares to which the grantee may subscribe under that plan multiplied by the exchange ratio applicable to the shareholders (i.e. 27/23), rounded down to the nearest whole number.



                  The subscription price per sanofi-aventisSanofi share equals the subscription price per Aventis share divided by the exchange ratio applicable to the shareholders (i.e. 27/23), rounded down to the nearest euro cent.

                  b) Description of stock option plans

                  Stock subscription option plans

                  2010        On March 5, 2012, the Board of Directors granted 814,050 stock subscription optionoptions at an exercise price of €56.44 per share. The vesting period is four years, and the plan awarded by sanofi-aventisexpires on March 5, 2022.

                          On March 9, 2011, the Board of Directors granted 874,500 stock subscription options at an exercise price of €50.48 per share. The vesting period is four years, and the plan expires on March 9, 2021.

                  On March 1, 2010, the sanofi-aventis Board of Directors granted 8,121,355 stock subscription options at an exercise price of €54.12 per share.

                  The vesting period is four years, and the plan expires on February 28, 2020.

                  2009 stock subscription option plan awarded by sanofi-aventis

                  On March 2, 2009, the Board of Directors granted 7,736,480 stock subscription options at an exercise price of €45.09 per share.

                  The vesting period is four years, and the plan expires on March 2, 2019.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Stock purchase option plans

                          

                  The table shows all sanofi-aventisSanofi stock purchase option plans still outstanding or under which options were exercised in the year ended December 31, 2010.2012.

                  Origin
                   Date of grant
                   Options
                  granted

                   Start date of
                  exercise period

                   Expiration
                  date

                   Exercise
                  price (€)

                   Options
                  outstanding at
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   
                    
                  Synthélabo  10/18/1994  330,200  10/18/1999  10/18/2014  6.01  5,200 
                  Synthélabo  01/12/1996  208,000  01/12/2001  01/12/2016  8.56  8,870 
                  Synthélabo  04/05/1996  228,800  04/05/2001  04/05/2016  10.85  18,500 
                  Synthélabo  10/14/1997  262,080  10/14/2002  10/14/2017  19.73  23,442 
                  Synthélabo  06/25/1998  296,400  06/26/2003  06/25/2018  28.38  3,500 
                  Synthélabo  03/30/1999  716,040  03/31/2004  03/30/2019  38.08  232,025 
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo  05/22/2002  3,111,850  05/23/2006  05/22/2012  69.94   
                    
                  Total                 291,537 
                    

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  Origin  Date of grant   Options
                  granted
                     Start date of
                  exercise period
                     Expiration
                  date
                     Exercise
                  price (€)
                     Options
                  outstanding at
                  December 31,
                  2010
                   
                  Synthélabo   12/15/1993     364,000     12/15/1998     12/15/2013     6.36     6,200  
                  Synthélabo   10/18/1994     330,200     10/18/1999     10/18/2014     6.01     10,900  
                  Synthélabo   01/12/1996     208,000     01/12/2001     01/12/2016     8.56     19,270  
                  Synthélabo   04/05/1996     228,800     04/05/2001     04/05/2016     10.85     34,670  
                  Synthélabo   10/14/1997     262,080     10/14/2002     10/14/2017     19.73     29,242  
                  Synthélabo   06/25/1998     296,400     06/26/2003     06/25/2018     28.38     10,520  
                  Synthélabo   03/30/1999     716,040     03/31/2004     03/30/2019     38.08     320,185  
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo   05/24/2000     4,292,000     05/25/2004     05/24/2010     43.25       
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo   05/10/2001     2,936,500     05/11/2005     05/10/2011     64.50     2,535,539  
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo   05/22/2002     3,111,850     05/23/2006     05/22/2012     69.94     2,880,750  

                  Total

                                              5,847,276  

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi shares acquired to cover stock purchase optionsoption plans are deducted from shareholders’shareholders' equity. The exercise of all outstanding stock purchase options would increase shareholders’shareholders' equity by €375€10 million.

                  Stock subscription option plans

                          

                  Details of the terms of exercise of stock subscription options granted under the various plans are presented below in sanofi-aventisSanofi share equivalents. These options have been granted to certain corporate officers and employees of Group companies.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table shows all sanofi-aventisSanofi stock subscription option plans still outstanding or under which options were exercised in the year ended December 31, 2010.2012.

                  Origin
                   Date of grant
                   Options
                  granted

                   Start date of
                  exercise period

                   Expiration
                  date

                   Exercise
                  price (€)

                   Options
                  outstanding at
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   
                    
                  Aventis  03/06/2002  1,173,913  03/07/2005  03/06/2012  69.82   
                  Aventis  11/12/2002  11,775,414  11/13/2005  11/12/2012  51.34   
                  Aventis  12/02/2003  12,012,414  12/03/2006  12/02/2013  40.48  1,850,188 
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo  12/10/2003  4,217,700  12/11/2007  12/10/2013  55.74  1,359,860 
                  Sanofi-aventis  05/31/2005  15,228,505  06/01/2009  05/31/2015  70.38  12,897,536 
                  Sanofi-aventis  12/14/2006  11,772,050  12/15/2010  12/14/2016  66.91  9,591,305 
                  Sanofi-aventis  12/13/2007  11,988,975  12/14/2011  12/13/2017  62.33  8,632,330 
                  Sanofi-aventis  03/02/2009  7,736,480  03/04/2013  03/01/2019  45.09  7,143,460 
                  Sanofi-aventis  03/01/2010  8,121,355  03/03/2014  02/28/2020  54.12  7,597,245 
                  Sanofi-aventis  03/09/2011  874,500  03/10/2015  03/09/2021  50.48  844,500 
                  Sanofi  03/05/2012  814,050  03/06/2016  03/05/2022  56.44  814,050 
                    
                  Total                 50,730,474 
                    

                          

                  Origin  Date of grant   Options
                  granted
                     Start date of
                  exercise period
                     Expiration
                  date
                     Exercise
                  price (€)
                     

                  Options
                  outstanding at
                  December 31,

                  2010

                   
                  Aventis   05/11/2000     877,766     05/11/2003     05/11/2010     49.65       
                  Aventis   11/14/2000     13,966,871     11/15/2003     11/14/2010     67.93       
                  Aventis   03/29/2001     612,196     03/30/2004     03/29/2011     68.94     546,756  
                  Aventis   11/07/2001     13,374,051     11/08/2004     11/07/2011     71.39     9,516,335  
                  Aventis   03/06/2002     1,173,913     03/07/2005     03/06/2012     69.82     1,173,906  
                  Aventis   11/12/2002     11,775,414     11/13/2005     11/12/2012     51.34     5,250,212  
                  Aventis   12/02/2003     12,012,414     12/03/2006     12/02/2013     40.48     5,274,033  
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo   12/10/2003     4,217,700     12/11/2007     12/10/2013     55.74     3,816,770  
                  Sanofi-aventis   05/31/2005     15,228,505     06/01/2009     05/31/2015     70.38     13,362,425  
                  Sanofi-aventis   12/14/2006     11,772,050     12/15/2010     12/14/2016     66.91     10,875,740  
                  Sanofi-aventis   12/13/2007     11,988,975     12/14/2011     12/13/2017     62.33     11,239,195  
                  Sanofi-aventis   03/02/2009     7,736,480     03/04/2013     03/01/2019     45.09     7,421,945  
                  Sanofi-aventis   03/01/2010     8,121,355     03/03/2014     02/28/2020     54.12     7,946,335  

                  Total

                                              76,423,652  

                  The exercise of all outstanding stock subscription options would increase shareholders’shareholders' equity by approximately €4,628€3,060 million. The exercise of each option results in the issuance of one share.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Summary of stock option plans

                          

                  A summary of stock options outstanding at each balance sheet date, and of changes during the relevant periods, is presented below:

                   
                    
                   Exercise price 
                   
                   Number of
                  options

                   Weighted average
                  per share (€)

                   Total
                  (€ million)

                   
                    
                  Options outstanding at January 1, 2010  87,870,341  61.87  5,436 
                  Options exercisable  57,717,316  63.04  3,638 
                    
                  Options granted  8,121,355  54.12  440 
                  Options exercised  (1,756,763) 42.50  (75)
                  Options cancelled (1)  (1,269,312) 59.56  (75)
                  Options forfeited  (10,694,693) 67.21  (719)
                    
                  Options outstanding at December 31, 2010  82,270,928  60.86  5,007 
                  Options exercisable  55,663,453  63.63  3,542 
                    
                  Options granted  874,500  50.48  44 
                  Options exercised  (1,679,029) 43.11  (72)
                  Options cancelled (1)  (1,137,052) 57.64  (66)
                  Options forfeited  (12,597,283) 69.90  (880)
                    
                  Options outstanding at December 31, 2011  67,732,064  59.54  4,033 
                  Options exercisable  51,916,769  62.51  3,245 
                    
                  Options granted  814,050  56.44  46 
                  Options exercised  (11,999,244) 53.87  (646)
                  Options cancelled (1)  (557,554) 58.40  (33)
                  Options forfeited  (4,967,305) 66.40  (330)
                    
                  Options outstanding at December 31, 2012  51,022,011  60.17  3,070 
                  Options exercisable  34,622,756  64.93  2,248 
                    
                  (1)
                  Cancellations mainly due to the departure of the grantees.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                        Exercise price 
                      Number of
                  options
                    Weighted average
                  per share (€)
                     Total
                  (€ million)
                   
                  Options outstanding at January 1, 2008   88,275,695   62.34     5,503 
                  Of which exercisable   50,643,150   59.05     2,991 
                  Options exercised   (1,141,554  36.82     (42
                  Options cancelled(1)   (1,682,800  65.51     (110
                  Options forfeited   (146,391  34.14     (5
                  Options outstanding at December 31, 2008   85,304,950   62.66     5,345 
                  Of which exercisable   48,713,680   59.59     2,903 
                  Options granted   7,736,480   45.09     349 
                  Options exercised   (3,545,344  46.69     (165
                  Options cancelled(1)   (1,000,535  61.72     (62
                  Options forfeited   (625,210  48.89     (31
                  Options outstanding at December 31, 2009   87,870,341   61.87     5,436 
                  Of which exercisable   57,717,316   63.04     3,638 
                  Options granted   8,121,355   54.12     440 
                  Options exercised   (1,756,763  42.50     (75
                  Options cancelled(1)   (11,609,223  67.01     (778
                  Options forfeited   (354,782  46.24     (16
                  Options outstanding at December 31, 2010   82,270,928   60.86     5,007 
                  Of which exercisable   55,663,453   63.63     3,542 

                  (1)

                  Cancellations mainly due to the departure of the grantees.

                  The table below provides summary information about options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2010:2012:

                      Outstanding       Exercisable 
                  Range of exercise prices per share  Number of
                  options
                     Average
                  residual life
                  (in years)
                     Weighted
                  average
                  exercise
                  price per
                  share (€)
                         Number of
                  options
                     Weighted
                  average
                  exercise
                  price per
                  share (€)
                   
                  From €1.00 to €10.00 per share   36,370     4.31     7.42       36,370     7.42  
                  From €10.00 to €20.00 per share   63,912     5.96     14.91       63,912     14.91  
                  From €20.00 to €30.00 per share   10,520     7.49     28.38       10,520     28.38  
                  From €30.00 to €40.00 per share   320,185     8.25     38.08       320,185     38.08  
                  From €40.00 to €50.00 per share   12,695,978     5.99     43.17       5,274,033     40.48  
                  From €50.00 to €60.00 per share   17,013,317     5.52     53.63       9,066,982     53.19  
                  From €60.00 to €70.00 per share   29,251,886     5.11     65.39       18,012,691     67.31  
                  From €70.00 to €80.00 per share   22,878,760     2.93     70.80         22,878,760     70.80  

                  Total

                     82,270,928           55,663,453    

                  – of which stock purchase options

                     5,847,276           5,847,276    

                  – of which stock subscription options

                     76,423,652                   49,816,177       

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                   
                   
                  Outstanding

                   Exercisable
                   
                    
                  Range of exercise prices per share
                   Number of
                  options

                   Average
                  residual life
                  (in years)

                   Weighted
                  average
                  exercise
                  price per
                  share (€)

                   Number of
                  options

                   Weighted
                  average
                  exercise
                  price per
                  share (€)

                   
                    
                  From €1.00 to €10.00 per share  14,070  2.58  7.62  14,070  7.62 
                  From €10.00 to €20.00 per share  41,942  4.12  15.81  41,942  15.81 
                  From €20.00 to €30.00 per share  3,500  5.48  28.38  3,500  28.38 
                  From €30.00 to €40.00 per share  232,025  6.25  38.08  232,025  38.08 
                  From €40.00 to €50.00 per share  8,993,648  5.09  44.14  1,850,188  40.48 
                  From €50.00 to €60.00 per share  10,615,655  6.60  54.22  1,359,860  55.74 
                  From €60.00 to €70.00 per share  18,223,635  4.43  64.74  18,223,635  64.74 
                  From €70.00 to €80.00 per share  12,897,536  2.41  70.38  12,897,536  70.38 
                    
                  Total  51,022,011        34,622,756    
                    

                  Measurement of stock option plans

                          

                  The fair value of the stock subscription option plan awarded in 20102012 is €66€7 million. This amount is recognized as an expense over the vesting period, with the matching entry to shareholder’srecognized directly in equity. On this basis, an expense of €14€1 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2010.2012.

                          

                  The fair value of the plan awarded in 2009 is €342011 was €6 million.

                          

                  The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value of these plans:

                    Dividend yield: 4.66% (20105.28% (2012 plan), 5.72% (2009 and 5.12% (2011 plan).



                  Volatility of sanofi-aventisSanofi shares, computed on a historical basis: 27.08% (2010 plan), 27.06% (2009 plan).

                  26.69% for the 2012 plan, 26.93% for the 2011 plan.

                  Risk-free interest rate: 2.56% (20102.30% (2012 plan), 2.84% (20093.05% (2011 plan).



                  Plan maturity: 7 years (2012 plan), 6 years (2010 and 2009 plans)(2011 plan). The plan maturity is the average expected remaining life of the options, based on observations of past employee behavior.

                          

                  The fair value of the options granted in 20102012 and 20092011 is €9.09€8.42 and €4.95€7.88 per option, respectively.

                          

                  The expense recognized for stock option plans, and the matching entry taken to shareholders’recognized in equity, was €30 million for 2012 (including €3 million for the Vaccines segment); €59 million for 2011 (including €6 million for the Vaccines segment); and €97 million in the year ended December 31,for 2010 (including €10 million for the Vaccines segment), €102 million in the year ended December 31, 2009 (including €12 million for the Vaccines segment), and €125 million in the year ended December 31, 2008 (including €13 million for the Vaccines segment).

                          

                  As of December 31, 2010,2012, the total unrecognized cost related to non-vestedof unvested stock option plansoptions was €103€31 million, to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.31two years. The current tax benefit related to the exercise of stock options in 20102012 was €15 million (versus €2 million in 2011 and €1 million in 2010, €2 million in 2009, and €2 million in 2008.2010).


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.15.9. Number of shares used to compute diluted earnings per share

                          

                  Diluted earnings per share is computed using the number of shares outstanding plus stock options with a potentially dilutive effect.

                  (in millions)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Average number of shares outstanding  1,319.5  1,321.7  1,305.3 
                  Adjustment for options with potentially dilutive effect  4.0  1.7  1.7 
                  Adjustment for restricted shares with potentially dilutive effect  6.1  3.3  1.2 
                    
                  Average number of shares used to compute diluted earnings per share  1,329.6  1,326.7  1,308.2 
                    

                          

                  (in millions)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Average number of shares outstanding   1,305.3     1,305.9     1,309.3  
                  Adjustment for options with potentially dilutive effect   1.7     1.1     1.6  
                  Adjustment for restricted shares with potentially dilutive effect   1.2     0.4       
                  Average number of shares used to compute diluted earnings per share   1,308.2     1,307.4     1,310.9  

                  In 2010,2012, a total of 69.132 million stock options were not taken into account in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they did not have a potentially dilutive effect, compared with 80.356 million in 20092011 and 76.269.1 million in 2008.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  2010.

                  D.16. Non-controlling interests

                          

                  Non-controlling interests in consolidated companies break down as follows:

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   

                  Non-controlling interests of ordinary shareholders:

                        
                  • BMS (1)   41     104     111  
                  • Zentiva   28     32       
                  • Aventis Pharma Ltd India   75     73     60  
                  • Maphar   7     7     6  
                  • Sanofi-aventis Korea   7     5     4  
                  • Shantha Biotechnics   9     12       
                  • Other   24     25     24  

                  Total

                     191     258     205  
                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Non-controlling interests of ordinary shareholders:          
                  • BMS (1)    34  41 
                  • Zentiva  14  21  28 
                  • Sanofi India Ltd  63  58  75 
                  • Maphar  7  7  7 
                  • Sanofi-Aventis Korea    7  7 
                  • Shantha Biotechnics  8  10  9 
                  • Other  42  33  24 
                    
                  Total  134  170  191 
                    
                  (1)
                  Under the terms of the agreement signed in September 2012 relating to the alliance with BMS (see Note C.1.), Sanofi committed to buy out the non-controlling interests held by BMS for €70 million in 2018. The resulting liability was recognized inNon-current liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests as of December 31, 2012 (see Note D.18.).

                  Table of Contents

                  (1)


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Under the terms of the agreements with BMS (see Note C.1.), the BMS share of the net assets of entities majority-owned by sanofi-aventis is recognized inNon-controlling interests (refer to the statement of changes in equity).

                  D.17. Debt, cash and cash equivalents

                          

                  The table below shows changes in the Group’sGroup's financial position over the last three years:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Long-term debt  10,719  12,499  6,695 
                  Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt  3,812  2,940  1,565 
                    
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt  (433) (483) (218)
                    
                  Total debt  14,098  14,956  8,042 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (6,381) (4,124) (6,465)
                    
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge cash and cash equivalents  2  27   
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  7,719  10,859  1,577 
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                    December 31,
                  2009
                    December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Long-term debt   6,695    5,961    4,173  
                  Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt   1,565    2,866    1,833  
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt   (218  (7  22  

                  Total debt

                     8,042    8,820    6,028  
                  Cash and cash equivalents   (6,465  (4,692  (4,226

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     1,577    4,128    1,802  

                  “Debt,"Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents”equivalents" is a non-GAAP financial indicator used by management and investors to measure the company’scompany's overall net indebtedness.

                          

                  Trends in the gearing ratio are shown below:

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                    December 31,
                  2009
                    December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents   1,577    4,128    1,802  
                  Total equity   53,288    48,580    45,071  

                  Gearing ratio

                     3.0  8.5  4.0

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  A reconciliation of carrying amount to value on redemption is shown below:

                               Value on redemption 
                  (€ million)  Carrying
                  amount:
                  Dec. 31, 2010
                    Amortized
                  cost
                     Adjustment to
                  debt measured
                  at fair value
                    Dec. 31, 2010  Dec. 31, 2009  Dec. 31, 2008 
                  Long-term debt   6,695   27     (39  6,683   5,943    4,123 
                  Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt   1,565            1,565   2,853    1,815 
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt   (218       26   (192  8    22 

                  Total debt

                     8,042   27     (13  8,056   8,804    5,960 
                  Cash and cash equivalents   (6,465           (6,465  (4,692  (4,226

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     1,577   27     (13  1,591   4,112    1,734  

                   
                    
                    
                    
                   Value on redemption
                  December 31,
                   
                  (€ million)
                   Carrying
                  amount:
                  Dec. 31, 2012

                   Amortized
                  cost

                   Adjustment to
                  debt measured
                  at fair value

                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Long-term debt  10,719  45  (322) 10,442  12,278  6,683 
                  Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt  3,812      3,812  2,937  1,565 
                    
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt  (433)   269  (164) (258) (192)
                    
                  Total debt  14,098  45  (53) 14,090  14,957  8,056 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (6,381)     (6,381) (4,124) (6,465)
                    
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge cash and cash equivalents  2      2  24   
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  7,719  45  (53) 7,711  10,857  1,591 
                    

                  a) Principal financing transactions during the year

                          

                  The following financing transactiontransactions that took place during 2010:2012 were as follows:

                  Issuance in April 2010 of

                    a supplementary tranche of €500€750 million to the existing fixed-rate bond issue (annualmaturing November 2017 and bearing interest at an annual rate of 3.125%)1%, carried out in November 2012 under a Euro Medium Term Notes public bond issue program;

                    a €428 million bank loan maturing October 10, 2014.

                  December 2017.

                          

                  Three bond issues were repaidredeemed on maturity:

                  January 2007

                    the March 2011 bond issue with a nominal value of £200 million (€227 million), which matured January 18, 2010;

                  December 2007 bond issue with a nominal value of CHF 200 million (€136 million), which matured January 21, 2010;

                  September 2003 bond issue with a nominal value of €1.5$1 billion, which matured September 15, 2010.

                  March 28, 2012;

                  the December 2008 and January 2009 bond issues of CHF525 million, which matured December 19, 2012.

                  Table of Contents

                  On July 6, 2010, sanofi-aventis contracted a new €7 billion general-purpose syndicated credit facility with a pool of sixteen banks. This facility may be drawn down in either euros or U.S. dollars, and expires on July 6, 2015.

                  On the same day, sanofi-aventis terminated ahead of the contractual expiry date (i) a €4 billion syndicated credit facility due to expire January 12, 2011 and (ii) two bilateral credit facilities totaling $850 million, and also reduced an existing €8 billion credit facility to €6 billion.

                  In connection with the launch of the public tender offer for Genzyme on October 4, 2010, sanofi-aventis contracted two acquisition facilities on October 2, 2010. These facilities total $15 billion and may be drawn down in U.S. dollars up to and including July 2, 2011. Details about these facilities are provided below.


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended        The Group also repaid on maturity a €200 million loan from the European Investment Bank, originally contracted on December 31, 2010

                  13, 2007.

                          During 2012, the Group amended the terms of its €7 billion facility as follows:

                    a second one-year extension was agreed on September 28, 2012. The fourteen banks that accepted the initial extension in November 2011 also accepted this second extension of their €6.275 billion commitment, which will now expire in July 2017;

                    a new bank joined the loan syndicate, with the terms of the facility amended such that €0.250 billion of the facility will now expire July 6, 2015 and €6.750 billion will expire July 3, 2017.

                          On July 16, 2012, the Group agreed an initial one-year extension of its €3 billion syndicated credit facility with the fourteen banks.

                  b) Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents by type, at value on redemption

                  (€ million)
                   December 31, 2012
                   December 31, 2011
                   December 31, 2010
                   
                    
                   
                   Non-current
                   Current
                   Total
                   Non-current
                   Current
                   Total
                   Non-current
                   Current
                   Total
                   
                    
                  Bond issues  9,886  2,509  12,395  11,662  1,324  12,986  5,879  92  5,971 
                  Other bank borrowings  478  994  1,472  522  562  1,084  771  402  1,173 
                  Commercial paper          695  695    735  735 
                  Finance lease obligations  65  13  78  80  12  92  19  6  25 
                  Other borrowings  13  42  55  14  62  76  14  57  71 
                  Bank credit balances    254  254    282  282    273  273 
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt  (124) (40) (164) (143) (115) (258) (194) 2  (192)
                    
                  Total debt  10,318  3,772  14,090  12,135  2,822  14,957  6,489  1,567  8,056 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents    (6,381) (6,381)   (4,124) (4,124)   (6,465) (6,465)
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge cash and cash equivalents    2  2    24  24       
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  10,318  (2,607) 7,711  12,135  (1,278) 10,857  6,489  (4,898) 1,591 
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31, 2010  December 31, 2009  December 31, 2008 
                      Non-current  Current  Total  Non-current  Current  Total  Non-current  Current  Total 
                  Bond issues   5,879   92    5,971   5,236    1,982    7,218   2,418    488   2,906 
                  Other bank borrowings   771   402   1,173   678    529    1,207    670    262   932 
                  Commercial paper       735   735                   717   717 
                  Finance lease obligations   19   6   25   15    9    24    21    4   25 
                  Other borrowings   14   57   71   14    16    30    14    11   25 
                  Bank credit balances       273   273       317    317        299   299 
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt   (194  2   (192  (53  61    8    19    3   22 
                  Credit facility drawdowns                           1,000    34   1,034 

                  Total debt

                     6,489   1,567   8,056   5,890   2,914   8,804   4,142    1,818   5,960 
                  Cash and cash equivalents       (6,465  (6,465      (4,692  (4,692      (4,226  (4 226

                  Debt, net of cash and

                  cash equivalents

                     6,489   (4,898  1,591   5,890   (1,778  4,112   4,142    (2,408  1,734 

                  Bond issues madecarried out by Sanofi under the EMTN (EuroEuro Medium Term Notes)Notes (EMTN) program comprise:

                    June 2008 issue of ¥15 billion (€138132 million), maturing June 2013, bearing interest at a floating rate indexed to 3-month JPY Libor, and swapped into euros at a floating rate indexed to 3-month Euribor;



                  May 2009 issue [ISIN: XS0428037666] of €1.5 billion, maturing May 2013, bearing annual interest at 3.5%;



                  May 2009 issue [ISIN: XS0428037740] of €1.5 billion, maturing May 2016, bearing annual interest at 4.5%;



                  October 2009 issue [ISIN: XS0456451938] of €1.2 billion (including supplementary tranche issued in April 2010), maturing October 2014, bearing annual interest at 3.125%;



                  October 2009 issue [ISIN: XS0456451771] of €800 million, maturing October 2019, bearing annual interest at 4.125%.

                  ;

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                    November 2012 issue [ISIN: FR0011355791] of €750 million, maturing November 2017, bearing annual interest at 1%.

                  Bond issues madecarried out by Sanofi under the public bond issue program (shelf registration statement) registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) comprise:

                    March 2011 issue [ISIN: US80105NAE58] of $1 billion, maturing March 2013, bearing interest at the USD 3-month Libor rate +0.20%;

                    March 2011 issue [ISIN: US80105NAC92] of $750 million, maturing March 2014, bearing interest at the USD 3-month Libor rate +0.31%;

                    March 2011 issue [ISIN: US80105NAB10] of $750 million, maturing March 2014, bearing annual interest at 1.625%;

                    March 2011 issue [ISIN: US80105NAD75] of $1.5 billion, maturing March 2016, bearing annual interest at 2.625%;

                    March 2011 issue [ISIN: US80105NAG07] of $2 billion, maturing March 2021, bearing annual interest at 4%;

                    September 2011 issue [ISIN: US801060AA22] of $1 billion, maturing September 2014, bearing annual interest at 1.2%.

                          The U.S. dollar issues have been retained in this currency and have not been swapped into euros.

                          Bond issues carried out by Sanofi outside the EMTN (Euro Medium Term Notes) program comprise:

                  and the U.S. shelf registration statement program consist of the December 2007 and February 2008 issues [ISIN: CH0035703070] of CHF400 million (€320331 million), maturing December 2015, bearing annual interest at 3.375%, and swapped into euros at a fixed rate of 4.867%;.

                          

                  December 2008 and January 2009Bond issues made by Genzyme Corp. comprise:

                    June 2010 issue [ISIN: CH0048787532] amounting to CHF525US372917AQ70] of $500 million, (€420 million), maturing December 2012,June 2015, bearing annual interest at 3.26%, and swapped into euros as follows: CHF2753.625%;

                    June 2010 issue [ISIN: US372917AS37] of $500 million, maturing June 2020, bearing annual interest at a fixed rate of 4.894%, and CHF250 million at a floating rate indexed to 3-month Euribor.

                  5%.

                          

                  The line “Other borrowings”"Other borrowings" mainly includes:

                  Participating

                    participating shares issued between 1983 and 1987, of which 96,98382,698 remain outstanding (after cancellation in 2012 of 11,205 shares repurchased during 2012), valued at €14.8 million. These 96,983 participating shares include 3,080 1983 participating shares repurchased by sanofi-aventis in 2010, which will be cancelled in 2011.

                  €13 million;

                  Series A participating shares issued in 1989, of which 3,271 remain outstanding, valued at €0.2 million.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                          

                  Sanofi-aventis has put in place the following arrangementsIn order to manage its liquidity needs:needs for current operations, the Group now has:

                    A syndicated credit facility of €6€3 billion, of which €0.2 billion expires on March 31, 2011 and €5.8 billion expires on March 31, 2012, and which may be drawn downdrawable in euros, or U.S. dollars.

                  initially expiring December 26, 2012, but extended to December 25, 2013 following the exercise of an initial one-year extension option on July 16, 2012. This facility has a further one-year extension option remaining.

                  A syndicated credit facility of €7 billion, expiring on July 6, 2015, which may also be drawn downdrawable in euros or U.S. dollars.

                  The expiry date of this facility was extended in September 2012 following the exercise of an extension option, and in October 2012 by amendment. This facility now expires July 6, 2015 (€0.25 billion) and July 3, 2017 (€6.75 billion).

                          

                  These confirmed facilities are used in particular to backThe Group also has two commercial paper programs of €6 billion in France and $6$10 billion in the United States. In 2010,2012, only the U.S. program was used, with an average drawdown under these programs was €0.9of €2.3 billion (maximum €1.7 billion). A totaland a maximum drawdown of €0.7 billion€3.3 billion. Nothing was drawn down under either of these facilitiesprograms as of December 31, 2010.2012.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  Apart from the Genzyme acquisition financing (see below), theThe financing in place atas of December 31, 20102012 at the level of the sanofi-aventis parentholding company (which manages the bulkmost of the Group’sGroup's financing needs centrally) is not subject to covenants regardingany financial ratios,covenants, and contains no clauses linking credit spreads or fees to the credit rating of sanofi-aventis.

                  In connection with the launch of a public tender offer for Genzyme, sanofi-aventis contracted on October 2, 2010 two credit facilities totaling $15 billion, which may be drawn down in U.S. dollars up to and including July 2, 2011:

                  Facility A is a $10 billion facility expiring April 2, 2012, with an optional six-month extension.

                  Facility B is a $5 billion amortizable facility expiring April 2, 2014.

                  These acquisition facilities are not subject to any financial covenants. The margin of Facility B will depend on the long-term credit rating of sanofi-aventis, subsequent to the acquisition.

                  rating.

                  c) Debt by maturity, at value on redemption

                   
                    
                   Current
                   Non-current
                   
                   
                    
                    
                     
                  December 31, 2012
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2017
                   2018
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Bond issues  12,395  2,509  3,094  710  2,637  750  2,695 
                  Other bank borrowings  1,472  994  5  6  7  434  26 
                  Commercial paper               
                  Finance lease obligations  78  13  13  14  13  14  11 
                  Other borrowings  55  42          13 
                  Bank credit balances  254  254           
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt  (164) (40)   (87)   (3) (34)
                    
                  Total debt  14,090  3,772  3,112  643  2,657  1,195  2,711 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (6,381) (6,381)          
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge cash and cash equivalents  2  2           
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  7,711  (2,607) 3,112  643  2,657  1,195  2,711 
                    

                   

                        Current  Non-current 

                  December 31, 2010

                  (€ million)

                    Total  2011  2012  2013  2014   2015  

                  2016

                  and later

                   
                  Bond issues   5,971   92   420   1,638   1,200    321   2,300 
                  Other bank borrowings   1,173   402   203   555   6    7     
                  Commercial paper (1)   735   735                      
                  Finance lease obligations   25   6   6   5   3    3   2 
                  Other borrowings   71   57                    14 
                  Bank credit balances   273   273                      
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt   (192  2   (73  (46       (75    

                  Total debt

                     8,056   1,567   556   2,152   1,209    256   2,316 
                  Cash and cash equivalents   (6,465  (6,465                     

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     1,591   (4,898  556   2,152   1,209    256   2,316 

                  (1)

                  Commercial paper had a maturity of no more than six months as of December 31, 2010.

                   
                    
                   Current
                   Non-current
                   
                   
                    
                    
                     
                  December 31, 2011
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2012
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2017
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Bond issues  12,986  1,324  2,423  3,133  720  2,659  2,727 
                  Other bank borrowings  1,084  562  482  15  8  9  8 
                  Commercial paper (1)  695  695           
                  Finance lease obligations  92  12  14  13  14  14  25 
                  Other borrowings  76  62          14 
                  Bank credit balances  282  282           
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt  (258) (115) (58)   (85)    
                    
                  Total debt  14,957  2,822  2,861  3,161  657  2,682  2,774 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (4,124) (4,124)          
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge cash and cash equivalents  24  24           
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  10,857  (1,278) 2,861  3,161  657  2,682  2,774 
                    
                  (1)
                  Commercial paper had a maturity of no more than four months as of December 31, 2011.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                   
                    
                   Current
                   Non-Current
                   
                   
                    
                    
                     
                  December 31, 2010
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2011
                   2012
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Bond issues  5,971  92  420  1,638  1,200  321  2,300 
                  Other bank borrowings  1,173  402  203  555  6  7   
                  Commercial paper (1)  735  735           
                  Finance lease obligations  25  6  6  5  3  3  2 
                  Other borrowings  71  57          14 
                  Bank credit balances  273  273           
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt  (192) 2  (73) (46)   (75)  
                    
                  Total debt  8,056  1,567  556  2,152  1,209  256  2,316 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (6,465) (6,465)          
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  1,591  (4,898) 556  2,152  1,209  256  2,316 
                    
                  Year ended(1)
                  Commercial paper had a maturity of no more than six months as of December 31, 2010

                  2010.

                          

                        Current  Non-current 

                  December 31, 2009

                  (€ million)

                    Total  2010  2011   2012  2013  2014   2015
                  and later
                   
                  Bond issues   7,218   1,982        354   1,613   700    2,569 
                  Other bank borrowings   1,207   529   11    225   433   7    2 
                  Commercial paper                               
                  Finance lease obligations   24   9   3    3   3   3    3 
                  Other borrowings   30   16                     14 
                  Bank credit balances   317   317                       
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt   8   61        (7  (20       (26

                  Total debt

                     8,804   2,914   14    575   2,029   710    2,562 
                  Cash and cash equivalents   (4,692)   (4,692                      

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     4,112   (1,778  14    575   2,029   710    2,562  

                        Current  Non-current 

                  December 31, 2008

                  (€ million)

                    Total  2009  2010   2011   2012  2013  

                  2014

                  and later

                   
                  Bond issues   2,906   488   1,845          185   119   269 
                  Credit facility drawdowns(1)   1,034   34             1,000         
                  Other bank borrowings   932   262   13    7    208   439   3 
                  Commercial paper (2)   717   717                       
                  Finance lease obligations   25   4   3    6    2   3   7 
                  Other borrowings   25   11                     14 
                  Bank credit balances   299   299                       
                  Interest rate and currency derivatives used to hedge debt   22   3   76         (5  (27  (25

                  Total debt

                     5,960   1,818   1,937    13    1,390   534   268 
                  Cash and cash equivalents   (4,226)   (4,226                      

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     1,734   (2,408  1,937    13    1,390   534   268 

                  (1)

                  Maturities used for credit facility drawdowns are thoseAs of December 31, 2012, the facility, not the drawdown.

                  (2)

                  Commercial paper had a maturity of no more than three months as of December 31, 2008.

                  The main undrawn confirmed general-purpose credit facilities (excluding the Genzyme acquisition facilities) not allocated to outstanding commercial paper drawdowns at holding company level were as follows:

                  Year of expiry
                   Undrawn confirmed
                  credit facilities available
                  (€ million)

                   
                    
                  2013  3,000 
                  2015  250 
                  2017  6,750 
                    
                  Total  10,000 
                    

                          As of December 31, 2010 break down as follows:2012, no single counterparty represented more than 7% of undrawn confirmed credit facilities.


                  Table of Contents

                  Year of expiry  Undrawn confirmed
                  credit facilities available
                  (€ million)
                   
                  2011   245  
                  2012   5,755  
                  2015   6,238  

                  Total

                     12,238  


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  These confirmed credit facilities comprise:

                  a syndicated credit facility of €6 billion expiring in 2011 (€0.2 billion) and in 2012 (€5.8 billion);

                  a syndicated credit facility of €7 billion expiring in 2015.

                  As of December 31, 2010, no single counterparty represented more than 10% of undrawn confirmed credit facilities.

                  d) Debt by interest rate, type, at value on redemption

                          

                  The tables below split debt, net of cash and cash equivalents between fixed and floating rate, and by maturity or contractual repricing date, atas of December 31, 2010.2012. The figures shown are the value on redemption, before the effects of derivative instruments:

                   
                   December 31, 2012
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2017
                   2018
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Fixed-rate debt  11,506  1,884  2,526  623  2,637  1,175  2,661 
                  EUR  6,468                   
                  USD  4,783                   
                  % fixed-rate  82%                   
                    
                  Floating-rate debt (maturity based on contractual repricing date)  2,584  2,584           
                  EUR  241                   
                  USD  1,493                   
                  % floating-rate  18%                   
                    
                  Total debt  14,090  4,468  2,526  623  2,637  1,175  2,661 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (6,379) (6,379)          
                  EUR  (5,050)                  
                  USD  (890)                  
                  % floating-rate  100%                   
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  7,711  (1,911) 2,526  623  2,637  1,175  2,661 
                    

                          

                      December 31, 2010 
                  (€ million)  Total  2011  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016
                  and later
                   
                  Fixed-rate debt   6,050       547    1,758    1,200    245    2,300 

                  % fixed-rate

                     75%                              
                  Floating-rate debt (maturity based on contractual repricing date)   2,006    2,006                         

                  % floating-rate

                     25%                              

                  Total debt

                     8,056   2,006   547    1,758    1,200    245    2,300 
                  Cash and cash equivalents   (6 465  (6,465                        

                  % floating-rate

                     100%                              

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     1,591   (4,459  547    1,758    1,200    245    2,300 

                  Floating-rate interest onSince the financing of the Genzyme acquisition in 2011, the Group has managed its net debt is usually indexed toin two currencies, the euro zone interbank offered rate (Euribor). Floating-rateand the U.S. dollar. The floating-rate portion of this debt exposes the Group to rises in interest on cash and cash equivalents is usually indexed torates, primarily in the Eonia rate.and Euribor benchmark rates (for the euro) and in the U.S. Libor and Federal Fund Effective rates (for the U.S. dollar).


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  In order to reduce the amount and/or volatility of the cost of debt, sanofi-aventisthe Group has contracted derivative instruments (swaps,(interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and in some cases caps or combinations of purchases of caps and sales of floors)interest rate options). This hasThese have the effect of altering the fixed/floating split and the maturity based on contractual repricing dates:

                   
                   December 31, 2012
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2017
                   2018
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Fixed-rate debt  6,819  1,842  947  623  1,137  375  1,895 
                  EUR  2,411                   
                  USD  4,400                   
                  % fixed-rate  48%                   
                    
                  Floating-rate debt  7,271  7,271           
                  EUR  4,639                   
                  USD  1,876                   
                  % floating-rate  52%                   
                    
                  Total debt  14,090  9,113  947  623  1,137  375  1,895 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (6,379) (6,379)          
                  EUR  (5,920)                  
                  USD  (20)                  
                  % floating-rate  100%                   
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  7,711  2,734  947  623  1,137  375  1,895 
                    

                          

                      December 31, 2010 
                  (€ million)  Total  2011  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016
                  and later
                   
                  Fixed-rate debt   5,350       347    1,758    1,200    245    1,800 

                  % fixed-rate

                     66%                              
                  Floating-rate debt   2,706   2,706                         

                  % floating-rate

                     34%                              

                  Total debt

                     8,056   2,706   347    1,758    1,200    245    1,800 
                  Cash and cash equivalents   (6,465  (6,465                        

                  % floating-rate

                     100%                              

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     1,591   (3,759  347    1,758    1,200    245    1,800 

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below shows the fixed/floating rate split at redemption value after taking account of derivative instruments as of December 31, 20092011 and 2008:2010:

                  (€ million)
                   2011
                   %
                   2010
                   %
                   
                    
                  Fixed-rate debt  6,726  45%  5,350  66% 
                  Floating-rate debt  6,299  42%  2,706  34% 
                  Capped-rate debt  1,932  13%     
                    
                  Total debt  14,957  100%  8,056  100% 
                    
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (4,100)    (6,465)   
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  10,857     1,591    
                    

                          

                  (€ million) 2009  %  2008  % 
                  Fixed-rate debt  5,940   67%    3,421   57%  
                  Floating-rate debt  2,864   33%    2,539   43%  

                  Total debt

                    8,804   100%    5,960   100%  
                  Cash and cash equivalents  (4,692      (4,226    

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                    4,112       1,734     

                  The weighted average interest rate on debt atas of December 31, 20102012 was 3.6% both3.0% before derivative instruments and 2.4% after derivative instruments. All cash and cash equivalents were invested at an average rate of 1.1% at0.3% as of December 31, 2010.2012.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  Based on the Group’sGroup's level of debt, and taking account of derivative instruments in place atas of December 31, 2010,2012, sensitivity to movements in market interest rates over a full year would be as follows in the year ending December 31, 2011:2013:

                  Change in 3-month Euribor interest rate assumptions  Impact on pre-tax
                  net income
                  (€ million)
                    Impact on income/(expense)
                  recognized directly in
                  equity, before tax
                  (€ million)
                   
                  + 100 bp    41   13 
                  + 25 bp    10   1 
                  - 25 bp    (10  (6
                  - 100 bp     (41  (18

                  Change in 3-month Euribor interest rate assumptions
                   Impact on pre-tax
                  net income
                  (€ million)

                   Impact on income/(expense)
                  recognized directly in
                  equity, before tax
                  (€ million)

                   
                    
                                          +100 bp  (10) (3)
                                            +25 bp  (2) (1)
                    -25 bp  2  1 
                  -100 bp  10  3 
                    

                  e) Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents by currency, at value on redemption

                          

                  The table below shows debt, net of cash and cash equivalents by currency at December 31, 2010,2012, before and after taking account of derivative instruments contracted to convert third-party debt into the functional currency of the borrower entity:

                   
                   December 31, 2012
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Before derivative
                  instruments

                   After derivative
                  instruments

                   
                    
                  EUR  1,659  1,129 
                  USD  5,386  6,256 
                  BRL  368  368 
                  CHF  244   
                  JPY  93   
                  Other currencies  (39) (42)
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  7,711  7,711 
                    

                          

                      December 31, 2010 
                  (€ million)  Before derivative
                  instruments
                    After derivative
                  instruments
                   
                  EUR   703   1,581 
                  USD   37   37 
                  JPY   141   3 
                  CHF   738   (2
                  GBP   (65  (65
                  Other currencies   37   37 

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     1,591   1,591 

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below shows debt, net of cash and cash equivalents by currency at December 31, 20092011 and 2008,2010, after taking account of derivative instruments contracted to convert third-party debt into the functional currency of the borrower entity:

                  (€ million)  2009  2008 
                  EUR   4,312   1,625 
                  USD   (22  (19
                  GBP   (58  (64
                  Other currencies   (120  192 

                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     4,112   1,734 

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  EUR  3,084  1,581 
                  USD  7,717  37 
                  Other currencies  56  (27)
                    
                  Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  10,857  1,591 
                    

                  f) Market value of debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                          

                  The market value of debt, net of cash and cash equivalents atas of December 31, 20102012 was €8,566 million (versus €11,596 million as of December 31, 2011 and €1,887 million (December 31, 2009: €4,349 million;as of December 31, 2008: €1,801 million), versus2010); this compares with a value on redemption of €7,711 million as of December 31, 2012 (versus €10,857 million as of December 31, 2011 and €1,591 million (December 31, 2009: €4,112 million;as of December 31, 2008: €1,734 million)2010).


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  g) Future contractual cash flows relating to debt and debt hedging instruments

                          

                  The table below shows the amount of future contractual undiscounted cash flows (principal and interest) relating to debt and to derivative instruments designated as hedges of debt as atof December 31, 2010:2012:

                   
                   December 31, 2012
                   
                    
                   
                   Contractual cash flows by maturity
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2017
                   2018
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Debt  15,590  4,047  3,421  882  2,855  1,314  3,071 

                  – principal

                    13,988  3,667  3,124  637  2,650  1,192  2,718 

                  – interest (1)

                    1,602  380  297  245  205  122  353 
                  Net cash flows related to derivative instruments  (307) (88) (84) (54) (50) (13) (18)
                    
                  Total  15,283  3,959  3,337  828  2,805  1,301  3,053 
                    
                  (1)
                  Interest cash flows are estimated on the basis of forward interest rates applicable as of December 31, 2012.

                          

                      December 31, 2010 
                      Contractual cash flows by maturity 
                  (€ million)  Total  2011  2012  2013  2014   2015  

                  2016

                  and later

                   

                  Debt

                     9,354   1,699   875   2,418   1,360    462   2,540 

                  – principal

                     8,150   1,447   632   2,200   1,208    347   2,316 

                  – interest (1)

                     1,204   252   243   218   152    115   224 

                  Net cash flows related to derivative instruments

                     (229  (5  (83  (49  3    (89  (6

                  Total

                     9,125   1,694   792   2,369   1,363    373   2,534 

                  (1)

                  Interest cash flows are estimated on the basis of forward interest rates applicable as of December 31, 2010.

                  Future contractual cash flows are shown on the basis of the carrying amount in the balance sheet at the reporting date, without reference to any subsequent management decision that might materially alter the structure of the Group’sGroup's debt or its hedging policy.

                          

                  Maturities used for credit facility drawdowns are those of the facility, not the drawdown.

                          

                  The tabletables below showsshow the amount of future contractual undiscounted cash flows (principal and interest) relating to debt and to derivative instruments designated as hedges of debt as atof December 31, 20092011 and 2008:2010:

                   
                   December 31, 2011
                   
                    
                   
                   Contractual cash flows by maturity
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2012
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2017
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Debt  16,726  3,193  3,184  3,426  877  2,852  3,194 

                  – principal

                    14,748  2,783  2,814  3,134  639  2,654  2,724 

                  – interest (1)

                    1,978  410  370  292  238  198  470 
                  Net cash flows related to derivative instruments  (231) (72) (66) (48) (21) (28) 4 
                    
                  Total  16,495  3,121  3,118  3,378  856  2,824  3,198 
                    
                  (1)
                  Interest cash flows are estimated on the basis of forward interest rates applicable as of December 31, 2011.

                   
                   December 31, 2010
                   
                    
                   
                   Contractual cash flows by maturity
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   2011
                   2012
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                  and later

                   
                    
                  Debt  9,354  1,699  875  2,418  1,360  462  2,540 

                  – principal

                    8,150  1,447  632  2,200  1,208  347  2,316 

                  – interest (1)

                    1,204  252  243  218  152  115  224 
                  Net cash flows related to derivative instruments  (229) (5) (83) (49) 3  (89) (6)
                    
                  Total  9,125  1,694  792  2,369  1,363  373  2,534 
                    
                  (1)
                  Interest cash flows are estimated on the basis of forward interest rates applicable as of December 31, 2010.

                  Table of Contents

                      December 31, 2009 
                      Contractual cash flows by maturity 
                  (€ million)  Total  2010   2011   2012  2013  2014   

                  2015

                  and later

                   

                  Debt

                     10,118   3,049     231     797   2,254   844     2,943 

                  – principal

                     8,681   2,737     6     570   2,052   709     2,607 

                  – interest (1)

                     1,437   312     225     227   202   135     336 

                  Net cash flows related to derivative instruments

                     (14)  51     8     (9  (24  2     (42

                  Total

                     10,104   3,100     239     788   2,230   846     2,901 

                  (1)

                  Interest cash flows are estimated on the basis of forward interest rates applicable as of December 31, 2009.


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                      December 31, 2008 
                      Contractual cash flows by maturity 
                  (€ million)  Total   2009   2010   2011   2012  2013  

                  2014

                  and later

                   

                  Debt

                     6,468     1,957    2,004     88    1,470   591   358 

                  – principal

                     5,921     1,784    1,851     6    1,407   562   311 

                  – interest (1)

                     547     173    153     82    63   29   47 

                  Net cash flows related to derivative instruments

                     16     17    77     7    (9  (35  (41

                  Total

                     6,484     1,974     2,081     95     1,461    556    317 

                  (1)

                  Interest cash flows are estimated on the basis of forward interest rates applicable as of December 31, 2008.

                  D.18. Liabilities related to business combinations and non-controlling interests

                  For a description of the nature of liabilities reported in the line itemLiabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests, refer to Note B.8.5. The principal acquisitions are described in Note D.1.

                          

                  Obligations relating to business combinations mainly comprise contingent consideration in the form of milestone payments payable to the vendor and linked to development on projects conducted by the acquiree. The accounting treatment of contingent consideration is described in Note B.3.1. With effect from January 1, 2010, the fair value of contingent consideration in respect of products under development factors in (i) the probability that the project will succeed and (ii) the time value of money.

                  Movements in liabilities related to business combinations and to non-controlling interests were as follows:

                   
                   Liabilities related to business combinations
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Liabilities
                  related to
                  non-controlling
                  interests (1)

                   CVRs issued in
                  connection with
                  the acquisition
                  of Genzyme (2)

                   Bayer
                  contingent
                  consideration
                  arising from
                  the Genzyme
                  acquisition

                   Other
                   Total (6)
                   
                    
                  Balance at January 1, 2011  134      352  486 
                    
                  New business combinations    481  585  75  1,141 
                  Payments made    (2) (53) (44) (99)
                  Fair value remeasurements through profit or loss (including unwinding of discount)    (211) 127  69  (15)
                  Other movements  (4)     (5) (9)
                  Currency translation differences  3    35  14  52 
                    
                  Balance at December 31, 2011  133  268  694  461  1,556 
                    
                  New business combinations  64      18  82 
                  Payments made    (54)(3) (101) (33) (188)
                  Fair value remeasurements through profit or loss (including unwinding of discount) (4)    127  44  21  192 
                  Other movements  (5)     (154)(5) (159)
                  Currency translation differences    (20) (5) (8) (33)
                    
                  Balance at December 31, 2012  192  321  632  305  1,450 
                    
                  (1)
                  Put options granted to non-controlling interests, and commitment to future buyout of non-controlling interests held by BMS.
                  (2)
                  Based on the quoted market price per CVR of $1.70 as of December 31, 2012 and $1.20 as of December 31, 2011.
                  (3)
                  Repurchase of 40 million CVRs ($70 million) via a public tender offer.
                  (4)
                  Amounts reported in the income statement line itemFair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities.
                  (5)
                  Reversal of the contingent consideration relating to the Fovea acquisition (see description below).
                  (6)
                  Portion due after more than one year: €1,350 million as of December 31, 2012 (versus €1,336 million as of December 31, 2011 and €388 million as of December 31, 2010); portion due within less than one year: €100 million as of December 31, 2012 (versus €220 million as of December 31, 2011 and €98 million as of December 31, 2010).

                          

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                   

                  Balance, beginning of period

                     151    
                  split as follows:   

                  • non-current

                     75     

                  • current

                     76     
                  New business combinations   219   153 
                  Payments made   (52    
                  Fair value remeasurement (including unwinding of discount)   5   2 
                  Other movements(1)   155  
                  Translation differences   8   (4

                  Balance, end of period

                     486   151 
                  split as follows:   

                  • non-current

                     388   75 

                  • current

                     98   76 

                  (1)

                  Contingent consideration on the acquisition of Fovea, payment of which was regarded as probable in 2010.

                  The Bayer contingent consideration liability was assumed on the acquisition of Genzyme in 2011.

                  The balance        In a business combination completed in May 2009, prior to Sanofi's acquisition of these liabilities atcontrol over Genzyme, Genzyme acquired from Bayer Schering Pharma A.G. (Bayer) the endworldwide development and marketing rights to alemtuzumab (under the brand name LemtradaTM), a molecule currently under development for multiple sclerosis, as well as the rights to the products Campath®, Fludara® and Leukine®. In exchange, Bayer is entitled to receive the following payments:

                    a percentage of eachsales of alemtuzumab up to a maximum of $1,250 million or over a maximum period breaks downof ten years, whichever is achieved first;

                    a percentage of aggregate sales of Campath®, Fludara® and Leukine® up to a maximum of $500 million (of which $230 million had been paid as follows:of the acquisition date) or over a maximum period of eight years, whichever is achieved first;

                  Table of Contents

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                   
                  Put options granted to non-controlling interests   134       
                  Liabilities related to business combinations   352     151  

                  Balance, end of period

                     486     151  


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                    milestone payments of up to $150 million based on annual sales of Campath®, Fludara® and Leukine® from 2011 through 2013;

                    milestone payments based on specified levels of worldwide sales of alemtuzumab beginning in 2021, unless Genzyme exercises its right to buy out these milestone payments by making a one-time payment not exceeding $900 million.

                  Year ended        The fair value of this liability was measured at €632 million as of December 31, 2010

                  2012, compared with €694 million as of December 31, 2011.

                          

                  The put options reported above were granted to non-controlling interests in connection with acquisitions completed during 2010, and relate to sanofi-aventis Vostok and Hangzhou Sanofi Minsheng Consumer Healthcare Co. Ltd (see Note D.1.).

                  LiabilitiesAs of December 31, 2012, the other liabilities related to business combinations as of December 31, 2010 mainly comprisecomprised contingent consideration related to the acquisitions of TargeGen (€94 million),156 million, versus €159 million as of December 31, 2011 and €94 million as of December 31, 2010) and of BiPar (€73 million, versus €74 million as of December 31, 2011 and €70 million as of December 31, 2010). Having reviewed the results of the Phase IIb trial of FOV-1101, which led to a reassessment of its commercial prospects, Sanofi decided to pursue development of this product via a sub-licensing agreement with an as yet unidentified third party. Consequently, the Fovea contingent consideration liability (€155 million), and BiPar (€70 million).151 million as of December 31, 2011, €155 million as of December 31, 2010) was reversed during 2012 as an adjustment to goodwill, in accordance with the pre-revision IFRS 3.

                          

                  The table below sets forth the maximum amount of contingent consideration payable:payable and firm commitments to buy out non-controlling interests:

                     December 31, 2012 
                    
                     Payments due by period 
                    
                  (€ million)  Total  Less than
                  1 year
                    From 1 to
                  3 years
                    From 3 to
                  5 years
                    More than
                  5 years
                   
                    
                  Commitments relating to contingent consideration in connection with business combinations (1) and buyouts of non-controlling interests (2)  4,993  341  1,135  560  2,957 
                    
                  (1)
                  Includes €1.7 billion for the Bayer contingent consideration (versus €1.9 billion as of December 31, 2011) and €2.5 billion for the CVRs issued in connection with the Genzyme acquisition (versus €2.9 billion as of December 31, 2011).
                  (2)
                  This line does not include put options granted to non-controlling interests.

                          These commitments amounted to €5,578 million as of December 31, 2011. The reduction in the commitment during 2012 was mainly attributable to the repurchase of 40 million CVRs.


                  Table of Contents

                     December 31, 2010 
                     Payments due by period 
                  (€ million)  Total   Less than
                  1 year
                     From 1 to 3
                  years
                     From 3 to 5
                  years
                     More than
                  5 years
                   
                  Obligations related to business combinations   739     87     79     438     135  


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.19. Provisions and other liabilities

                          

                  Provisions and other non-current liabilities break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   Provisions for
                  pensions and
                  other benefits
                  (D.19.1.)

                   Restructuring
                  provisions
                  (D.19.2.)

                   Other
                  provisions
                  (D.19.3.)

                   Other
                  non-current
                  liabilities

                   Total
                   
                    
                  January 1, 2010  4,342  257  3,533  104  8,236 
                    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation  21    27    48 
                  Increases in provisions and other liabilities  442  731  857 (2) 11  2,041 
                  Provisions utilized  (587) (65) (386) (41) (1,079)
                  Reversals of unutilized provisions  (82) (56) (259)(3)   (397)
                  Transfers(1)  (305) 119  81  (7) (112)
                  Unwinding of discount    27  34  1  62 
                  Unrealized gains and losses      (35) 33  (2)
                  Currency translation differences  96  4  108  5  213 
                  Actuarial gains/losses on defined-benefit plans (4)  316        316 
                    
                  December 31, 2010  4,243  1,017  3,960  106  9,326 
                    
                  Merial (5)  64    48  4  116 
                  Changes in scope of consolidation  35    150  20  205 
                  Increases in provisions and other liabilities  414  500  470 (2) 15  1,399 
                  Provisions utilized  (510) (29) (138)   (677)
                  Reversals of unutilized provisions  (97) (19) (363)(3)   (479)
                  Transfers (1)  (3) (327) (23) (9) (362)
                  Unwinding of discount  1  38  40    79 
                  Unrealized gains and losses      1  (27) (26)
                  Currency translation differences  68  2  13  5  88 
                  Actuarial gains/losses on defined-benefit plans (4)  677        677 
                    
                  December 31, 2011  4,892  1,182  4,158  114  10,346 
                    
                  Increases in provisions and other liabilities  449  554  744 (2)   1,747 
                  Provisions utilized  (803) (24) (240) (4) (1,071)
                  Reversals of unutilized provisions  (186) (5) (636)(3)   (827)
                  Transfers(1)/(6)  (108) (292) (324) (11) (735)
                  Unwinding of discount    45  42    87 
                  Currency translation differences  (26) 1  (33) (1) (59)
                  Actuarial gains/losses on defined-benefit plans (4)  1,548        1,548 
                    
                  December 31, 2012  5,766  1,461  3,711  98  11,036 
                    
                  (1)
                  This line includes transfers between current and non-current provisions, and in 2010 the reclassification of social security charges and "Fillon" levies on early retirement plans in France (see Note D.19.1.).
                  (2)
                  Amounts charged during the period mainly comprise provisions to cover tax exposures in various countries; changes to estimates of future expenditure on environmental risks; and recognition of the provision relating to the ramipril litigation in 2012 (see Note D.26.).
                  (3)
                  Reversals relate mainly to provisions for tax exposures, reversed either because (i) the risk exposure became time-barred during the reporting period or (ii) the tax dispute was settled during the period and the outcome proved more favorable than expected for Sanofi.
                  (4)
                  Amounts recognized as other comprehensive income (see Note D.15.7.).
                  (5)
                  This line includes the provisions and other non-current liabilities of Merial, previously presented inLiabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange, which were reclassified following the announcement of the decision to maintain two separate entities (Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough) operating independently (see note D.2).
                  (6)
                  Includes a €101 million transfer to restructuring provisions following the announcement of measures to adapt the Group's resources in France (see Note D.19.2.)

                          

                  (€ million)  Provisions for
                  pensions and
                  other long-term
                  benefits (D.19.1.)
                    Restructuring
                  provisions
                  (D.19.2.)
                    Other
                  provisions
                  (D.19.3.)
                    Other
                  non-current
                  liabilities
                     Total 

                  January 1, 2008

                     3,398    188    3,126   145    6,857  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation           33        33  
                  Increases in provisions and other liabilities   334    290    828 (2)         1,452  
                  Provisions utilized   (365  (33  (223)  (3)   (624
                  Reversals of unutilized provisions   (65      (531) (3)        (596
                  Transfers(1)   1    (84  (176)  51    (208
                  Unwinding of discount       5    31   1    37  
                  Unrealized gains and losses               14    14  
                  Translation differences   (59      (4)  4    (59
                  Actuarial gains/losses on defined-benefit plans(4)   824                 824  

                  December 31, 2008

                     4,068    366    3,084   212    7,730  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation   13        228   9    250  
                  Increases in provisions and other liabilities   683    183    1,256 (2)         2,122  
                  Provisions utilized   (603  (61  (251)  (10   (925
                  Reversals of unutilized provisions   (130  (1  (753) (3)   (24)   (908
                  Transfers(1)   133    (232  (104)  (70)   (273
                  Unwinding of discount       3    36   1    40  
                  Unrealized gains and losses               (12)   (12
                  Translation differences   9    (1  37   (2)   43  
                  Actuarial gains/losses on defined-benefit plans(4)   169                 169  

                  December 31, 2009

                     4,342    257    3,533   104    8,236  
                  Changes in scope of consolidation   21        27        48  
                  Increases in provisions and other liabilities   442    731    857 (2)   11    2,041  
                  Provisions utilized   (587  (65  (386)  (41)   (1,079
                  Reversals of unutilized provisions   (82  (56  (259) (3)        (397
                  Transfers(1)   (305  119    81   (7)     (112
                  Unwinding of discount       27    34   1    62  
                  Unrealized gains and losses           (35)  33    (2
                  Translation differences   96    4    108   5    213  
                  Actuarial gains/losses on defined-benefit plans(4)   316                 316  

                  December 31, 2010

                     4,243    1,017    3,960   106    9,326  

                  (1)

                  This line includes transfers between current and non-current provisions, and in 2010 the reclassification of social security charges and “Fillon” levies on early retirement plans in France (see Note D.19.1.).

                  (2)

                  Amounts charged during the period mainly comprise provisions to cover tax exposures in various countries and changes to estimate of future expenditure on environmental risks.

                  (3)

                  Reversals relate mainly to provisions for tax exposures, reversed either because (i) the risk exposure became time-barred during the reporting period or (ii) the tax dispute was settled during the period and the outcome proved more favorable than expected for sanofi-aventis.

                  (4)

                  Amounts recognized directly in equity (see Note D.15.7.).

                  Other current liabilities are described in Note D.19.4.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.19.1. Provisions for pensions and other benefits

                          

                  The Group and its subsidiaries have a significant number of pension plans covering the majority of their employees. The specific features (benefit formulas, funding policies and types of assets held) of the plans vary depending on laws and regulations in the particular country in which the employees work. Several of these plans are defined-benefit plans and cover some members of the Board of Directors as well as employees.

                          

                  Actuarial valuations of the Group’sGroup's benefit obligations were computed by management with assistance from external actuaries as of December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 2008.2010. These calculations incorporate the following elements:

                    Assumptions on staff turnover and life expectancy, specific to each country.



                  A retirement age of 6061 to 67 for a total working life allowing for full-rate retirement rights for employees of French companies, and retirement assumptions reflecting local economic and demographic factors specific to employees of foreign companies.



                  A salary inflation rate for the principal countries ranging from 3% to 5% at December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011 and 2008.

                  2010.

                  An annuity inflation rate for the principal countries ranging from 2% to 5% at December 31, 20102012, 2011 and 2009, and from 2% to 3% at December 31, 2008.

                  2010.

                  A weighted average long-term healthcare cost inflation rate of 4.56% at December 31, 2012, versus 4.58% at December 31, 2011 and 4.51% at December 31, 2010, 4.34% at December 31, 2009, and 4.53% at December 31, 2008, applied to post-employment benefits.



                  Inflation rate assumptions, as shown in the table below:

                  Inflation rate  2010   2009   2008 

                  – Euro zone

                     2%     2%     2%  

                  – United States

                     2.75%     3%     3%  

                  – United Kingdom

                     3.25%     3.1%     3.1%  

                  Inflation rate
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    

                  – Euro zone

                    2%  2%  2% 

                  – United States

                    2.75%  2.75%  2.75% 

                  – United Kingdom

                    2.8%  3%  3.25% 
                    
                    Discount rates used to determine the present value of defined benefit obligations at the balance sheet date, as shown in the table below:

                   
                   Pensions and other long-term benefits
                   Other post-employment
                  benefits

                   
                    
                   
                   Year ended December 31,
                   Year ended December 31,
                   
                    
                  Discount rate
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Weighted average for all regions:  3.31%  4.61%  4.97%  3.78%  4.62%  5.45% 

                  – Euro zone

                    2.25% or 3% (1) 4.25% or 4.75%  4.25% or 4.75%  3%  4.75%  4.75% 

                  – United States

                    3.75%  4.5%  5.5%  3.75%  4.5%  5.5% 

                  – United Kingdom

                    4.25%  5%  5.5%  4.25%  5%  5.5% 
                    
                  (1)
                  Depends on the term of the plan: 2.25% medium-term, 3% long-term.

                          

                     Pensions and other long-term benefits  Other post-employment
                  benefits
                   
                     Year ended December 31  Year ended December 31 
                  Discount rate 2010  2009  2008  2010  2009  2008 
                  Weighted average for all regions:  4.97%    5.34%    5.98%    5.45%    5.76%    6.01%  

                  – Euro zone

                    4.25% or 4.75% (1)   4.5% or 5.25%    5.75% or 6%    4.75%    5.25%    6%  

                  – United States

                    5.5%    5.75%    6%    5.5%    5.75%    6%  

                  – United Kingdom

                    5.5%    5.75%    6.5%    5.5%    5.75%    6.5%  

                  (1)

                  Depends on the term of the plan: 4.25% medium-term, 4.75% long-term.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The discount rates used are based on market rates for high quality corporate bonds (AA) the term of which approximates that ofwith a duration close to the expected benefit payments of the plans. The principal benchmark indicesbenchmarks used areto determine these discount rates were the Iboxx Corporate € index for the euro zone, the Iboxx Corporate £ index for the United Kingdom,same in 2012, 2011 and the Citigroup Pension Liability Index for the United States.2010.

                          

                  Sensitivity analysis of pension plans and other post-employment benefits in the principal countries shows that a 0.5% reduction in discount rates would increase the Group’sGroup's obligation by approximately €560€789 million, of which approximately €160€248 million would relate to the United Kingdom, €160€214 million to Germany, €120€168 million to France and €120€159 million to the United States.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                    Assumptions about the expected long-term rates of return foron plan assets. The majority of fund assets are invested in Germany, the United StatesKingdom and the United Kingdom.States. The expected long-term rates of return used are as follows:

                   
                   Pensions and other long-term benefits
                   Other post-employment benefits
                   
                    
                   
                   Year ended December 31,
                   Year ended December 31,
                   
                    
                  Long-term rate of return on plan assets
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Range of rates of return  1.7% - 12.5%  1.7% - 14%  2% - 13.5%  6.75%  7.5%  8% 
                    
                  Weighted average for all regions:  6.24%  6.48%  6.86%  6.75%  7.5%  8% 

                  – Germany

                    6.25%  6.25%  6.75%       

                  – United States

                    6.75%  7.5%  8%  6.75%  7.5%  8% 

                  – United Kingdom

                    6%  6.25%  6.5%       
                    

                          

                      Pensions and other long-term benefits   Other post-employment benefits 
                      Year ended December 31   Year ended December 31 
                  Expected long-term rate of return on
                  plan assets
                    2010   2009   2008   2010   2009   2008 

                  Range of rates of return:

                     1.7% – 14%     2% – 13.5%    2.5% – 13.5%     7.5%     8%     8%  
                  Weighted average for all regions:   6.48%     6.86%    6.97%     7.5%     8%     8%  

                  – Germany

                     6.25%     6.75%    6.75%                 

                  – United States

                     7.5%     8%    8%     7.5%     8%     8%  

                  – United Kingdom

                     6.25%     6.5%    7%                 

                  The average long-term rates of return on plan assets were determined on the basis of actual long-term rates of return in the financial markets. These returns vary according to the asset category (equities, bonds, real estate, other). As a general rule, sanofi-aventisSanofi applies the risk premium concept in assessing the return on equities relative to bond yields.

                          

                  An analysis of the sensitivity of the benefit cost to changes in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets shows that a 0.5% reduction in the rate of return would increase the benefit cost by approximately €30€34 million.

                          

                  The weighted average allocation of funds invested in Group pension plans is shown below:

                   
                   Funds invested
                   
                    
                  Asset category (percentage)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Equities  48%  47%  50% 
                  Bonds  44%  49%  47% 
                  Real estate  4%  2%  2% 
                  Cash and other  4%  2%  1% 
                    
                  Total  100%  100%  100% 
                    

                          

                      Funds invested 
                  Asset category (percentage)  2010   2009  2008 
                  Equities   50%     51  46%  
                  Bonds   47%     46  49%  
                  Real estate   2%     1  2%  
                  Cash   1%     2  3%  

                  Total

                     100%     100  100%  

                  The target allocation of funds invested as of December 31, 20102012 is not materially different from the actual allocation as of December 31, 20092011 and December 31, 2008.2010.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below reconciles the net obligation in respect of the Group’sGroup's pension plans and other employee benefits with the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:

                      Pensions and other
                  long-term benefits
                    Other post-employment
                  benefits (healthcare cover)
                   
                  (€ million)  2010  2009  2008  2010   2009  2008 

                  Valuation of obligation:

                          
                  Beginning of period   8,924    7,742    8,481    376    368    339  
                  Service cost   240    218    228    14    16    12  
                  Contributions from plan members   5    4    4               
                  Interest cost   454    446    435    22    21    19  
                  Actuarial (gain)/loss   593    759    (579  22    1    5  
                  Plan amendments   15    219    71               
                  Translation differences   259    64    (336  27    (6  8  
                  Plan curtailments/settlements   (69  (131  (68  (13   (4    
                  Changes in scope of consolidation, transfers   (283) (1)   145    34    1        2  
                  Benefits paid   (579  (542  (528  (20   (20  (17

                  Obligation at end of period

                     9,559    8,924    7,742    429    376    368  

                  Fair value of plan assets:

                          
                  Beginning of period   4,876    3,957    5,362    44    41    51  
                  Expected return on plan assets   347    278    362    4    3    4  
                  Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets   252    547    (1,348  3    6    (12
                  Translation differences   185    49    (270  4    (2  2  
                  Contributions from plan members   5    4    4               
                  Employer’s contributions   400    405    175    1    1      
                  Plan settlements   (1  (5  (2             
                  Changes in scope of consolidation, transfers   5        25               
                  Benefits paid   (408  (359  (351  (5   (5  (4

                  Fair value of plan assets at end of period

                     5,661    4,876    3,957    51    44    41  

                  Net amount shown in the balance sheet:

                          
                  Net obligation   3,898    4,048    3,785    378    332    327  
                  Unrecognized past service cost   (45  (49  (55  7    6    6  
                  Effect of asset ceiling   1    2    4               

                  Net amount shown in the balance sheet

                     3,854    4,001    3,734    385    338    333  

                  Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:

                          
                  Pre-funded obligations (see Note D.7.)   (4  (3  (1             
                  Obligations provided for(2)   3,858    4,004    3,735    385    338    333  

                  Net amount recognized

                     3,854    4,001    3,734    385    338    333  

                  Benefit cost for the period:

                          
                  Service cost   240    218    228    14    16    12  
                  Interest cost   454    446    435    22    21    19  
                  Expected return on plan assets   (347  (278  (362  (4   (3  (4
                  Amortization of past service cost   20    224    42               
                  Recognition of actuarial (gains)/losses   44    38    (38             
                  Effect of plan curtailments   (69  (122  (38  (13   (4    
                  Effect of plan settlements       (3  (27             

                  Benefit cost for the period

                     342    523    240    19    30    27  

                  (1)

                  Includes a reduction of €322 million in respect of social security charges and “Fillon” levies due on early retirement plans in France, which were provided for as part of the pension obligation at December 31, 2009 but were reclassified as restructuring provisions at December 31, 2010; these provisions also include the portion relating to annuities (see Note D.19.2.).

                  (2)

                  Long-term benefits awarded to employees prior to retirement (mainly discretionary bonuses, long service awards and deferred compensation plans) accounted for €445 million of these obligations at December 31, 2010, €371 million at December 31, 2009, and €346 million at December 31, 2008. The expense associated with these obligations totaled €106 million in 2010, €84 million in 2009, and €31 million in 2008.

                   
                   Pensions and other
                  long-term benefits

                   Other post-employment
                  benefits (healthcare cover)

                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010 (1)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010 (1)
                   
                    
                  Valuation of obligation:                   
                  Beginning of period  10,475  9,559  8,924  470  429  376 
                  Merial    207      1   
                  Service cost  262  265  240  24  13  14 
                  Contributions from plan members      5       
                  Interest cost  462  458  454  21  22  22 
                  Actuarial (gain)/loss  1,911  366  593  53  23  22 
                  Plan amendments  6    15  1     
                  Currency translation differences  (17) 169  259  (9) 13  27 
                  Plan curtailments/settlements  (455) (80) (69)   (8) (13)
                  Changes in scope of consolidation, transfers  (18) 105  (283)(2)     1 
                  Benefits paid  (605) (574) (579) (21) (23) (20)
                    
                  Obligation at end of period  12,021  10,475  9,559  539  470  429 
                    
                  Fair value of plan assets:                   
                  Beginning of period  5,995  5,661  4,876  50  51  44 
                  Merial    144         
                  Expected return on plan assets  378  367  347  3  3 ��4 
                  Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets  357  (290) 252  3  (2) 3 
                  Currency translation differences    113  185  (1) 1  4 
                  Contributions from plan members  5  9  5       
                  Employer's contributions  582  331  400    3  1 
                  Plan settlements  (166) (4) (1)      
                  Changes in scope of consolidation, transfers  (10) 73  5       
                  Benefits paid  (401) (409) (408) (4) (6) (5)
                    
                  Fair value of plan assets at end of period  6,740  5,995  5,661  51  50  51 
                    
                  Net amount shown in the balance sheet:                   
                  Net obligation  5,281  4,480  3,898  488  420  378 
                  Unrecognized past service cost  (15) (23) (45) 6  8  7 
                  Effect of asset ceiling    1  1       
                    
                  Net amount shown in the balance sheet  5,266  4,458  3,854  494  428  385 
                    
                  Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:                   
                  Pre-funded obligations (see Note D.7.)  (6) (6) (4)      
                  Obligations provided for (3)  5,272  4,464  3,858  494  428  385 
                    
                  Net amount recognized  5,266  4,458  3,854  494  428  385 
                    
                  Benefit cost for the period:                   
                  Service cost  257  256  240  24  13  14 
                  Interest cost  462  458  454  21  22  22 
                  Expected return on plan assets  (378) (367) (347) (3) (3) (4)
                  Amortization of past service cost  13  21  20  (1)    
                  Recognition of actuarial (gains)/losses  55  4  44       
                  Effect of plan curtailments  (229) (77) (69)   (8) (13)
                  Effect of plan settlements  (60) 1         
                    
                  Benefit cost for the period  120  296  342  41  24  19 
                    
                  (1)
                  Excluding Merial, for which the net amounts recognized in the balance sheet were presented as assets/liabilities held for sale or exchange as of December 31, 2010.
                  (2)
                  Includes a reduction of €322 million in respect of social security charges and "Fillon" levies due on early retirement plans in France, which were provided for as part of the pension obligation at December 31, 2009 but were reclassified as restructuring provisions at December 31, 2010; these provisions also include the portion relating to annuities (see Note D.19.2.).
                  (3)
                  Long-term benefits awarded to employees prior to retirement (mainly discretionary bonuses, long service awards and deferred compensation plans) amounted to €532 million at December 31, 2012, €483 million at December 31, 2011 and €445 million at December 31, 2010. The expense associated with these obligations totaled €125 million in 2012, €56 million in 2011, and €106 million in 2010.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Actuarial gains and losses on pensions, other long-term and other post-employment benefits break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   2009
                   2008
                   
                    
                  Actuarial gains/(losses) arising during the period (1)  (1,604) (681) (360) (207) (786)
                    
                  Comprising:                

                  • gains/(losses) on experience adjustments

                    319  (266) 169  531  (1,326)

                  • gains/(losses) on changes in assumptions (2)

                    (1,923) (415) (529) (738) 540 
                    
                  Breakdown of experience adjustments:                

                  • gains/(losses) on plan assets (3)

                    360  (292) 255  553  (1,360)

                  • gains/(losses) on obligations

                    (41) 26  (86) (22) 34 
                    
                  Amount of obligations at the balance sheet date  12,560  10,945  9,988  9,300  8,110 
                  Fair value of plan assets at the balance sheet date  6,791  6,045  5,712  4,920  3,998 
                    
                  (1)
                  Includes losses recognized in equity of €1,555 million in 2012, €677 million in 2011, and €316 million in 2010 (see Note D.15.7.), and losses recognized directly in profit or loss of €50 million in 2012, €4 million in 2011 and €44 million in 2010.
                  (2)
                  Changes in assumptions relate mainly to changes in discount rates.
                  (3)
                  Experience adjustments are due to trends in the financial markets.

                          

                  (€ million)  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
                  Actuarial gain/(loss) arising during the period(1)   (360  (207  (786  289   359 
                  Comprising:      

                  • gain/(loss) on experience adjustments

                     169   531   (1,326  (135  126 

                  • gain/(loss) on changes in assumptions(2)

                     (529  (738  540   424   233 
                  Breakdown of experience adjustments:      

                  • gain/(loss) on plan assets(3)

                     255   553   (1,360  (160  191 

                  • gain/(loss) on obligations

                     (86  (22  34   25   (65
                  Amount of obligations at the balance sheet date   9,988   9,300   8,110   8,820   9,508 
                  Fair value of plan assets at the balance sheet date   5,712   4,920   3,998   5,413   5,631 

                  (1)

                  For 2010, comprises a loss of €316 million recognized in equity (see Note D.15.7.) and a loss of €44 million taken directly to the income statement; for 2009, comprises a loss of €169 million recognized in equity (see Note D.15.7.) and a loss of €38 million taken directly to the income statement.

                  (2)

                  Changes in assumptions relate mainly to changes in discount rates.

                  (3)

                  Experience adjustments are due to trends in the financial markets.

                  The net pre-tax actuarial loss recognized directly in equity (excluding associates and joint venturesventures) was €3,693 million at December 31, 2012, versus €2,145 million at December 31, 2011 and Merial) was €1,459 million at December 31, 2010, versus €1,143 million at2010.

                          At December 31, 2009 and €974 million at December 31, 2008.

                  As of December 31, 2010,2012, the present value of obligations in respect of pensions and similarother long-term benefits under wholly or partially funded plans was €7,589€9,672 million, and the present value of unfunded obligations was €1,969€2,349 million (versus respectively, €6,897€8,913 million and €2,027€1,562 million at December 31, 2009,2011, and €5,924€7,589 million and €1,817€1,969 million at December 31, 2008)2010, respectively).

                  In Germany, sanofi-aventisSanofi is a member of aPensionskasse multi-employer plan. This is a defined-benefit plan accounted for as a defined-contribution plan in accordance with the accounting policy described in Note B.23. Plan contributions cover the current level of annuities. However, the obligation arising from future increases in annuity rates is recognized as part of the overall pension obligation; it amounted to €655 million at December 31, 2012, versus €489 million at December 31, 2011 and €487 million at December 31, 2010, €449 million at December 31, 2009, and €393 million at December 31, 2008.2010.

                          

                  The table below shows the sensitivity of (i) the benefit cost recognized in the consolidated income statement, and (ii) the obligation in the consolidated balance sheet, to changes in healthcare costs associated with other post-employment benefits.

                  (€ million)
                  Sensitivity of
                  assumptions
                  20102012

                   
                  1% increase in healthcare costs 

                  • Impact on benefit cost for the period

                    3 

                  • Impact on obligation in the balance sheet

                    3738 
                  1% reduction in healthcare costs 

                  • Impact on benefit cost for the period

                    (36)

                  • Impact on obligation in the balance sheet

                    (2947)
                   


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The total cost of pensions and other benefits, which amounted to €361€161 million in 2010,2012, is split as follows:

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                   
                  • Cost of sales   121   111  
                  • Research and development expenses   98   98  
                  • Selling and general expenses   155   195  
                  • Other operating expenses   51   59  
                  • Financial expenses(1)   9   13  
                  • Restructuring costs   (73) (2)    77  

                  Total

                     361   553  

                  (1)

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010 (1)

                   
                    
                  •  Cost of sales  122  117  121 
                  •  Research and development expenses  74  81  98 
                  •  Selling and general expenses  65  160  155 
                  •  Other operating (income)/expenses, net  (20) 43  51 
                  •  Financial expenses (2)  10    9 
                  •  Other gains and losses, and litigation (3)    (4)  
                  •  Restructuring costs  (90) (77) (73)(4)
                    
                  Total  161  320  361 
                    
                  (1)
                  Excluding Merial.
                  (2)
                  This line comprises actuarial gains and losses on deferred compensation plans funded by assets recognized under the fair value option (see Note D.7.). These actuarial gains and losses are offset by changes in the fair value of those assets.

                  (2)

                  Impact of plan curtailments following the redundancy programs announced in 2010 (see Note D.19.2.).

                  The total cost of pensions and other benefits (excludingthose assets.

                  (3)
                  Relates to the effectsale of Dermik (see Note D.28.)
                  (4)
                  Impact of plan curtailments following the redundancy programs announced in 2010 (see Note D.19.2.).

                          The timing of estimated future benefit payments on unfunded pension and settlements) for 2008 was €332 million, splitpost-employment plans as of December 31, 2012 is as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   Less than
                  1 year

                   From 1 to
                  3 years

                   From 3 to
                  5 years

                   More than
                  5 years

                   
                    
                  Estimated payments  1,741  60  115  133  1,433 
                    

                          

                  Cost of sales: €91��million

                  Research and development expenses: €61 million

                  Selling and general expenses: €180 million

                  The table below shows the expected cash outflows on pensions, other long-term benefits and other post-employment benefits over the next ten years:

                  (€ million)  Pensions and
                  other benefits
                   
                  Estimated employer’s contribution in 2011   281  
                  Estimated benefit payments:  
                  2011   575  
                  2012   572  
                  2013   607  
                  2014   610  
                  2015   646  
                  2016 through 2020   3,449  

                  (€ million)
                   Pensions and
                  other benefits

                   
                    
                  Estimated employer's contribution in 2013  268 
                    
                  Estimated benefit payments:    
                  2013  651 
                  2014  602 
                  2015  602 
                  2016  624 
                  2017  680 
                  2018 to 2022  3,528 
                    

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.19.2. Restructuring provisions

                          

                  The table below shows movements in restructuring provisions classified innon-current liabilities and current liabilities:liabilities:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Balance, beginning of period  1,930  1,611  1,018 
                  of which:          

                  • Classified in non-current liabilities

                    1,182  1,017  257 

                  • Classified in current liabilities

                    748  594  761 
                    
                  Change in provisions recognized in profit or loss for the period  857  861  1,073 
                  Provisions utilized  (728) (592) (839)
                  Transfers  109 (2) 1  322 (1)
                  Unwinding of discount  45  38  27 
                  Currency translation differences    11  10 
                    
                  Balance, end of period  2,213  1,930  1,611 
                    
                  of which:          

                  • Classified in non-current liabilities

                    1,461  1,182  1,017 

                  • Classified in current liabilities

                    752  748  594 
                    
                  (1)

                  Reclassification of social security charges and "Fillon" levies relating to early retirement plans in France (see Note D.19.1.).
                  (2)
                  Includes a €101 million transfer from provisions for pensions and other long-term benefits following the announcement of measures to adapt the Group's resources in France (see Note D.19.1.)

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                    December 31,
                  2009
                    December 31,
                  2008
                   

                  Balance, beginning of period

                     1,018   678   395  
                  of which:    

                  • Classified in non-current liabilities

                     257   366   188  

                  • Classified in current liabilities

                     761   312   207  
                  Change in provisions recognized in profit or loss for the period   1,073   837   510  
                  Provisions utilized   (839)  (388)  (228
                  Transfers   322 (1)   (110)  (3
                  Unwinding of discount   27   3   5  
                  Translation differences   10   (2)  (1

                  Balance, end of period

                     1,611   1,018   678  
                  of which:    

                  • Classified in non-current liabilities

                     1,017   257   366  

                  • Classified in current liabilities

                     594   761   312  

                  (1)

                  Reclassification of social security charges and “Fillon” levies relating to early retirement plans in France (see Note D.19.1.).

                  ProvisionProvisions for employee termination benefits at December 31, 20102012 amounted to €1,265€1,982 million mainly covering the(versus €1,672 million at December 31, 2011), and primarily covered redundancy programs announced as part of the adaptation of sales forces, R&D and industrial operations in France, the United States, and some other European countries. The provision relating to France (€889was €1,515 million at December 31, 2010) mainly comprises2012, versus €933 million at December 31, 2011. Charges to provisions during the period included €646 million for the adaptation of the Group's resources in France (see Note D.27.).

                          The provision for France includes the present value of gross annuities under early retirement plans (including those already in place, and those provided for in 2012) not outsourced as of thatthe balance sheet date, plus social security charges and “Fillon”"Fillon" levies on those annuities and on outsourced annuities. The average residual period of carry under these plans was 3.5 years as of December 31, 2010 was 3.6 years. The amount2012 (3.3 years as of premiumDecember 31, 2011). In 2012, premiums paid in connection with the outsourcing of annuities during 2010 was €241 million.amounted to €7 million (most of which related to an increase in the period of carry for existing annuities in response to the raising of the statutory retirement age); this compares with €6 million in 2011.

                          

                  The timing of future termination benefit payments is as follows:

                     Year ended December 31, 2010 
                     Benefit payments by period 
                  (€ million)  Total   Less than
                  1 year
                     From 1 to 3
                  years
                     From 3 to 5
                  years
                     More than 5
                  years
                   
                  Employee termination benefits          

                  – France

                     889     233     263     217     176  

                  – Other countries

                     376     226     127     13     10  

                  Total

                     1,265     459     390     230     186  
                     Year ended December 31, 2012 
                    
                     Benefit payments by period 
                    
                  (€ million)  Total  Less than
                  1 year
                    From 1 to
                  3 years
                    From 3 to
                  5 years
                    More than
                  5 years
                   
                    
                  Employee termination benefits                

                  • France

                    1,515  400  644  382  89 

                  • Other countries

                    467  257  179  24  7 
                    
                  Total  1,982  657  823  406  96 
                    

                  Table of Contents

                  Movements during 2010 recognized in profit or loss for the period mainly comprise expenses relating to measures taken to adapt chemical industrial activities in France, and sales and R&D functions in Western Europe and North America. This item also includes a remeasurement of previously-recognized obligations under early retirement plans following the pension reforms in France. Movements in restructuring provisions during 2010 also include the job protection guarantee made to Covance in connection with the divestment of the Alnwick and Porcheville sites (see Note D.27).

                  An analysis of restructuring costs by type is provided in Note D.27.


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                     Year ended December 31, 2011 
                    
                     Benefit payments by period 
                    
                  (€ million)  Total  Less than
                  1 year
                    From 1 to
                  3 years
                    From 3 to
                  5 years
                    More than
                  5 years
                   
                    
                  Employee termination benefits                

                  • France

                    933  189  231  339  174 

                  • Other countries

                    739  465  235  21  18 
                    
                  Total  1,672  654  466  360  192 
                    

                  D.19.3. Other provisions

                          

                  Other provisions include provisions for risks and litigation relating to environmental, tax, commercial and product liability risks, and for litigation.matters.

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Tax exposures  2,114  2,409  2,228 
                  Environmental risks and remediation  728  764  781 
                  Product liability risks, litigation and other  869  985  951 
                    
                  Total  3,711  4,158  3,960 
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Tax exposures   2,228     2,009     1,770  
                  Environmental risks and remediation   781     695     589  
                  Product liability risks, litigation and other   951     829     725  

                  Total

                     3,960     3,533     3,084  

                  Provisions for tax exposures are recorded if the Group is exposed to a probable risk resulting from a tax position adopted by the Group or a subsidiary, and the risk has been quantified at the balance sheet date.

                          

                  Provisions for “Environmentalenvironmental risks and remediation”remediation mainly relate to contingencies arising from business divestments. The movement during 2010 includes €105 million charged to restructuring costs in connection with the adaptation of chemical industrial facilities in France (see Note D.27.).divestitures.

                          

                  Identified environmental risks are covered by provisions estimated on the basis of the costs sanofi-aventisSanofi believes it will be obliged to meet over a period not exceeding (other than in exceptional cases) 30 years. Sanofi-aventisThe Group expects that €119€99 million of these provisions will be utilized in 20112013, and €386€286 million over the period from 20122014 through 2015.2017.

                          

                  “Product"Product liability risks, litigation and other”other" mainly comprises provisions for risks relating to product liability (including “IBNR”IBNR provisions as described in Note B.12.), government investigations, regulatory or competitionantitrust law claims, or contingencies arising from business divestmentsdivestitures (other than environmental risks).

                          

                  The main pending legal and arbitral proceedings and government investigations are described in Note D.22.

                          

                  A full risk and litigation assessment is performed with the assistance of the Group’sGroup's legal advisers, and provisions are recorded as required by circumstances in accordance with the principles described in Note B.12.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.19.4. Other current liabilities

                          

                  Other current liabilities break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Taxes payable  935  1,060  785 
                  Employee-related liabilities  1,909  1,957  1,411 
                  Restructuring provisions (see Note D.19.2.)  752  748  594 
                  Interest rate derivatives (see Note D.20.)  2  27  3 
                  Currency derivatives (see Note D.20.)  40  218  104 
                  Amounts payable for acquisitions of non-current assets  222  191  267 
                  Other liabilities  2,898  3,020  2,460 
                    
                  Total  6,758  7,221  5,624 
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Taxes payable   785     631     664  
                  Employee-related liabilities   1,411     1,458     1,366  
                  Restructuring provisions (see Note D.19.2.)   594     761     312  
                  Interest rate derivatives (see Note D.20.)   3     62       
                  Currency derivatives (see Note D.20.)   104     119     249  
                  Amounts payable for acquisitions of non-current assets   267     251     292  
                  Other liabilities   2,460     2,087     1,838  

                  Total

                     5,624     5,369     4,721  

                  This item includes the current portion of provisions for litigation, sales returns and other risks;risks, amounts due to associates and joint ventures (see Note D.6.), and amounts due to governmental agencies and the healthcare authorities (see Note D.23.).

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.20. Derivative financial instruments and market risks

                          

                  The table below shows the fair value of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2010:2012:

                  (€ million) Non-current
                  assets
                    Current
                  assets
                    Total
                  assets
                    Non-
                  current
                  liabilities
                    Current
                  liabilities
                    Total
                  liabilities
                    Fair value at
                  Dec. 31,
                  2010 (net)
                    Fair value at
                  Dec. 31,
                  2009 (net)
                    Fair value at
                  Dec. 31,
                  2008 (net)
                   

                  Currency derivatives

                        27    27    (27  (104  (131  (104  132   139 

                  • operational

                        14    14        (41  (41  (27  (46  201 

                  • financial

                        13    13    (27  (63  (90  (77  178   (62
                  Interest rate derivatives  220    1    221        (3  (3  218   7   (22

                  Total

                    220    28    248    (27  (107  (134  114   139   117 

                  (€ million)
                   Non-
                  current
                  assets

                   Current
                  assets

                   Total
                  assets

                   Non-
                  current
                  liabilities

                   Current
                  liabilities

                   Total
                  liabilities

                   Fair value at
                  Dec. 31,
                  2012 (net)

                   Fair value at
                  Dec. 31,
                  2011 (net)

                   Fair value at
                  Dec. 31,
                  2010 (net)

                   
                    
                  Currency derivatives  1  82  83    (40) (40) 43  (169) (104)

                  • operational

                    1  30  31    (14) (14) 17  (89) (27)

                  • financial

                      52  52    (26) (26) 26  (80) (77)
                  Interest rate derivatives  393  40  433    (2) (2) 431  456  218 
                    
                  Total  394  122  516    (42) (42) 474  287  114 
                    

                  Objectives of the use of derivative financial instruments

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi uses derivative instruments primarily to manage operational exposure to movements in exchange rates, and financial exposure to movements in interest rates and exchange rates (where the debt or receivable is not contracted in the functional currency of the borrower or lender entity). Less frequently, sanofi-aventisSanofi uses equity derivatives in connection with the management of its portfolio of equity investments.

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi performs periodic reviews of its transactions and contractual agreements in order to identify any embedded derivatives, which are accounted for separately from the host contract in accordance with IAS 39. As of December 31, 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi had no material embedded derivatives.

                  derivatives as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

                  Counterparty risk

                          

                  As of December 31, 2010,2012, all currency and interest rate hedges were contracted with leading banks, and no single counterparty accounted for more than 12%13% of the notional amount of the Group’sGroup's overall currency and interest rate positions.


                  Table of Contents

                  D.20.1. Currency and interest rate derivatives
                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  a) Currency derivatives used to manage operational risk exposures

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi operates a foreign exchange risk hedging policy to reduce the exposure of operating income to fluctuations in foreign currencies, in particular the U.S. dollar. This policy involves regular assessments of the Group’sGroup's worldwide foreign currency exposure, based on budget estimates of foreign-currency transactions to be carried out by the parent company and its subsidiaries. These transactions mainly comprise sales, purchases, research costs, co-marketing and co-promotion expenses, and royalties. To reduce the exposure of these transactions to exchange rate movements, sanofi-aventisSanofi contracts economic hedges using liquid financialderivative instruments, such asprimarily forward purchases and sales of currency call and put options,currency swaps.

                          The table below shows operational currency hedging instruments in place as of December 31, 2012, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rate:

                  As of December 31, 2012
                    
                    
                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated
                  as cash flow hedges

                   

                   Of which derivatives not eligible
                  for hedge accounting

                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   
                    
                  Forward currency sales  2,972  21            2,972  21 

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    972  6            972  6 

                  • of which Japanese yen

                    485  15            485  15 

                  • of which Russian rouble

                    368  (3)           368  (3)

                  • of which Singapore dollar

                    271              271   

                  • of which Chinese yuan renminbi

                    255  1            255  1 
                    
                  Forward currency purchases  944  (4)           944  (4)

                  • of which Singapore dollar

                    231  (4)           231  (4)

                  • of which Hungarian forint

                    166  (3)           166  (3)

                  • of which Swiss franc

                    110              110   

                  • of which Chinese yuan renminbi

                    94                 94   

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    69              69   
                    
                  Total  3,916  17            3,916  17 
                    

                          As of December 31, 2012, none of these instruments had an expiry date after February 28, 2013, with the exception of a forward purchase of GBP 33 million expiring between 2013 and combinations2015.

                          These positions mainly hedge material future foreign-currency cash flows arising after the balance sheet date in relation to transactions carried out during the year ended December 31, 2012 and recognized in the balance sheet at that date. Gains and losses on these hedging instruments (forward contracts) are calculated and recognized in parallel with the recognition of currency options (collars).gains and losses on the hedged items. Consequently, we do not expect the commercial foreign exchange gain or loss recognized on these items (hedges and hedged instruments) in 2013 to be material.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended        The table below shows operational currency hedging instruments in place as of December 31, 20102011, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rate:

                  As of December 31, 2011
                    
                    
                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated
                  as cash flow hedges

                   

                   Of which derivatives not eligible
                  for hedge accounting

                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   
                    
                  Forward currency sales  3,446  (96)           3,446  (96)

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    1,779  (59)           1,779  (59)

                  • of which Japanese yen

                    685  (22)           685  (22)

                  • of which Russian rouble

                    310  (5)           310  (5)

                  • of which Singapore dollar

                    71              71   

                  • of which Australian dollar

                    63  (2)           63  (2)
                    
                  Forward currency purchases  1,077  7            1,077  7 

                  • of which Singapore dollar

                    357  4            357  4 

                  • of which Swiss franc

                    165  2            165  2 

                  • of which Japanese yen

                    124  3            124  3 

                  • of which Hungarian forint

                    107  (4)           107  (4)

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    69              69   
                    
                  Total  4,523  (89)           4,523  (89)
                    

                          

                  The table below shows operational currency hedging instruments in place as of December 31, 2010, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rate.rate:

                  As of December 31, 2010
                    
                    
                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated
                  as cash flow hedges

                   

                   Of which derivatives not eligible
                  for hedge accounting

                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   
                    
                  Forward currency sales  2,444  (25)           2,444  (25)

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    1,380  (12)           1,380  (12)

                  • of which Russian rouble

                    248  (7)           248  (7)

                  • of which Japanese yen

                    202  (4)           202  (4)

                  • of which Pound sterling

                    95  2            95  2 

                  • of which Australian dollar

                    60  (1)           60  (1)
                    
                  Forward currency purchases  257  (2)           257  (2)

                  • of which Hungarian forint

                    84  (1)           84  (1)

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    51  (1)           51  (1)

                  • of which Canadian dollar

                    31              31   

                  • of which Russian rouble

                    30              30   

                  • of which Japanese yen

                    18              18   
                    
                  Total  2,701  (27)           2,701  (27)
                    

                  Table of Contents

                  December 31, 2010            Of which derivatives designated
                  as cash flow hedges
                     Of which derivatives not eligible
                  for hedge accounting
                   
                  (€ million)  Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                     Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                     Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity
                     Notional
                  amount
                     Fair value 

                  Forward currency sales

                     2,444     (25                  2,444     (25

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     1,380     (12                  1,380     (12

                  • of which Russian rouble

                     248     (7                  248     (7

                  • of which Japanese yen

                     202     (4                  202     (4

                  • of which Pound sterling

                     95     2                    95     2 

                  • of which Australian dollar

                     60     (1                  60     (1

                  Forward currency purchases

                     257     (2                  257     (2

                  • of which Hungarian forint

                     84     (1                  84     (1

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     51     (1                  51     (1

                  • of which Canadian dollar

                     31                         31       

                  • of which Russian rouble

                     30                         30       

                  • of which Japanese yen

                     18                         18       

                  Total

                     2,701     (27                  2,701     (27

                  As of December 31, 2010, none of these instruments had an expiry date after March 31, 2011.

                  These positions mainly hedge material future foreign-currency cash flows arising after the balance sheet date in relation to transactions carried out during the year ended December 31, 2010 and recognized in the balance sheet at that date. Gains and losses on hedging instruments (forward contracts) are calculated and recognized in parallel with the recognition of gains and losses on the hedged items. Consequently, the commercial foreign exchange gain or loss to be recognized on these items (hedges and hedged instruments) in 2011 is not expected to be material.


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below shows operational currency hedging instruments in place as of December 31, 2009, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rate.

                  December 31, 2009            Of which derivatives designated
                  as cash flow hedges
                     Of which derivatives not eligible
                  for hedge accounting
                   
                  (€ million)  Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                     Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                    Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity
                     Notional
                  amount
                     Fair value 

                  Forward currency sales

                     2,800     (51   583     (7  (7   2,217     (44

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     1,757     (41   367     (5  (5   1,390     (36

                  • of which Japanese yen

                     269     1     150     (1  (1   119     2  

                  • of which Russian rouble

                     132     (4                 132     (4

                  • of which Pound sterling

                     111                        111       

                  • of which Hungarian forint

                     104     (1                 104     (1

                  Forward currency purchases

                     377     6                   377     6  

                  • of which Hungarian forint

                     114     3                   114     3  

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     69                        69       

                  • of which Pound sterling

                     68     1                   68     1  

                  • of which Canadian dollar

                     42     1                   42     1  

                  • of which Swiss franc

                     20                        20       

                  Put options purchased

                     448     14     20     1         428     13  

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     278     8                   278     8  

                  Call options written

                     881     (17   20     (1       861     (16

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     555     (10                 555     (10

                  Put options written

                     278     (8                 278     (8

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     278     (8                 278     (8

                  Call options purchased

                     555     10                   555     10  

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     555     10                   555     10  

                  Total

                     5,339     (46   623     (7  (7   4,716     (39

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below shows operational currency hedging instruments in place as of December 31, 2008, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rate.

                  December 31, 2008

                              Of which derivatives designated
                  as cash flow hedges
                     Of which derivatives not eligible
                  for hedge accounting
                   
                  (€ million)  Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                     Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                     Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity
                     Notional
                  amount
                     Fair value 

                  Forward currency sales

                     3,305     219     1,562     121     123     1,743     98  

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     2,461     182     1,358     108     111     1,103     74  

                  • of which Japanese yen

                     191     (5   95     3     2     96     (8

                  • of which Russian rouble

                     134     15                    134     15  

                  • of which Pound sterling

                     104     6                    104     6  

                  • of which Saudi Arabian riyal

                     58     5     4               54     5  

                  • of which Polish zloty

                     53     6     33     5     6     20     1  

                  Forward currency purchases

                     601     (11                  601     (11

                  • of which Hungarian forint

                     175     (1                  175     (1

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     140     3                    140     3  

                  • of which Pound sterling

                     75     (6                  75     (6

                  • of which Russian rouble

                     72     (6                  72     (6

                  • of which Canadian dollar

                     51     (1                  51     (1

                  Put options purchased

                     24          2               22       

                  Call options written

                     48     (7   2               46     (7

                  Total

                     3,978     201     1,566     121     123     2,412     80  

                  b) Currency and interest rate derivatives used to manage financial risk exposures

                          

                  Cash pooling arrangements for foreign subsidiaries outside the euro zone, and some of the Group’sGroup's financing activities, expose certain entities to financial foreign exchange risk. This is the risk of changes in the value of borrowings and loans denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the borrower or lender. This risk is hedged by the Sanofi parent company using currency swaps or forward contracts, and mainly affects the sanofi-aventis parent company.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  which are contracted with banks.

                          

                  The table below shows financial currency hedging instruments used to manage financial risk exposuresin place as of December 31, 2010,2012, with the notional amount translated into euros at the relevant closing exchange rate.rate:

                   
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Expiry
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Expiry
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Expiry
                   
                    
                  Forward currency sales  3,970  38     4,900  (104)    2,728  (64)   

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    1,897  1  2013  2,964  (89) 2012  862  (26) 2012 

                  • of which Japanese yen

                    1,272  34  2013  993  (17) 2012  904  (24) 2011 

                  • of which Czech koruna

                    191    2013  251  4  2012  359  (7) 2011 
                  Forward currency purchases  2,638  (12)    2,719  24     2,086  (13)   

                  • of which Pound sterling

                    549  (3) 2013  843  5  2012  565  (11) 2011 

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                    521  1  2013  828  10  2012  814  (8) 2011 

                  • of which Singapore dollar

                    492  (4) 2013  191  5  2012  20    2011 
                  Total  6,608  26     7,619  (80)    4,814  (77)   
                    

                          

                      2010   2009   2008 
                  (€ million)  Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                    Expiry   Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                    Expiry   Notional
                  amount
                     Fair
                  value
                    Expiry 

                  Forward currency purchases

                     2,086     (13       6,760     185         8,492     (40    

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     814     (8  2011     5,634     180    2010     7,538     (26  2009  

                  • of which Pound sterling

                     565     (11  2011     433     2    2010     235     (4  2009  

                  • of which Japanese yen

                     169         2011     121     (2  2010     105         2009  

                  Forward currency sales

                     2,728     (64       3,169     (7       1,954     (22    

                  • of which Japanese yen

                     904     (24  2011     837     18    2010     665     (7  2009  

                  • of which U.S. dollar

                     862     (26  2012     1,634     (28  2010     1,043     (23  2009  

                  • of which Czech koruna

                     359     (7  2011     394     7    2010     22     1    2009  

                  Total

                     4,814     (77       9,929     178         10,446     (62    

                  These forward contracts generate a net financial foreign exchange gain or loss arising from the interest rate gapdifferential between the hedged currency and the euro, given that the foreign exchange gain or loss on the foreign-currency liabilitiesborrowings and receivablesloans is offset by the change in the intrinsic value of the hedging instruments. In addition, the Group may hedge some future foreign-currency cash flows relating to investment or divestment transactions.

                          

                  Since the financing of the Genzyme acquisition, the Group has managed its net debt in two currencies, the euro and the U.S. dollar (see Note D.17). The Group’sfloating-rate portion of this debt exposes the Group to rises in interest rate exposure arises from (i) fixed-rate debt (primarily bond issues),rates, primarily in the fair value of which moves in line with fluctuations in market interest rates;Eonia and (ii) floating-rate or adjustable-rate debt and cash investments (credit facilities, commercial paper, floating rate notes, funds placed in collective investment schemes), on which interest outflows and inflows are exposed to fluctuations inEuribor benchmark rates (principally Eonia,(for the euro) and in the U.S. Libor and Euribor)Federal Fund Effective rates (for the U.S. dollar). ToIn order to reduce the costamount and/or volatility of its short-term and medium-termthe cost of debt, we usethe Group uses interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and in certain circumstances interest rate options (purchases of caps, or combined purchases of caps and sales of floors) that alter the fixed/floating structuresplit of our debt.

                  During 2010, sanofi-aventis contracted hedges of net investments These derivative instruments are denominated partially in foreign operations relating to financial assetseuros and partially in U.S. dollars ($3,672 million) and in Canadian dollars (CAD 405 million). These hedges had expired asdollars.


                  Table of December 31, 2010.Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below shows instruments of this type in place atas of December 31, 2010:2012:

                   
                   

                   Notional amounts by expiry date
                  as of December 31, 2012

                   

                    
                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated as
                  fair value hedges

                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated as
                  cash flow hedges

                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                    
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2017
                   2019
                   Total
                    
                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity

                   
                    
                  Interest rate swaps                                                
                  – Pay floating/receive 2.73%          500      500    45    500  45         
                  – Pay floating/receive 2.38%      1,200    1,000    800  3,000    251    3,000  251         
                  – Pay floating/receive 0.57%            375    375    2    375  2         
                  – Pay floating/receive 1.15%            428    428    2               
                  – Pay floating/receive 0.34%      379          379    2    379  2         
                  Cross-currency swaps                                                
                  – Pay € floating/receive JPY floating    92            92    40               
                  – Pay € 4.87%/receive CHF 3.38%        244        244    91          244  91  4 
                  Currency swaps hedging USD investments                                                
                  – Pay USD/receive €    872            872    (2)              
                    
                  Total    964  1,579  244  1,500  803  800  5,890    431    4,254  300    244  91  4 
                    

                          

                     

                  Notional amounts by expiry date

                  as of December 31, 2010

                        Of which derivatives
                  designated as fair
                  value hedges
                    

                  Of which derivatives
                  designated as

                  cash flow hedges

                   
                  (€ million) 2011  2012  2013  2015  2016  Total  Fair
                  value
                    Notional
                  amount
                    Fair
                  value
                    Notional
                  amount
                    Fair
                  value
                    Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity
                   

                  Interest rate swaps

                              
                  pay floating (1) / receive 2.73%                  500    500    12    500    12              

                  Cross currency Swaps

                              
                  – pay floating (2)/ receive JPY floating (3)          92            92    47                      
                  – pay4.89% / receive CHF 3.26%      180                180    41            180    41    1  
                  – pay 4.87% / receive CHF 3.38%              244        244    82            244    82    6  
                  – pay floating (2)/ receive CHF 3.26%      167                167    38    167    38              

                  Currency swaps

                              
                  – pay/ receive USD (4)  489                    489    (2                    

                  Total

                    489    347    92    244    500    1,672    218    667    50    424    123    7  

                  (1)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 1-month Euribor

                  (2)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 3-month Euribor

                  (3)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 3-month Libor JPY

                  (4)

                  Swaps on U.S. commercial paper

                  The table below shows instruments of this type in place atas of December 31, 2009:2011:

                   
                   

                   Notional amounts by expiry date
                  as of December 31, 2011

                   

                    
                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated as
                  fair value hedges

                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated as
                  cash flow hedges

                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                    
                   2012
                   2013
                   2014
                   2015
                   2016
                   2019
                   2021
                   Total
                    
                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity

                   
                    
                  Caps                                                   
                  – Purchases of caps 0.50%    1,932              1,932    1          1,932  1  (1)
                  Interest rate swaps                                                   
                  – Pay floating/receive 2.73%            500      500    34    500  34         
                  – Pay floating/receive 2.38%        1,200    1,000  800    3,000    204    3,000  204         
                  – Pay floating/receive 1.86%                232  232    (1)   232  (1)        
                  – Pay floating/receive 0.34%        386          386    1    386  1         
                  Cross-currency swaps                                                   
                  – Pay € floating/receive JPY floating      92            92    58               
                  – Pay € 4.89%/receive CHF 3.26%    180              180    48          180  48  1 
                  – Pay € 4.87%/receive CHF 3.38%          244        244    96          244  96  11 
                  – Pay € floating/receive CHF 3.26%    167              167    42    167  42         
                  Currency swaps hedging USD investments                                                   
                  – Pay USD/receive €    1,404              1,404    (27)              
                    
                  Total    3,683  92  1,586  244  1,500  800  232  8,137    456    4,285  280    2,356  145  11 
                    

                  Table of Contents

                     

                  Notional amounts by expiry date

                  as of December 31, 2009

                        Of which derivatives
                  designated as fair
                  value hedges
                    Of which derivatives
                  designated as
                  cash flow hedges
                   
                  (€ million) 2010  2012  2013  2015  Total  Fair
                  value
                    Notional
                  amount
                    Fair
                  value
                    Notional
                  amount
                    Fair
                  value
                    Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity
                   

                  Interest rate swaps

                              
                  Pay floating(1) / receive 1.27%  1,000                1,000    2    1,000    2              

                  Cross currency swaps

                              
                  – pay € floating (2) / receive £ 5.50%  299                299    (62  299    (62            
                  – pay € floating (2) / receive JPY floating (3)          92        92    21                      
                  – pay € floating(4) / receive CHF 2.75%  122                122    16    122    16              
                  – pay € 4.89% / receive CHF 3.26%      180            180    3            180    3    (2
                  – pay € 4.87% / receive CHF 3.38%              244    244    23            244    23    (2
                  – pay € floating (2) / receive CHF 3.26%      167            167    4    167    4              

                  Total

                    1,421    347    92    244    2,104    7    1,588    (40  424    26    (4

                  (1)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 1-month Euribor

                  (2)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 3-month Euribor

                  (3)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 3-month Libor JPY

                  (4)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 6-month Euribor


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below shows instruments of this type in place at December 31, 2008:

                     Notional amounts by expiry date as
                  of December 31, 2008
                        Of which derivatives
                  designated as fair
                  value hedges
                    

                  Of which derivatives
                  designated as

                  cash flow hedges

                   
                  (€ million) 2009  2010  2012  2013  2015  Total  Fair
                  value
                    Notional
                  amount
                    Fair
                  value
                    Notional
                  amount
                    Fair
                  value
                    Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity
                   

                  Interest rate swaps

                               
                  Pay € 3.69% / receive € floating(1)       1,000                1,000    (12          1,000    (12  (14

                  Cross currency swaps

                               
                  – pay floating (1) /receive £ 5.50%      299                299    (74  299    (74            
                  – pay floating (1) /receive JPY 0.22%  116                    116    33    116    33              
                  – pay € floating (1) / receive JPY floating(2)              92        92    27                      
                  – pay floating(3) / receive CHF 2.75%      122                122    16    122    16              
                  – pay 4.89% / receive CHF 3.26%          180            180    5            180    5      
                  – pay 4.87% / receive CHF 3.38%                  244    244    23            244    23    (1

                  Currency swaps

                               
                  – pay€/ receive USD (4)  718                    718    (40                    

                  Total

                    834    1,421    180    92    244    2,771    (22  537    (25  1,424    16    (15

                  (1)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 3-month Euribor

                  (2)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 3-month Libor JPY

                  (3)

                  Floating: benchmark rate 6-month Euribor

                  (4)

                  Swaps on U.S. commercial paper

                  The change in the structure of the Group’s debt arising from these financial instruments is described in Note D.17., which also includes an analysis of the Group’s sensitivity to interest rates.

                  D.20.2. Equity derivatives

                  The Group did not hold any equity derivatives as of December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.2010:

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                   
                   

                   Notional amounts by expiry date
                  as of December 31, 2010

                   

                    
                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated as
                  fair value hedges

                   

                   Of which derivatives
                  designated as
                  cash flow hedges

                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                    
                   2011
                   2012
                   2013
                   2015
                   2016
                   Total
                    
                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                    
                   Notional
                  amount

                   Fair
                  value

                   Of which
                  recognized
                  in equity

                   
                    
                  Interest rate swaps                                             
                  – Pay floating/receive 2.73%            500  500    12    500  12         
                  Cross-currency swaps                                             
                  – Pay € floating/receive JPY floating        92      92    47               
                  – Pay € 4.89%/receive CHF 3.26%      180        180    41          180  41  1 
                  – Pay € 4.87%/receive CHF 3.38%          244    244    82          244  82  6 
                  – Pay € floating/receive CHF 3.26%      167        167    38    167  38         
                  Currency swaps                                             
                  – pay €/receive USD    489          489    (2)              
                    
                  Total    489  347  92  244  500  1,672    218    667  50    424  123  7 
                    

                  D.21. Off balance sheet commitments

                          The off balance sheet commitments presented below are shown at their nominal value.

                  D.21.1. Off balance sheet commitments relating to operating activities

                          

                  The Group’sGroup's off balance sheet commitments (excluding Merial, seebreak down as follows:

                  December 31, 2012
                   Payments due by period
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   Under
                  1 year

                   From 1 to 3
                  years

                   From 3 to 5
                  years

                   Over 5
                  years

                   
                    
                  • Operating lease obligations  1,296  250  367  220  459 
                  • Irrevocable purchase commitments (1)                

                  – given

                    2,913  1,513  651  368  381 

                  – received

                    (209) (106) (67) (14) (22)
                  • Research and development license agreements                

                  – future service commitments (2)

                    767  181  286  276  24 

                  – potential milestone payments (3)

                    2,201  149  267  295  1,490 
                  Firm commitment under the agreement with BMS (4)  82        82 
                    
                  Total  7,050  1,987  1,504  1,145  2,414 
                    
                  (1)
                  These comprise irrevocable commitments to suppliers of (i) property, plant and equipment, net of down payments (see Note D.8.1.D.3.) comprise:and (ii) goods and services. Comparable amounts as of December 31, 2011 were €3,041 million (commitments given) and (€247) million (commitments received).
                  (2)
                  Future service commitments under research and development license agreements mainly comprise research financing commitments, but also include consideration for access to technologies. Future service commitments as of December 31, 2011 amounted to €944 million.
                  (3)
                  This line includes only potential milestone payments on projects regarded as reasonably possible, i.e. on projects in the development phase. Potential milestone payments as of December 31, 2011, amounted to €2,822 million.
                  (4)
                  See note C.1.

                  December 31, 2010  

                  Payments due by period

                   
                  (€ million)  Total  Under
                  1 year
                    From 1 to 3
                  years
                    From 3 to 5
                  years
                    Over 5
                  years
                   
                  • Operating lease obligations   1,291   260    337   217   477 
                  • Irrevocable purchase commitments(1)      

                  – given

                     2,658   1,566   498   207   387 

                  – received

                     (176  (74  (35  (16  (51
                  • Research and development license agreements      

                  – future service commitments(2)

                     1,073   199   312   252   310 

                  – potential milestone payments(3)

                     2,015   101   378   238   1,298 

                  Total

                     6,861   2,052   1,490   898   2,421 

                  (1)Table of Contents

                  These comprise irrevocable commitments to suppliers of (i) property, plant and equipment, net of down payments (see Note D.3.) and (ii) goods and services.

                  (2)

                  Future service commitments relating to research and development license agreements mainly comprise research financing commitments, but also include consideration for access to technologies.

                  (3)

                  This line includes all potential milestone payments on projects regarded as reasonably possible, i.e. on projects in the development phase. Payments contingent upon the attainment of sales targets once a product is on the market are excluded.


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Operating leases

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisThe Group leases certain of its properties and equipment used in the ordinary course of business under operating leases. Future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2010 amounted to €1,2912012 were €1,296 million (€1,197(versus €1,456 million at December 31, 2009; €1,1922011 and €1,291 million at December 31, 2008)2010).

                          

                  Total rental expense recognized in the year ended December 31, 20102012 was €264€294 million (€273(versus €324 million in the year ended December 31, 2009; €2822011 and €281 million in the year ended December 31, 2008)2010).


                  Research and development license agreements

                          

                  In pursuance of its strategy, sanofi-aventisthe Group may acquire technologies and rights to products. Such acquisitions may be made in various contractual forms: acquisitions of shares, loans, license agreements, joint development, and co-marketing. These contracts usually involve upfront payments on signature of the agreement, development milestone payments, and royalties. Some of these complex agreements include undertakings to finance research programs in future years and payments contingent upon specified development milestones, the granting of approvals or licenses, or the attainment of sales targets once a product is on the market.

                          

                  The item “Research"Research and development license agreements”agreements" line comprises future service commitments to finance research and development or technology, and potential milestone payments regarded as reasonably possible (i.e. all potential milestone payments relating to projects in the development phase)phase, for which the future financial consequences are known and considered as probable and for which there is a sufficiently reliable estimate). This item excludes commitments relating to projects in the research phase (€4.15 billion in 2010)2012, €4.2 billion in 2011) and payments contingent upon the attainment of sales targets once a product is on the market (€3.34.7 billion in 2010)2012, €4.4 billion in 2011).

                  The main collaboration agreements relating to development projects in the Pharmaceuticals segment are described below.        Potential milestone payments relating to Pharmaceuticals segment development projects under these agreements amountedamount to €2 billion, of which €1.4 billion relates to the principal collaboration agreements described below.

                    Since acquiring Genzyme in 2010.

                    In June 2010, sanofi-aventis2011, the Group has a commitment to Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. under a collaboration agreement signed in January 2008. Under the agreement, Sanofi has an exclusive license to develop and Metabolex signedmarket Mipomersen, a globallipopenic treatment for severe familial hypercholesterolemia.

                    On May 13, 2011, Sanofi announced the signature of a license agreement with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals S.A., a subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited India (GPL), for MBX-2982, an oral agentthe development and commercialization of GBR500, a novel monoclonal antibody for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

                  Crohn's Disease and other chronic autoimmune disorders.

                  In MayJune 2010, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement with Ascenta Therapeutics, a U.S. biopharmaceutical company, on a number of molecules that could restore apoptosis (cell death) in tumor cells.

                  At the end of April 2010, Sanofi signed a license agreement with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals S.A. (GPSA)for the development and commercialization of novel agents to treat chronic pain. These are vanilloid receptor (TRPV3) antagonist molecules, including ERC 15300, a first-in-class clinical compound.

                  In April 2010, Sanofi signed a global license agreement with CureDM Group Holdings, LLC (CureDM) for PancreateTM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited India (GLP).

                  novel human peptide which could restore a patient's ability to produce insulin and other pancreatic hormones in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  In April 2010, sanofi-aventis signed a global license agreement with CureDM Group Holdings, LLC (CureDM) for PancreateTM, a novel human peptide which could restore a patient’s ability to produce insulin and other pancreatic hormones in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

                  In December 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi and the U.S. biotechnology company Alopexx Pharmaceuticals, (LLC)LLC simultaneously signed (i) a collaboration agreement, and (ii) an option for a license on an antibody for the prevention and treatment of infections originating in the bacterium that causes plague and other serious infections.

                  End

                  At the end of September 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals Inc. signed an exclusive global licensing and collaboration agreement covering the MM-121 molecule for the management of solid malignancies.tumors.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                    In May 2009, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed a global license agreement with Exelixis, Inc. for XL147 and XL765, and simultaneously signed an exclusive research collaboration agreement for the discovery of inhibitors of Phosphoinositide-3-Kinase (PI3K) for the management of malignant tumors.

                  On December 22, 2011, Sanofi and Exelixis, Inc. agreed to end this collaboration agreement.

                  In May 2009, Sanofi signed a collaboration and licensing agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., under which Sanofi obtained the worldwide rights to the anti-LIGHT fully human monoclonal antibody. This anti-LIGHT antibody is expected to be first-in-class in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

                  In September 2003, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed a collaboration agreement in oncology with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron) (see Note C.2.) to develop the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Trap program. Sanofi-aventis will payUnder the terms of this agreement, Sanofi is responsible for funding 100% of the development costs, of the VEGF Trap. Once a VEGF Trap product startsand Regeneron agreed to be marketed, Regeneron will repay 50% of these costs. As of December 31, 2012, the balance of the development costs (originally paidinitially funded by sanofi-aventis) in accordance with a formula based on Regeneron’s share of the profits.

                  Sanofi amounted to €0.6 billion.

                  In November 2007, sanofi-aventisSanofi signed a collaboration agreement with Regeneron to discover, develop and commercialize fully-human therapeutic antibodies. This agreement was broadened, and its term extended, on November 10, 2009. Under the terms of the development agreement, sanofi-aventisSanofi committed to fund 100% of the development costs of Regeneron’sRegeneron's antibody research program until 2017.2017 (see Note C.2.). Once a product begins to be marketed, Regeneron will repay out of its profits (provided they are sufficient) half of the development costs borne by sanofi-aventis.

                  Sanofi. As of December 31, 2012, the balance of the development costs initially funded by Sanofi amounted to €0.8 billion.

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi has also entered into the following major agreements, which are currently in a less advanced research phase:

                    On November 27, 2012, Sanofi and the U.S. biotechnology company Selecta Biosciences signed a collaboration agreement to identify and develop food allergy treatments using a technology based on nanoparticles.

                    On June 28, 2011, Sanofi signed an exclusive international research collaboration agreement and license option with Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for novel classes of antibiotics resulting from Rib-X's RX-04 program for the treatment of infections caused by resistant Gram-positive and resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

                    December 2010: a global licensing and patent transfer agreement with Ascendis Pharma (Ascendis) on the proprietary Transcon Linker and Hydrogel Carrier technology developed by Ascendis for precise, time-controlled release of therapeutic active ingredients into the body. The agreement will enable sanofi-aventisSanofi to develop, manufacture and commercialize products combining this technology with active molecules for the treatment of diabetes and related disorders.



                  December 2010: alliance with Avila TherapeuticsTM Inc. (Avila) to discover target covalent drugs for the treatment of cancers, directed towards six signaling proteins that are critical in tumor cells. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will have access to Avila's proprietary AvilomicsTM platform offering "protein silencing" for these pathogenic proteins.

                  December 2010: alliance with Avila TherapeuticsTM Inc. (Avila) to discover target covalent drugs for the treatment of cancers, directed towards six signaling proteins that are critical in tumor cells. Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventis will have access to Avila’s proprietary AvilomicsTM platform offering “protein silencing” for these pathogenic proteins.

                  December 2010: an exclusive global licensing option with Oxford BioTherapeutics for three existing antibodies, plus a research and collaboration agreement to discover and validate new targets in oncology.



                  September 2010: alliance with the Belfer Institute of Applied Cancer Science at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) to identify novel targets in oncology for the development of new therapeutic agents directed towards these targets and their associated biomarkers. Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventisSanofi will have access to the Belfer Institute’sInstitute's anticancer target identification and validation platform and to its translational medicine resources. Sanofi-aventisSanofi also has an option over an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize novel molecules directed towards the targets identified and validated under this research collaboration.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                    June 2010: alliance with Regulus Therapeutics Inc. to discover, develop and commercialize novel micro-RNA therapeutics, initially in fibrosis. Sanofi-aventisSanofi also received an option which, if exercised, would provide access to the technology to develop and commercialize other micro-RNA based therapeutics, beyond the first four targets.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                          In June 2012, Sanofi decided to discontinue the BiTE® antibody project and terminate its collaboration with Micromet.

                          

                  June 2010: exclusive global collaboration and license agreement with Ascenta Therapeutics, a U.S. biopharmaceutical company, on a number of molecules that could restore apoptosis (cell death) in tumor cells.

                  October 2009: agreement with Micromet, Inc. to develop a BiTE® antibody against a tumor antigen present at the surface of carcinoma cells.

                  May 2009: collaboration and licensing agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., under which sanofi-aventis obtained the worldwide rights to the anti-LIGHT fully human monoclonal antibody. This anti-LIGHT antibody is presently at preclinical development stage, and is expected to be first-in-class in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

                  Sanofi Pasteur has entered into a number of collaboration agreements. Milestone payments relating to development projects under those agreements amounted to €0.3€0.2 billion in 2010.2012.

                          

                  In December 2009, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur signed a donation letter to the World Health Organization (WHO). The terms of the agreement committed sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur to donate 10% of its future output of vaccines against A(H1N1), A(H5N1) or any other influenza strain with pandemic potential, up to a maximum of 100 million doses. Since this agreement was put in place, sanofi pasteurSanofi Pasteur has already donated to the WHO some of the doses covered by the commitment.

                  D.21.2. Off balance sheet commitments related to the financing of the Group

                  Credit facilities

                          

                  The table below shows undrawnUndrawn credit facilities by maturity:break down as follows:

                  December 31, 2012
                   Payments due by period
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   Under
                  1 year

                   From 1 to
                  3 years

                   From 3 to
                  5 years

                   Over
                  5 years

                   
                    
                  General-purpose credit facilities  10,021  3,020  250  6,750  1 
                    

                          As of December 31, 2012, total credit facilities amounted to €10,021 million (versus €10,046 million as of December 31, 2011 and €23,464 million as of December 31, 2010 including Genzyme acquisition facilities).

                  December 31, 2010  Undrawn amounts by expiry date 
                  (€ million)  Total   Under
                  1 year
                     From 1 to
                  3 years
                     From 3 to 5
                  years
                     Over 5
                  years
                   
                  General-purpose facilities   12,238     245     5,755     6,238       
                  Acquisition facilities available in connection with the Genzyme acquisition(1)   11,226     11,226                 

                  Total

                     23,464     11,471     5,755     6,238       

                  (1)

                  The maturities shown reflect the latest possible drawdown date of each facility (see Note D.17.).

                  Guarantees

                          

                  Guarantees given and received (mainly surety bonds) are as follows:

                  (€ million)  2010  2009  2008 
                  Guarantees given   2,558    2,358    1,524  
                  Guarantees received   (185  (171  (218

                  (€ million)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Guarantees given  4,311  3,296  2,558 
                  Guarantees received  (185) (224) (185)
                    

                  D.21.3. Off balance sheet commitments relating to the scope of consolidation

                          

                  Merial

                  On March 8, 2010, sanofi-aventis exercised its contractual right to combine Merial with Intervet/Schering-Plough, Merck’s animal health business, to form a new joint venture equally owned by Merck and sanofi-aventis. Formation of the new joint venture is subject to signature of final agreements, antitrust review in the United States, Europe and other countries, and other customary closing conditions. Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough will continue to operate independently until closing of the transaction, which is expected to take place during 2011. Sanofi-aventis will be required to make a true-up payment of $250 million to Merck to establish parity in the joint venture, in addition to the $750 million payment stipulated in the agreement signed on July 29, 2009.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  For a description of the treatment of Merial in the consolidated financial statements of sanofi-aventis for the year ended December 31, 2010, refer to Note D.8.1.

                  Genzyme

                  On January 24, 2011, sanofi-aventis extended to February 15, 2011 its tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Genzyme Corporation at $69.00 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. The offer amounts to approximately $18.5 billion. The tender offer was originally made on October 4, 2010, and was initially due to expire on December 10, 2010.

                  BMP Sunstone

                  On October 28, 2010, sanofi-aventis and BMP Sunstone Corporation signed an agreement under which sanofi-aventis was to acquire BMP Sunstone for $10.00 per share in cash, equivalent to a total consideration of $520.6 million on a fully-diluted basis. Under the terms of the agreement, BMP Sunstone would be merged into a wholly-owned subsidiary of sanofi-aventis. This acquisition would enable sanofi-aventis to reinforce its consumer health operations in China, building on BMP Sunstone’s substantial positions in coughs, colds, and women’s health.

                  Closing of this transaction is expected in February 2011.

                  For disclosures about the maximum amount of contingent consideration payable in connection with completedrelated to business combinations refer tois presented in Note D.18.

                  D.22. Legal and Arbitral Proceedings

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi and its affiliates are involved in litigation, arbitration and other legal proceedings. These proceedings typically are related to product liability claims, intellectual property rights (particularly claims against generic companies seeking to limit the patent protection of sanofi-aventisSanofi products), competition law and trade practices, commercial claims, employment and wrongful discharge claims, tax assessment claims, waste disposal and pollution claims, and claims under warranties or indemnification arrangements relating to business divestitures. Provisions related to legal and arbitral proceedings are recorded in accordance with the principles described in Note B.12.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  Most of the issues raised by these claims are highly complex and subject to substantial uncertainties; therefore, the probability of loss and an estimation of damages are difficult to ascertain. Consequently,Contingent liabilities are cases for a majority of these claims,which either we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the expected financial effect that will result from ultimate resolution of the proceeding.proceeding, or a cash outflow is not probable. In those cases, we have not accruedeither case, a reserve for the potential outcome, but disclose information with respect tobrief description of the nature of the contingency.contingent liability is disclosed and, where practicable, an estimate of its financial effect, an indication of the uncertainties relating to the amount and timing of any outflow, and the possibility of any reimbursement are provided in application of paragraph 86 of IAS 37.

                          

                  In the cases that have been settled or adjudicated, or where quantifiable fines and penalties have been assessed, we have indicated our losses or the amount of provision accrued that is the estimate of the probable loss.

                          

                  In a limited number of ongoing cases, while we are able to make a reasonable estimate of the expected loss or range of the possible loss and have accrued a provision for such loss, we believe that publication of this information on a case-by-case basis or by class would seriously prejudice the Company’sCompany's position in the ongoing legal proceedings or in any related settlement discussions. Accordingly, in those cases, we have disclosed information with respect to the nature of the contingency but have not disclosed our estimate of the range of potential loss, in accordance with paragraph 92 of IAS 37.

                          

                  These assessments can involve a series of complex judgments about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. Our assessments are based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management. We believe that the aggregate provisions recorded for the above matters are adequate

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  based upon currently available information. However, given the inherent uncertainties related to these cases and involved in estimating contingent liabilities, we could in the future incur judgments that could have a material adverse effect on our net income in any particular period.

                          

                  Long term provisions other than provisions for pensions and other long-term benefits and restructuring provisions are disclosed in Note D.19.3.

                    Provisions for product liability risks, litigation and other amount to €951€869 million in 2010.2012. These provisions are mainly related to product liabilities, government investigations, competition law, regulatory claims, warranties in connection with certain contingent liabilities arising from business divestitures other than environmental matters and other claims.



                  Provisions for environmental risks and remediation amount to €781€728 million in 2010,2012, the majority of which are related to contingencies that have arisen from business divestitures.

                  When a legal claim involves a challenge to the patent protection of a pharmaceutical product, the principal risk to sanofi-aventis is that the sales of the product might decline following the introduction of a competing generic product in the relevant market. In cases where the product rights have been capitalized as an asset on the balance sheet (i.e., assets acquired through a separate acquisition or through a business combination — see Note B.4.), such a decline in sales could negatively affect the value of the intangible asset. In those cases, the Company performs impairment tests in accordance with the principles disclosed in Note B.6.1., based upon the best available information and, where appropriate, records an impairment loss to reduce the carrying amount of the related intangible asset to its estimated fair value. The amounts of such impairments are disclosed in Note D.5.

                  The principal ongoing legal and arbitral proceedings are described below:

                  a) Products

                  • Sanofi Pasteur Hepatitis B Vaccine Product Litigation

                  Since 1996, more than 180 lawsuits have been filed in various French civil courts against Sanofi Pasteur SA and/or Sanofi Pasteur MSD S.N.C., the former a French subsidiary of sanofi-aventis,Sanofi, and the latter a joint-venturejoint venture company with Merck & Co., Inc. In such lawsuits, the plaintiffs allege that they suffer from a variety of neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome as a result of receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. The French Supreme Court (Cour de Cassation), in July 2009, upheld a decision of the Court of AppealAppeals of Lyon ordering Sanofi Pasteur MSD S.N.C. to pay damages of €120,000 to a claimant whose multiple sclerosis appeared shortly after her vaccination against the hepatitis B virus; however, in Septemberseveral cases before and after the July 2009 and in November 2010,decision, theCour de Cassation upheld several decisions of various Courts of Appeals (including the Court of AppealAppeals of Metz and Paris respectively,Paris), rejecting claims alleging such causal link. Nevertheless, it is difficult to provide an opinion on the evolution and final outcome of these cases. A number of claims remain to be adjudicated and there can be no assurance that cases decided to date will be representative of future decisions and that additional claims will not be filed in France or other countries.

                          

                  In January 2008, both the legal entity Sanofi Pasteur MSD S.N.C., and a corporate officer of this company, as well as a former corporate officer of Sanofi Pasteur, S.A., were placed under investigation in an ongoing criminal inquiry in France relating to alleged side effects caused by the hepatitis B vaccine.

                  Since March 2012, Sanofi Pasteur Inc. Thimerosal Product Litigation

                  Since early 2001,and the former chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur Inc., a U.S. subsidiaryhave been placed under an "advised witness" status.


                  Table of sanofi-aventis, has been a defendant in lawsuits filed in several federal and state courts in the United States alleging that serious personal injuries resulted from the presence of mercury in the preservative thimerosal, trace amounts of which are contained in vaccines manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc.Contents

                  Currently, there are 172 such cases pending. Several of the cases seek certification to proceed as class actions.


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Sanofi Pasteur Inc. believes that under U.S. law, all of these claims must first be filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to determine whether the claim qualifies for compensation by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) before the claimants may bring direct actions against the company. The U.S. Court of Federal Claims (Claims Court) has established a process designed to facilitate the handling of the almost 5,000 thimerosal claims within the VICP. The process involves a committee of petitioners’ representatives and representatives of the U.S. Department of Justice, who represent the government in the VICP. As originally planned, the process called for petitioners’ representatives to designate three “test cases” in each of the three different theories of general causation advanced by the petitioners. Hearings on two of the theories were completed in 2007 and 2008 and the petitioners decided that there was no need to proceed with the last theory.

                  In 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the 2009 decisions of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, in the test cases under the first of the two causation theories, which held that the petitioners failed to establish that their claimed injuries were caused by thimerosal-containing vaccines and the MMR vaccine, and no compensation was awarded to any of them under the VICP. The petitioners may choose to file civil actions against the manufacturers.

                  In March 2010, in the test cases under the second of the two causation theories, concerning vaccines containing only thimerosal, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims held that the petitioners failed to establish that their claimed injuries were caused by thimerosal-containing vaccines, and no compensation was awarded to any of the petitioners under the VICP. The petitioners chose not to seek re-hearings on these cases, but instead have filed elections to file civil actions against the manufacturers.

                  The remainder of the 172 cases are either in the preliminary response stage, in the discovery process, have been stayed pending adjudication by the Claims Court, or have pending plaintiffs’ requests for reconsideration of preliminary determinations to stay proceedings pending such adjudication by the Claims Court.

                  • Agreal®Plavix® Product Litigation

                          

                  The Group faces administrative, criminal, and civil claimsAround 444 lawsuits, involving several hundredapproximately 2,857 claimants primarily in Spain, from women alleging that the menopause treatment Agreal® (veralipride) has caused a range of neurological and psychological harm. In the majority of the civil cases to date, the decisions have been favorable to sanofi-aventis, generally on the basis of a finding that causation was not proven by the claimants and/or that the leaflet gave adequate notice of potential side effects. A small number of the civil cases have been decided adversely to sanofi-aventis and sanofi-aventis has appealed each of these. The Administrative Court decisions (approximately 60 resolutions), issued in 2009 and 2010, have dismissed all these administrative claims. All the criminal actions submitted have been dismissed to date. Any amounts awarded to date have not been material to the Group on a consolidated basis. A number of claims remain to be adjudicated and there can be no assurance that cases decided to date will be representative of future decisions and that additional claims will not be filed in Spain or other countries.

                  In France approximately 85 claimants have filed a motion (référé) in order to appoint one or more expert(s) to conduct certain studies, in particular, concerning the alleged injury and causal link with the ingestion of the medication concerned. A hearing before the First Instance Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance) is scheduled to be held in February 2011.

                  •  Plavix® Product Litigation

                  Affiliatesagainst affiliates of the Group and Bristol-Myers Squibb are named in a number of individual actions seeking recovery under state law for personal injuries allegedly sustained in connection with the use of Plavix®Plavix®. The actions are primarily venued in several jurisdictions, including the U.S. District Court for the Districtfederal and/or state courts of New Jersey, which had administratively stayedNew York, California, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The defendants have exercised their right to terminate the proceedings pending a U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Levine case (which presented issues of federal preemption relevant to state law claims). Following the March 2009 decision rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court in this case, 23 of these cases were reactivated, while a tolling agreement (agreement which tolls

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  or suspends the running of the statute of limitations) remains in effect for, effective September 1, 2012, with respect to unfiled claims by potential additional potential plaintiffs. On October 15, 2010, an action involving multiple plaintiffs was filed in Saint Clair County, Illinois State Court, and was subsequently removed to the U.S. District Court of Illinois. This actionIt is not subjectpossible, at this stage, to assess reliably the above-referenced tolling agreement.

                  outcome of these lawsuits or the potential financial impact on the Company.

                  b) Patents

                  • Plavix®Ramipril Canada Patent Litigation

                          Sanofi is involved in a number of legal proceedings involving companies which market generic Altace® (ramipril) in Canada. Notwithstanding proceedings initiated by Sanofi, eight manufacturers obtained marketing authorizations from the Canadian Minister of Health for generic versions of ramipril in Canada. Following the marketing of these products, Sanofi filed patent infringement actions against all those companies. In a patent infringement action, the Federal Court of Canada ruled on June 29, 2009 that the patent asserted by Sanofi was invalid. Sanofi's leave to appeal the judgment was denied in 2012. Each of Teva, Apotex and Riva initiated Section 8 damages claims against Sanofi, seeking compensation for their alleged inability to market a generic ramipril during the time taken to resolve the proceedings against the Canadian Ministry of Health. The Teva and Apotex Section 8 trials were heard early 2012 respectively and the Court issued its decision on May 11, 2012 setting down the parameters for calculating total damages owed. Sanofi and Teva reached an agreement in June 2012 on a confidential amount to satisfy Teva's claim and in November 2012, Apotex was awarded CAD 221 million. Sanofi has appealed the Court's decisions in both the Apotex and Teva Section 8 cases to the Federal court of Appeal. The Riva Section 8 trial has been stayed until the Apotex and Teva cases are decided on appeal.

                  United States.On March 21, 2002, sanofi-aventis, Sanofi-Synthélabo Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership (or “BMS Sanofi Holding”, our partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb) filed suit• Plavix® Patent Litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Apotex Inc. and Apotex Corp. (hereinafter “Apotex”) for the infringement of U.S. patent rights relating to Plavix® as a result of an ANDA filed by Apotex including a Paragraph IV challenge to U.S. Patent No. 4,847,265 (the “ ‘265 Patent”), expiring in 2011, which discloses and claimsinter aliaAustralia the clopidogrel bisulfate compound, the active ingredient in Plavix®. Apotex asserted antitrust counterclaims.

                          

                  On January 24, 2006, sanofi-aventis learned that the FDA had granted final approval to the Apotex ANDA.

                  Following unsuccessful efforts by sanofi-aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Apotex to settle the patent infringement lawsuit, onIn August, 8, 2006, Apotex announced the launch “at risk” of its generic product in the United States. Apotex was enjoined from further marketing and sale of its generic product on August 31, 2006. After extensive litigation, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals decision to uphold the lower U.S. District Court ruling upholding the validity and enforceability of the principal Plavix® patent was confirmed in November 2009, when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the petition by Apotex in the Plavix® patent litigation.

                  Pursuant to Apotex’s request for a reexamination of the ‘265 Patent, in March 2010, the USPTO concluded that all of the original claims were patentable. In October 2010, the USPTO denied Apotex’s request for a second reexamination.

                  In parallel, sanofi-aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb are seeking damages from Apotex, in reparation of harm caused by that company’s “at risk” marketing and sale of an infringing generic version of Plavix® in 2006. In October 2010, the U.S. District Court awarded sanofi-aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb damages in the amount of $442,209,362, plus $107,930,857 in pre-judgment interest, as well as costs and post-judgment interest as set by statute. Apotex has secured the amount of the award by cash deposit and has filed a notice of appeal. The appeal will likely be decided in 2011.

                  Australia. On August 17, 2007, GenRX a(a subsidiary of ApotexApotex) obtained registration of a generic clopidogrel bisulfate product on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and sent notice to sanofi-aventis that it had in parallel applied toGoods. At the same time, GenRX filed a patent invalidation action with the Federal Court of Australia, for an order revoking theseeking revocation of Sanofi's Australian enantiomer patent claiming clopidogrel salts. Onsalts (a "nullity action"). In September 21, 2007, sanofi-aventisSanofi obtained a preliminary injunction from the Federal Court preventing commercial launch of this generic clopidogrel bisulfate product until judgment on the substantive issues of patent validity and infringement. In February 2008, Spirit Pharmaceuticals Pty. Ltd. also introducedfiled a nullity action against theSanofi's Australian enantiomer patent. The Spirit proceeding was consolidated with the Apotex proceeding.

                          

                  OnIn August, 12, 2008, the Australian Federal Court confirmed that the claim in Sanofi's Australian enantiomer patent directed to clopidogrel bisulfate (the salt form in Plavix®) was valid and infringed. Claims covering the hydrochloride, hydrobromide and taurocholate salts also were found valid. However claim 1 of the patent directed to clopidogrel and its pharmaceutical salts was found to be invalid. All parties appealed. In September 2009,infringed. On appeal, the Full Federal Court of Australia held in September 2009 that all claims in the Australian patent covering clopidogrelare invalid. Sanofi's appeal to be invalid. Sanofi-aventis filed an appealthe Australia Supreme Court was denied in March 2010. The security bond posted by Sanofi in connection with the Supreme Courtpreliminary injunction obtained in November 2009. In March 2010, the Supreme Court refused special leave2007 was subsequently increased from Australian $40 million to appeal.Australian $204 million (€160 million as of December 31, 2012). Apotex is now seeking damages for having been subject to an injunction.

                          The case is inAustralia Department of Health and Ageing (the "Department") has notified Sanofi that it claims to be entitled to money damages from Sanofi related to the early stages.Apotex preliminary injunction. The Department has not yet taken any formal legal action associated with this claim.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  •  Allegra® Patent Litigation

                  United States.Sanofi-aventis has been engaged in patent infringement actions concerning Allegra® since the first ANDA referring to this product was submitted to the FDA in 2001.

                  Patent infringement suits against Ranbaxy and Sandoz were dismissed in February 2007 and January 2010 respectively when each independently withdrew their respective Paragraph IV certifications and converted their respective ANDA applications for fexofenadine products to Paragraph III certifications.

                  Sanofi-aventis U.S. continues to be involved in ongoing U.S. patent litigation against other parties in relation to the Allegra® single entity formulation (Mylan, Dr. Reddy’s, Sun, Wockhardt and Aurolife/Aurobindo), Allegra-D® 12 Hour (Impax, Mylan, Dr. Reddy’s, Sun, and Wockhardt), Allegra® oral suspension (Actavis), as well as Allegra-D® 24 Hour (Dr. Reddy’s).

                  In June 2010, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a motion for a preliminary injunction brought by sanofi-aventis US and its licensor, Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (Albany), against Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to enjoin the marketing of unlicensed generic versions of Allegra-D® 24 Hour tablets. On January 13, 2011, the District Court ruled that the claims of Albany’s U.S. Patent No. 7,390,906 are limited to the use of 98% pure para-cyclopropyl ketone compounds in the manufacture of fexofenadine. On January 28, 2011, sanofi-aventis and Albany filed a stipulation stating their objection to the District Court ruling which limited the claims of Albany’s patent as described above and stating that sanofi-aventis could not meet its burden of proving at trial infringement of the Albany patent by Dr. Reddy’s generic version of Allegra-D® 24 Hour under the District Court’s claim construction ruling. The filing of the stipulation preserves all objections of sanofi-aventis and Albany to the District Court ruling and provides for an immediate appeal to the United States Court for the Federal Circuit. On January 28, 2011, the District Court lifted the preliminary injunction prohibiting Dr. Reddy’s from commercializing its generic version of Allegra-D® 24 Hour. However, the Court also ordered that there shall be no application for a decision on the $40 million security, posted by sanofi-aventis in connection with the June 2010 preliminary injunction, without prior approval of the District Court, until after resolution by the Federal Circuit of sanofi-aventis’ appeal of the District Court’s claim construction ruling.

                  •  Actonel® Patent Litigation

                  Actonel® was originally marketed by the Alliance for Better Bone Health, an alliance between Procter & Gamble Company and P&G Pharmaceuticals (together P&G) and Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (API). On October 30, 2009, P&G sold its pharmaceutical business to Warner Chilcott, succeeding to P&G’s rights and obligations in the alliance. P&G had filed a patent infringement suit in 2004 against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware in response to Teva’s application to market a generic version of Actonel® (risedronate sodium) tablets in the United States. Sanofi-aventis is not a party to this action. On February 28, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware held P&G’s U.S. Patent No. 5,538,122 (the “ ‘122 Patent”) claiming the active ingredient of Actonel® to be valid and enforceable.

                  P&G filed additional patent infringement actions against Teva in 2008 in response to Teva’s applications to market a generic version of Actonel® 75mg tablets and Actonel® plus Calcium. In May 2008, the District Court judge entered an order of final judgment in favor of P&G, in both cases, and Teva appealed all three final judgments. The three appeals were consolidated by the Federal Circuit and a hearing was held December 2, 2008. In May 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of P&G and confirmed the validity of the ‘122 Patent.

                  In September 2008, January and March 2009, and April 2010, P&G (Warner Chilcott) and Roche brought suit in the U.S. District Court of Delaware in response to respectively Teva’s, Sun Pharma Global’s, Apotex’s and Mylan’s applications to market a generic version of the 150mg Actonel® tablets.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  •  Ramipril Canada Patent Litigation

                  Sanofi-aventis is involved in a number of legal proceedings involving companies which market generic Altace® (ramipril) in Canada. Notwithstanding proceedings initiated by sanofi-aventis, the following eight manufacturers: Apotex (in 2006), Teva (formerly Novopharm), Sandoz and Cobalt (in 2007), and Riva, Genpharm, Ranbaxy and Pro Doc (in 2008), obtained marketing authorizations from the Canadian Minister of Health for generic versions of ramipril in Canada. Following the marketing of these products, sanofi-aventis filed patent infringement actions against all eight companies. In the patent infringement actions against Apotex and Teva, the Federal Court of Canada ruled on June 29, 2009 that the asserted patent was invalid. Each of Teva, Apotex and Riva have initiated Section 8 damages claims against sanofi-aventis, seeking compensation for their alleged inability to market a generic ramipril during the time taken to resolve the proceedings against the Canadian Ministry of Health. The Apotex and Teva trials have been scheduled for the first quarter of 2012 while the Riva trial has not yet been scheduled. Sanofi-aventis has filed appeals of the Federal Court of Canada decisions on the patent invalidity before the Federal Court of Appeal. Neither appeal suspends the advancement of the existing damages claims.

                  •  Taxotere® Patent Litigation

                  United States.Sanofi-aventis received notifications from Hospira, Apotex and Sun in 2007 and 2008 who have filed 505 (b) (2) applications, and from Sandoz in 2009 and Accord Pharmaceuticals in 2010 who each filed an ANDA with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking to market generic versions of Taxotere®. In response to these notifications, sanofi-aventis has filed patent infringement lawsuits against Hospira and Apotex (2007), Sun (2008), Sandoz (2009), and Accord (January 2011). The lawsuits are pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. None of the applications contested U.S. Patent No. 4,814,470 claiming the active ingredient, which expired in May 2010. The cases against Hospira and Apotex were consolidated for trial held between October 26, 2009 and November 2, 2009. In September 2010, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware ruled against sanofi-aventis in the consolidated Hospira/Apotex trial, finding the disputed patents both invalid and unenforceable. Subsequently, in October 2010, sanofi-aventis appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Based on the District Court’s judgment in the consolidated Hospira/Apotex action, judgments were entered against sanofi-aventis in the Sun and Sandoz actions. Sanofi-aventis has appealed the Sun and Sandoz judgments to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. All three appeals are pending. The proceedings against Accord are in the early stages.

                  Canada. In October 2007, sanofi-aventis learned that Hospira Healthcare Corporation had filed an application with Canadian authorities for a marketing authorization for a proposed docetaxel product which is the active ingredient of Taxotere®, alleging that Aventis Pharma SA’s Canadian Patent Nos. 2,102,777 and 2,102,778 (the “ ‘778 Patent”) for docetaxel were invalid and not infringed. On November 29, 2007, sanofi-aventis’ Canadian subsidiary and Aventis Pharma SA commenced an application for judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada. On October 22, 2009, the Federal Court of Canada dismissed the lawsuit after finding the ‘778 Patent invalid. Sanofi-aventis decided not to appeal the decision. In Canada, the compound patent relating to this product has expired.

                  Europe. In several European countries, in particular Germany and France, the generic manufacturers have requested the revocation of some formulation and combination patents regarding Taxotere® either before the patent office or courts. Certain proceedings are ongoing.

                  •  Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) Patent Litigation

                  United States. Starting in February 2007, over a dozen ANDA certifications relating to Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) solution and/or lyophilized products were filed contesting part or all of the Orange Book patents under Paragraph IV. Each of the generic manufacturers was sued for infringement of one or more of the Orange-Book listed patents before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. U.S. regulatory data exclusivity expired in February 2008.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  In June 2009, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a summary judgment motion in favor of certain generic manufacturers. The District Court held that the generic oxaliplatin products that would be introduced by these generic challengers would not infringe the U.S. Patent No. 5,338,874 (the “ ‘874 Patent”). While sanofi-aventis obtained appellate reversal of the District Court’s judgment, a number of generic oxaliplatin products were launched “at risk” in the United States over the second half of 2009. Sanofi-aventis had been unsuccessful in obtaining injunctive relief. On December 2, 2009, the court asked all the parties to consider settlement.

                  In April 2010, sanofi-aventis and Debiopharm, licensor of the patents rights concerned, signed settlement agreements with all but one of the generic manufacturers, Sun Pharmaceuticals, thus resolving the litigation over certain formulations of Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

                  Under the terms of the settlement agreements, the generic manufacturers would cease selling their unauthorized generic oxaliplatin products in the U.S. starting from June 30, 2010, to August 9, 2012, at which time the generic manufacturers would be authorized to sell generic oxaliplatin products under a license, before expiry of the patents at issue. The settlement provisions, including the market exit and re-entry dates noted above, are subject to contingencies. The settlement agreements are subject to review by the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Attorney General for the State of Michigan.

                  In addition, the court decided that the above-described obligation to cease selling unauthorized generic oxaliplatin in the U.S. market also applied to Sun Pharmaceuticals and issued an injunction against Sun Pharmaceuticals. Sun Pharmaceuticals appealed that decision. On December 22, 2010, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in favor of Sun Pharmaceuticals, vacating the U.S. District Court of New Jersey decision and injunction requiring Sun Pharmaceuticals to cease selling its “at risk” generic product on June 30, 2010. On January 21, 2011, sanofi-aventis filed a request for reconsideration of the Federal Circuit Court’s December 2010 decision. On February 7, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied sanofi-aventis’ petition for an en banc hearing to reconsider the U.S. District Court’s December 2010 decision. Sanofi-aventis is pursuing its legal options.

                  •  Ambien® CR Patent Litigation

                  Starting in 2007, sanofi-aventis filed suits for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,514,531 (the “ ‘531 Patent”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey based on ANDAs for a generic version of Ambien® CR filed by Watson, Barr, Mutual and Sandoz. Watson subsequently converted to a Paragraph III certification, and Barr and Mutual have withdrawn their ANDAs, leaving suit in New Jersey ongoing only against Sandoz.

                  In 2007, sanofi-aventis also filed suit for infringement of the ‘531 Patent in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina based on an ANDA for a generic version of Ambien® CR filed by Synthon. That case was transferred to the Eastern District of North Carolina, and subsequently was stayed pending a USPTO reexamination of the ‘531 Patent. On December 22, 2009, Synthon provided sanofi-aventis with 120 days notice of its intention to launch its generic version of Ambien® CR. In August 2010, the USPTO issued a final rejection of the ‘531 Patent, which sanofi-aventis appealed to the Patent Office Board of Appeals in November 2010. The proceedings against Synthon remain stayed pending the decision of the Patent Office Board of Appeals.

                  Sanofi-aventis did not bring suit against Anchen, which was the first to notify sanofi-aventis of its Paragraph IV ANDA on the 12.5mg strength, or against Abrika (now Actavis), which was the first to notify sanofi-aventis on its Paragraph IV ANDA on the 6.25mg strength. Sanofi-aventis also did not bring suit against four other subsequent Paragraph IV filers: Lupin, Andrx, PTS Consulting and Apotex. Marketing exclusivities in the United States for Ambien® CR expired in March 2009.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  •  Xatral® Patent Litigation

                  Starting in August 2007, sanofi-aventis has received several ANDA certifications relating to Xatral® in the United States under Paragraph IV. Each of the generic manufacturers has been sued for infringement of one or both of the Orange Book listed patents before the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. Trial against Mylan (who was the only remaining defendant) took place in May 2010. The U.S. District Court ruled in favour of sanofi-aventis, finding infringement on the part of Mylan and later finding that the invention of U.S. Patent No. 4,661,491 (the “ ‘491 Patent”) is not obvious. Mylan’s period to appeal has expired. Sanofi-aventis was granted pediatric exclusivity on August 9, 2010 and the patent will now expire on July 18, 2011. Generic versions of Xatral® cannot launch until the patent expires.

                  Glossary of Patent Terminology

                  A number of technical terms used above in Note D.22.b), are defined below for the convenience of the reader.

                  ANDA or Abbreviated New Drug Application (United States): An application by a drug manufacturer to receive authority from the U.S. FDA to market a generic version of another company’s approved product, by demonstrating that the purportedly generic version has the same properties (bioequivalence) as the original approved product. As a result of data exclusivity, the ANDA may be filed only several years after the initial market authorization of the original product.

                  Paragraph III and Paragraph IV Certifications: ANDAs relating to approved products for which a patent has been listed in the FDA’s list of Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, also known as the “Orange Book”, must specify whether final FDA approval of the ANDA is sought onlyafter expiration of the listed patent(s) (this is known as a Paragraph III certification under the Hatch-Waxman Act) or whether final FDA approval is soughtprior to expiration of one or more listed patents (a Paragraph IV certification). ANDAs including a Paragraph IV certification may be subject to the 30-Month Stay defined below.

                  Section 505(b)(2) application: A section 505(b)(2) application may be used to seek FDA approval for, among other things, combination products, different salts of listed drugs, products that do not demonstrate bioequivalence to a listed drug and over-the-counter versions of prescription drugs.

                  Summary judgment: A judgment granted on a claim or defense about which there is no genuine issue of material fact and upon which the movant is entitled to prevail as a matter of law. This procedural device allows the speedy disposition of a controversy without the need for trial.

                  30-Month Stay (United States): If patent claims cover a product listed in the FDA’s list of Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, also known as the “Orange Book”, and are owned by or licensed to the manufacturer of the original version, the FDA is barred from granting a final approval to an ANDA during the 30 months following the patent challenge, unless, before the end of the 30 months, a court decision or settlement has determined either that the ANDA does not infringe the listed patent or that the listed patent is invalid and/or unenforceable. FDA approval of an ANDA after this 30-month period does not resolve outstanding patent disputes, which may continue to be litigated in the courts.

                  c) Government Investigations, Competition Law and Regulatory Claims

                  • Government Investigations — Pricing and Marketing Practices

                  Lovenox® Marketing. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, Illinois conducted a civil and criminal investigation with regard to Lovenox® sales and marketing practices for a period starting January 1, 1999. Without prejudice to its right to pursue any further investigation in the future, the U.S. government has declined to intervene in a Federal False Claims Act case related to the facts under investigation brought by two

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  former employees, and the matter proceeded against sanofi-aventis as civil litigation in Illinois Federal Court. In June 2010, the parties in the civil action reached a settlement, and the case was subsequently dismissed.

                  Ambien® and Ambien® CR Marketing.On August 11, 2008, sanofi-aventis U.S. received a subpoena issued by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco, California. The subpoena requested information regarding Ambien® and Ambien® CR sales and marketing practices in connection with an investigation of possible false or otherwise improper claims for payment under Medicare and Medicaid. Sanofi-aventis U.S. provided documents in response to this subpoena. In November 2010, the US District Court for the Northern District of California entered an order dismissing without prejudice a Federal False Claims Act case related to the facts under investigation.

                  •  Civil Suits — Pricing and Marketing Practices

                  Average Wholesale Prices (AWP) Class Actions. Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (API) is a defendant in several U.S. lawsuits seeking damages on behalf of multiple putative classes of individuals and entities that allegedly overpaid for certain pharmaceuticals as a result of the AWP pricing which were used to set Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement levels. Aventis Behring and Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc. were also defendants in some of these cases. These suits allege violations of various statutes, including state unfair trade, unfair competition, consumer protection and false claim statutes.

                  A group of eleven defendants, including sanofi-aventis defendants, reached a tentative global settlement of the claims of the insurers and consumers, for a total of $125 million. This settlement was granted preliminary approval by the U.S. District Court in Boston in early July 2008. Subject to the final approval hearing which is expected in 2011, all the class action suits against API before the U.S District Court in Boston will be resolved consistent with the settlement. Sanofi-aventis share of the global settlement is fully covered by existing reserves. One additional purported class action remains in New Jersey and is in the discovery phase.

                  AWP Public Entity Suits.U.S. subsidiaries of the Group, together with several dozen other pharmaceutical companies, are defendants in lawsuits brought starting in 2002 by certain states for AWP pricing issues described above. Sanofi-aventis U.S. has resolved many such suits, but continues to defend claims brought by the states of Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

                  § 340B Suit. On August 18, 2005, the County of Santa Clara, California filed a suit against Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and fourteen other pharmaceutical companies originally in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda, alleging that the defendants had overcharged Public Health Service entities for their pharmaceutical products in breach of pharmaceutical pricing agreements between the defendants and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Subsequently, the case was removed to the United States District for the Northern District of California. In May 2009, the Court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification without prejudice. All proceedings in the District Court are stayed pending a decision of the Supreme Court concerning whether plaintiffs have a private right of action. A hearing before the Supreme Court on this issue is scheduled in the first quarter of 2011.

                  •  Pharmaceutical IndustryCipro® Antitrust Litigation

                          

                  Approximately 135 cases remain pending of the numerous complaints that were filed in the mid-1990’s by retail pharmacies in both federal and state court. These complaints shared the same basic allegations: that the defendant pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers, including sanofi-aventis predecessor companies, violated the Sherman Act, the Robinson Patman Act, and various state antitrust and unfair competition laws by conspiring to deny all pharmacies, including chains and buying groups, discounts off the list prices of brand-name drugs. Shortly before a November 2004 trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, sanofi-aventis and the remaining manufacturer defendants settled the Sherman Act claims of the majority of the remaining plaintiffs. These settlements did not dispose of the remaining plaintiffs’ Robinson Patman Act claims.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  •  European Commission Sector Inquiry

                  In January 2008, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition opened a sector inquiry into the functioning of the market to investigate what it considered to be a low level of competition in the pharmaceuticals industry in the European Union. The inquiry commenced with unannounced information-gathering inspections at a number of companies including sanofi-aventis. According to the Commission, the sector inquiry ultimately involved information gathering from 43 originator companies and 27 generic companies. The final report was released on July 8, 2009. The Commission announced that the pharmaceutical industry remains under scrutiny. In January 2010, the European Commission initiated a monitoring exercise on patent settlements between originator companies and generic companies for the periods 2008 and 2009. The European Commission announced that it will repeat the monitoring exercise in 2011.

                  •  European Commission generics investigation

                  On October 6, 2009, the European Commission conducted surprise inspections in the offices of several pharmaceutical companies, including sanofi-aventis, under suspicion of infringing antitrust rules of the European Union with respect to their activities concerning so-called “generic products”. Sanofi-aventis continues to cooperate with the European Commission in this matter.

                  •  Cipro® Antitrust Litigation

                  Since August 2000, Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (API) has been a defendant in several related cases in U.S. state and federal courts alleging that API and certain other pharmaceutical manufacturers violated U.S. antitrust laws and various state laws by settling a patent dispute regarding the brand-name prescription drug Cipro®Cipro® in a manner which allegedly delayed the arrival of generic competition.

                          In March 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York granted sanofi-aventis’Sanofi's summary judgment motions, and issued a judgment in favor of API and the other defendants in this litigation. By orderOrder entered October 15, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court’sCourt's ruling in the appeal by indirect purchaser plaintiffs; the direct purchaser plaintiffs’plaintiffs' appeal was heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in April 2009. InOn April 29, 2010, the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court’sCourt's ruling dismissing the direct purchasers’purchasers' case on summary judgment. The direct purchaser plaintiffs requested a rehearing en banc, which was denied by the Federal Circuit in September 2010. The direct purchaser plaintiffs have appealedFollowing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.Court by the direct purchaser plaintiffs, on March 7, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the direct purchaser plaintiff's petition for a writ of certiori, thus ending the federal litigation relating to Cipro®.There is one case remaining in California which is stayed pending the decision of the US Supreme Court in

                  In re. K-Dur Antitrust Litigation.

                  • DDAVP®DDAVP® Antitrust Litigation

                          

                  Subsequent to the decision of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in February 2005 holding the patent rights at issue in the DDAVP®DDAVP® tablet litigation to be unenforceable as a result of inequitable conduct, eight putative class actions have been filed claiming injury as a result of Ferring B.V. and Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s's alleged scheme to monopolize the market for DDAVP®DDAVP® tablets in violation of the Sherman Act and the antitrust and deceptive trade practices statutes of several states. On November 6, 2006,In August 2011, Aventis Pharmaceuticals and Ferring reached an agreement with direct purchaser plaintiffs resolving their claims. Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. agreed to resolve these claims for U.S. $3.5 million. In December 2012, Aventis Pharmaceuticals reached a settlement with the District Court dismissed these claims. Oral argument on plaintiffs’ appeal of the decision to dismiss was heard by theindirect purchasers for U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 2008. By order dated October 16, 2009, the appellate court reversed and remanded the case back to the District Court. Petitions for rehearing and rehearing en banc were denied.

                  $800 000.

                  • Plavix® Antitrust Claim

                  On March 23, 2006, the U.S. retailer The Kroger Co. filed an antitrust complaint in the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against sanofi-aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Apotex Corp. alleging antitrust violations by the defendants in relation to their tentative agreement to settle the U.S. Plavix® patent litigation (see “Plavix® Patent Litigation — United States,” above, for a description of the transaction). Seventeen other complaints have since been filed by direct and indirect purchasers of Plavix® on the same or similar grounds. Plaintiffs seek relief including injunctive relief and monetary damages. Defendants have moved to dismiss the

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  consolidated direct and indirect purchasers’ complaints. By orders entered in October 2009, and in January 2011, the Court dismissed the claims of the direct purchasers and indirect purchasers respectively. Appeals are expected.

                  •  Lovenox®Lovenox® Antitrust Litigation

                          

                  In August 2008, Eisai Inc. (“Eisai”)(Eisai) brought suit against sanofi-aventisSanofi U.S. LLC and sanofi-aventisSanofi U.S. Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging that certain contracting practices for Lovenox®Lovenox® violate federal and state antitrust laws. The proceedings are ongoing.in the discovery phase. An estimate of the financial effect of this case is not practicable at this stage of the litigation.

                          

                  •  Lovenox® Regulatory Litigation

                  In July 2010, sanofi-aventis learnedSanofi U.S. LLC and Sanofi U.S. Inc. filed a separate state court lawsuit against Eisai and two individuals who are current employees of Eisai and former employees of Sanofi U.S. and/or its predecessors. Sanofi U.S. alleges that the Foodindividuals took confidential information from Sanofi U.S. predecessors to Eisai in breach of their employment agreements with Sanofi, and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a generic enoxaparin ANDA filedthat such confidential information has been utilized by Sandoz. Sanofi-aventis subsequently filed suit againstthem and by Eisai to the FDA in thedetriment of Sanofi U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and requested preliminary injunctive relief against the FDA. In August 2010, the U.S. District Court denied this request. As a result of this ruling, the generic version of enoxaparin can continue to be marketed in the United States. The Court has not yet ruled on the merits of sanofi-aventis’ suit against the FDA regarding the approval of the Sandoz enoxaparin ANDA.

                  This litigation is stayed.

                  d) Other litigation and arbitration

                  • Hoechst Shareholder Litigation

                          

                  On December 21, 2004, the extraordinary general meeting of sanofi-aventis’Sanofi's German subsidiary Hoechst AG (now Hoechst GmbH) approved a resolution transferring the shares held by minority shareholders to sanofi-aventisSanofi for compensation of €56.50 per share. Certain minority shareholders filed claims contesting the validity of the resolution, preventing its registration with the commercial register of Frankfurt and its entry into effect.


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                  On July 12, 2005, this litigation was settled. As a consequence, the squeeze out has been registered in the commercial register making sanofi-aventisSanofi the sole shareholder of Hoechst AG.

                  According to the settlement agreement, the cash compensation has been increased to €63.80 per share. The cash compensation was further increased by another €1.20 per share for those outstanding shareholders whointer alia waived in advance any increase of the cash compensation obtained through a judicial appraisal proceeding(Spruchverfahren) brought by former minority shareholders. Minority shareholders representing approximately 5 million shares did not accept such offer.

                          Subsequently, a number of former minority shareholders of Hoechst initiated a judicial appraisal proceeding with the localDistrict Court of Frankfurt court,(Landgericht Frankfurt am MainFrankfurt-am-Main,) contesting the amount of the cash compensation paid in the squeeze out. TheIn its decision dated January 27, 2012, the District Court of Frankfurt ruled in favor of Sanofi, confirming the amount sought has not been specified. The proceedings are ongoing.of €63.80 per share as adequate cash compensation. A number of opt-out shareholders have filed an appeal with the Appeals Court of Frankfurt.

                  • Apotex Settlement Claim

                  On November 13, 2008, Apotex filed a complaint before a state court in New Jersey against sanofi-aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb claiming the payment of a $60 million break-up fee, pursuant to the terms of the initial settlement agreement of March 2006 relating to the U.S. Plavix® patent litigation (see “Patents — Plavix® Patent Litigation — United States”). The proceedings are ongoing.

                  •  Zimulti® /Acomplia®Zimulti®/Acomplia® (rimonabant) Class Action

                          

                  In November 2007, a purported class action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of sanofi-aventisSanofi shares. The complaint charged sanofi-aventisSanofi and certain of its current and former officers and directors with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The complaint alleged that defendants’defendants' statements regarding rimonabant (a product withdrawn from the market, formerly registered under the trademark Acomplia® in Europe and Zimulti® in the US) were materially false and misleading when made because defendants allegedly concealed data concerning rimonabant’s propensity to causecertain alleged secondary effects of rimonabant, in particular, suicidality in patients suffering from depression. In September 2009, the motion was dismissed with prejudice. The plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration. On

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  July 27, 2010, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted plaintiff’splaintiff's motion to reconsider and authorized plaintiffs to submit an amended complaint. In November 2010, the District Court heard arguments on sanofi-aventis’Sanofi's motion to dismiss plaintiffsplaintiffs' amended complaint. TheBy Order dated March 31, 2011, the U.S. District Court’s decision onCourt for the motionSouthern District of New York dismissed a number of individual defendants, however, denied Sanofi's request to dismiss the company, as well as one of its current officers and one of its former officers. On November 11, 2011, plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification. Oral argument on plaintiff's motion for class certification took place on September 19, 2012. Discovery is pending.

                  on-going. A reliable measure of potential liabilities arising from this purported class action is not possible at this stage of the litigation.

                  • Merial HeartgardHeartgard® Advertisement Claim

                          

                  On August 31, 2009, a purportedputative class action lawsuit was filed against Merial before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, alleging that Merial engaged in false and misleading advertising of Heartgard®Heartgard® and Heartgard®Heartgard® Plus by claiming 100% efficacy in the prevention of heartworm disease, as well as the prevention of zoonotic diseases. Plaintiffs also request punitive damages and a permanent injunction with respect to the alleged advertising. The proceedings are ongoing and the class has not been certified yet. Merial filed a motion for summary judgment. A reliable measure of potential liabilities arising from this putative class action is not possible at this stage of the litigation.

                  • Merial Frontline® Advertisement Claim

                          From October 2011 through January 2012, ten putative class actions were filed against Merial in various U.S. federal courts, each alleging that the plaintiffs sustained damages after purchasing defendants' products (Merial's Frontline® and /or Certifect® brands and Bayer's Advantage® and Advantix® brands) for their pets' flea problems. These actions have been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and consolidated in a multi-district litigation.

                          The complaints seek injunctive relief and contain counts for violations of consumer protection or deceptive trade practices acts, false advertising, breach of implied and express warranty and violations of the


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                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Four of the complaints seek U.S.$32 billion in damages, two complaints seek greater than U.S.$4 billion in damages, and the remaining four complaints seek damages in excess of U.S.$5 million. No class has been certified yet. In October 2012, defendants filed a motion for summary judgment. Discovery is ongoing. A reliable measure of potential liabilities arising from this putative class action litigation is currently not possible.

                  e) Contingencies arising from certain Business Divestitures

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi and its subsidiaries, Hoechst and Aventis Agriculture, divested a variety of mostly chemical, including agro-chemical, businesses as well as certain health product businesses in previous years. As a result of these divestitures, the Group is subject to a number of ongoing contractual and legal obligations regarding the state of the sold businesses, their assets, and their liabilities.

                  • Aventis Behring Retained Liabilities

                          

                  The divestment of Aventis Behring and related protein therapies assets became effective on March 31, 2004. The purchase agreement contained customary representations and warranties running from sanofi-aventisSanofi as seller to CSL Limited as purchaser. Sanofi-aventisSanofi has indemnification obligations that generally expired on March 31, 2006 (the second anniversary of the closing date). However, some indemnification obligations, having a longer duration, remain in effect, for example, indemnification obligations relating to the due organization, capital stock and ownership of Aventis Behring Companies runs through March 31, 2014, and product liability indemnification through March 31, 2019, subject to an extension for claims related to certain types of product liability notified before such date. Furthermore, for tax-related issues, the indemnification obligation of sanofi-aventisSanofi covers all taxable periods that end on or before the closing date and expires thirty days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. In addition, the indemnification obligations relating to certain specified liabilities, including HIV liability, survive indefinitely.

                          

                  Under the indemnification agreement, sanofi-aventisSanofi is generally obligated to indemnify CSL Limited, only to the extent indemnifiable, losses exceeding $10U.S.$10 million and up to a maximum aggregate amount of $300U.S.$300 million. For environmental claims, the indemnification due by sanofi-aventisSanofi equals 90% of the indemnifiable losses. Product liability claims are generally treated separately, and the aggregate indemnification is capped at $500U.S.$500 million. Certain indemnification obligations, including those related to HIV liability, as well as tax claims, are not capped in amount.

                  • Aventis CropScience Retained Liabilities

                          

                  The sale by Aventis Agriculture S.A. and Hoechst GmbH (both predecessorlegacy companies of sanofi-aventis)Sanofi) of their aggregate 76% participation in Aventis CropScience Holding (ACS) to Bayer and Bayer CropScience AG (BCS), the wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer which holds the ACS shares, was effective on June 3, 2002. The stock purchase agreement dated October 2, 2001, contained customary representations and warranties with respect to the sold business, as well as a number of indemnifications, in particular with respect to: environmental liabilities (the representations and warranties and the environmental indemnification are subject to a cap of €836 million, except for certain legal representations and warranties and specific environmental liabilities, notably third-party site claims such as (i) the natural resources damages (NRD) claim filed by the state of New Jersey against BCS in 2007 in relation to the Factory Lane site, and (ii) a remediation and NRD project underway in Portland, Oregon)liabilities); taxes; certain legal proceedings; claims related to StarLink®StarLink® corn; and certain pre-closing

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  liabilities, in particular, product liability cases (which are subject to a cap of €418 million). There are various periods of limitation depending upon the nature or subject of the indemnification claim. Further, Bayer and BCS are subject to a number of obligations regarding mitigation and cooperation.

                          

                  Starting with a first settlement agreement signed in December 2005, Aventis Agriculture and Hoechst GmbH have resolved a substantial number of disputes with Bayer and BCS, AG, including the termination of arbitration proceedings initiated in August 2003 for an alleged breach of a financial statement-related representation contained in the stock purchase agreement, and numerous other warranty and indemnification claims asserted under the stock purchase agreement, including claims relating to certain environmental and product liabilities. A number of other outstanding claims remain unresolved.


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                  LLRICE601 and LLRICE604 — U.S. LitigationLitigation::    BCS has sent sanofi-aventisSanofi notice of potential claims for indemnification under various provisions of the stock purchase agreement. These potential claims relate to several hundred individual complaints that have been filed since August 2006 by rice growers, millers, and distributors in U.S. state and federal courts against a number of current and former subsidiaries (collectively the “CropScience Companies”"CropScience Companies") which were part of the ACS group prior to Bayer’sBayer's acquisition of the ACS shares.

                          Plaintiffs in these cases seek to recover damages in connection with the detection of trace amounts of the genetically modified rice called “Liberty Link®"Liberty Link® Rice 601”601" (also known as “LLRICE601”"LLRICE601") or “Liberty Link®"Liberty Link® Rice 604”604" (also known as “LLRICE604”"LLRICE604") in samples of commercial long-grain rice. LLRICE601 and LLRICE604, each a variety of long grain rice genetically altered to resist Liberty®Liberty® Herbicide, were grown in field tests in the United States from the years 1998 to 2001. Plaintiffs assert a number of causes of action, alleging that the CropScience Companies failed to take adequate measures to prevent cross-pollination or commingling of LLRICE601 and/or LLRICE604 with conventional rice.

                          In sixJuly 2011, BCS reached settlement agreements with attorneys representing U.S. long-grain rice growers at a total amount of U.S.$750 million, thus settling cases that have been tried to verdict inwere part of the U.S. federal ormulti-district litigation, as well as those cases before state courts. The settlement agreement with state court compensatory damages of approximately $11.5 million,grower plaintiffs does not include certain cases which reached verdicts in the aggregate, have been awarded. Two state court juries have also awarded punitive damages in the amount of $500,000 in one case and $42 million in another. The CropScience Companies have appealed or intend to appeal the judgments in these cases. Other cases have been settled by Bayer, including threeArkansas State Court, as well as certain grower cases that were settled shortly beforeseparately from the global settlement, where BCS has paid in judgement or after trial began. Federal andsettlement a collective total of approximately U.S.$67 million.

                          With respect to one of those cases, the Arkansas Supreme Court upheld the state court proceedingsjury award of U.S.$42 million in punitive damages, ruling that the statutory cap on punitive damages is unconstitutional. BCS has reached settlement with a number of non-grower plaintiffs, primarily millers and European importers, for a total of approximately U.S.$203 million. In March 2011, an Arkansas State Court jury awarded Riceland Foods U.S.$11.8 million in compensatory damages and U.S.$125 million in punitive damages. In June 2011 (prior to the above-mentioned Arkansas Supreme Court decision) punitive damages were reduced to U.S.$1 million in application of the statutory cap. Both BCS and Riceland appealed the decision, and in January 2013, reached a settlement resolving Riceland's claims. Non-grower trials are scheduled through 2011.for 2013.

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi denies direct or indirect liability for these cases, and has so notified BCS.

                          

                  In a related development, the FDA has concluded that the presence of LLRICE601 in the food and feed supply poses no safety concerns and, on November 24, 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would deregulate LLRICE601. With respect to LLRICE 604, the USDA announced, in March 2007, that the PAT protein contained in LLRICE604 has a long history of safe use and is present in many deregulated products. Further to an investigation regarding the causation chain that led to contamination, in October 2007, the USDA declined to pursue enforcement against BCS.

                  • Aventis Animal Nutrition Retained Liabilities

                          

                  Aventis Animal Nutrition S.A. and Aventis (both predecessorlegacy companies of sanofi-aventis)Sanofi) signed an agreement for the sale to Drakkar Holdings S.A. of the Aventis Animal Nutrition business effective in April 2002. The sale agreement contained customary representations and warranties. Sanofi-aventis’Sanofi's indemnification obligations ran through April 2004, except for environmental indemnification obligations (which run through April 2012), tax indemnification obligations (which run through the expiration of the applicable statutory limitation period), and antitrust indemnification obligations (which extend indefinitely). The indemnification undertakings are subject to an overall cap of €223 million, with a lower cap for certain environmental claims. Indemnification obligations for antitrust and tax claims are not capped.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  • Celanese AG Retained Liabilities

                          

                  The demerger of the specialty chemicals business from Hoechst to Celanese AG (now trading as "Celanese GmbH") became effective on October 22, 1999. Under the demerger agreement between Hoechst and


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                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Celanese, Hoechst expressly excluded any representations and warranties regarding the shares and assets demerged to Celanese. However, the following obligations of Hoechst are ongoing:

                          

                  While all obligations of Hoechst (i) resulting from public law or (ii) pursuant to current or future environmental laws or (iii) vis-à-vis third parties pursuant to private or public law related to contamination (as defined) have been transferred to Celanese in full, Hoechst splits with Celanese any such cost incurred under these obligations applying a 2:1 ratio. The liability for indemnification of Hoechst under the demerger agreement is with Celanese and an affiliate.

                          

                  To the extent Hoechst is liable to purchasers of certain of its divested businesses (as listed in the demerger agreement), Celanese mustand an affiliate are liable to indemnify Hoechst, as far as environmental damages are concerned, for aggregate liabilities up to €250 million, liabilities exceeding such amount will be borne by Hoechst alone up to €750 million, and amounts exceeding €750 million will be borne 2/3 by Hoechst and 1/3 by Celanese without any further caps.

                          

                  Compensation paid to third parties by Celanese under the aforementioned clause, through December 31, 2010,2012, was significantly below the first threshold of €250 million.

                  • Rhodia Retained Liabilities

                          

                  In connection with the initial public offering of Rhodia in 1998, Rhône-Poulenc (later named Aventis, to which sanofi-aventisSanofi is the legal successor in interest) entered into an environmental indemnification agreement with Rhodia on May 26, 1998 under which, subject to certain conditions, Rhodia was entitled to claim indemnification from Aventis with respect to direct losses resulting from third-party claims or public authority injunctions for environmental damages. Aventis and Rhodia entered into a settlement agreement on March 27, 2003 under the terms of which the parties settled all environmental claims in connection with the environmental indemnification agreement.

                          Notwithstanding this settlement agreement, Rhodia and certain of its subsidiaries have unsuccessfully sought indemnification for environmental costs in the United States and Brazil. In both instances, the suits were decided in favor of sanofi-aventis,Sanofi, with the court holding that the settlement precluded the indemnification claims. The decision in Brazil is currentlywas under appeal by Rhodia.

                  On September 6, 2011, the Court of Appeals rendered a decision favorable to Sanofi, confirming that the Environmental Settlement concluded in March 2003 precludes any claim from Rhodia in these matters. In 2012, Rhodia filed a motion for reconsideration of this decision before the Court of Appeals in Sao Paulo.

                  On April 13, 2005, Rhodia initiated anad hoc arbitration procedure seeking indemnification from sanofi-aventisSanofi for the financial consequences of the environmental liabilities and pension obligations that were allocated to Rhodia through the various operations leading to the formation of Rhodia in 1997, amounting respectively to €125 million and €531 million. Rhodia additionally sought indemnification for future costs related to transferred environmental liabilities and coverage of all costs necessary to fully fund the transfer of pension liabilities out of Rhodia’sRhodia's accounts.

                          The arbitral tribunal determined that it has no jurisdiction to rule on pension claims and that Rhodia’sRhodia's environmental claims are without merit. In May 2008, the Paris Court of Appeals rejected the action initiated by Rhodia to nullify the 2006 arbitral award in favor of sanofi-aventis.

                  Sanofi.

                  On July 10, 2007, sanofi-aventisSanofi was served with a civil suit brought by Rhodia before the Commercial Court of Paris (Tribunal de Commerce de Paris) seeking indemnification on the same grounds as described above. The allegations before the Commercial Court of Paris are comparable to those asserted in Rhodia’sRhodia's arbitration demand. On February 10, 2010, Rhodia submitted its pleadings brief (conclusions récapitulatives) in which it has asked the Court to hold that sanofi-aventisSanofi was at fault in failing to provide Rhodia with sufficient capital to meet its pension obligations and environmental liabilities, and has claimed indemnification in the amount of €1.3 billion for retirement commitments and approximately €311 million for environmental liabilities. The procedure is still pending.On December 14, 2011, the


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                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Commercial Court of Paris ruled in favor of Sanofi, rejecting all of Rhodia's allegations and claims. Rhodia has appealed this decision.

                  • Rhodia Shareholder Litigation

                  In January 2004, two minority shareholders of Rhodia and their respective investment vehicles filed two claims before the Commercial Court of Paris (Tribunal de Commerce de Paris) against Aventis, to which sanofi-

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  aventisSanofi is successor in interest, together with other defendants including former directors and statutory auditors of Rhodia from the time of the alleged events. The claimants seek a judgment holding the defendants collectively liable for alleged management errors and for alleged publication of misstatements between 1999 and 2002, andinter alia regarding Rhodia’sRhodia's acquisition of the companies Albright & Wilson and ChiRex. These shareholders seek a finding of joint and several liability for damages to be awarded to Rhodia in an amount of €925 million for alleged harm to the Company (a derivative action), as well as personal claims of €4.3 million and €125.4 million for their own alleged individual losses. Sanofi-aventisSanofi contests both the substance and the admissibility of these claims.

                  Sanofi-aventis        Sanofi is also aware of three criminal complaints filed in France by the same plaintiffs and of a criminal investigation order issued by the Paris public prosecutor following the submission of the report issued by theAutorité des Marchés Financiers regarding Rhodia’sRhodia's financial communications. In 2006, the Commercial Court of Paris accepted sanofi-aventisSanofi and the other defendants’defendants' motion to stay the civil litigation pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings. The plaintiffs’plaintiffs' appeals against this decision, first before the Court of Appeals, and then before the French Supreme Court (Cour de Cassation), were both rejected.

                  • Clariant Retained Liabilities — Specialty Chemicals Business

                          

                  Hoechst conveyed its specialty chemicals business to Clariant AG (Clariant) pursuant to a 1997 agreement. While Clariant has undertaken to indemnify Hoechst for all costs incurred for environmental matters relating to purchased sites, certain ongoing indemnification obligations of Hoechst for environmental matters in favor of Clariant can be summarized as follows:

                    Costs for environmental matters at the sites taken over, directly or indirectly, by Clariant and not attributable to a specific activity of Hoechst or of a third party not related to the business transferred to Clariant are to be borne by Clariant to the extent the accumulated costs since the closing in any year do not exceed a threshold amount for the then-current year. The threshold increases annually from approximately €102 million in 1997/98 to approximately €816 million in the fifteenth year after the closing. Only the amount by which Clariant’sClariant's accumulated costs exceed the then-current year’syear's threshold must be compensated by Hoechst. No payments have yet become due under this rule.



                  Hoechst must indemnify Clariant indefinitely (i) with respect to sites taken over by Clariant, for costs which relate to environmental pollutions attributable to certain activities of Hoechst or of third parties, (ii) for costs attributable to four defined waste deposit sites in Germany which are located outside the sites taken over by Clariant (to the extent exceeding an indexed amount of approximately €20.5 million), (iii) for costs from certain locally concentrated pollutions in the sites taken over by Clariant but not caused by specialty chemicals activities in the past, and (iv) for 75% of the costs relating to a specific waste deposit site in Frankfurt, Germany.

                  • InfraServInfraserv Höchst Retained Liabilities

                          

                  By the Asset Contribution Agreement dated December 19/20, 1996, as amended in 1997, Hoechst contributed all lands, buildings, and related assets of the Hoechst site at Frankfurt-Höchst to InfraServ HöchstInfraserv GmbH & Co. Höchst KG. InfraServInfraserv Höchst undertook to indemnify Hoechst against environmental liabilities at the Höchst site and with respect to certain landfills. As consideration for the indemnification undertaking, Hoechst transferred to InfraServInfraserv Höchst approximately €57 million to fund reserves. In 1997, Hoechst also agreed it would reimburse current and future InfraServInfraserv Höchst environmental expenses up to €143 million. As a former owner of the land and as a former user of the landfills, Hoechst may ultimately be liable for costs of remedial action in excess of this amount.


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                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.23. Provisions for discounts, rebates and sales returns

                          

                  Adjustments between gross sales and net sales, as described in Note B.14., are recognized either as provisions or as reductions in accounts receivable, depending on their nature.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The table below shows movements in these items:

                  (€ million)  Government
                  and State
                  programs(1)
                    Managed Care
                  and GPO
                  programs(2)
                    Charge-
                  back
                  incentives
                    Rebates and
                  discounts
                    Sales
                  returns
                    Other
                  deductions
                     Total 

                  January 1, 2008

                     242   136   60   437   196   69     1,140  
                  Current provision related to current period sales   466   366   751   1,516   173   135    3,407 
                  Net change in provision related to prior period sales   10   (3  (8  5   4   (3   5 
                  Payments made   (442)  (324  (725  (1,678  (193  (146   (3,508
                  Translation differences   10   10   4   (19  3   (3   5 

                  December 31, 2008

                     286   185   82   261   183   52    1,049 
                  Current provision related to current period sales   566   433   904   2,036   204   128    4,271 
                  Net change in provision related to prior period sales   19   7       12   (7       31 
                  Payments made   (477)  (431  (903  (1,893  (175  (136   (4,015
                  Translation differences   (8)  (7  (3  9   (3  2    (10

                  December 31, 2009

                     386   187   80   425   202   46    1,326 
                  Current provision related to current period sales   937(3)    410   1,246   3,058   357   127    6,135 
                  Net change in provision related to prior period sales   (4)  (11  8   14   12   (4   15 
                  Payments made   (663)  (400  (1,225  (2,719  (255  (126   (5,388
                  Translation differences   16   15   6   35   17   5    94 

                  December 31, 2010

                     672   201   115   813   333   48    2,182 
                  (€ million)
                   Government
                  and State
                  programs (2)

                   Managed Care
                  and GPO
                  programs (3)

                   Charge-
                  back
                  incentives

                   Rebates and
                  discounts

                   Sales
                  returns

                   Other
                  deductions

                   Total
                   
                    
                  January 1, 2010  386  187  80  415  190  46  1,304 
                    
                  Current provision related to current period sales  937  410  1,246  3,058  357  127  6,135 
                  Net change in provision related to prior period sales  (4) (11) 8  14  12  (4) 15 
                  Payments made  (670) (400) (1,225) (2,804) (261) (126) (5,486)
                  Currency translation differences  17  15  6  36  19  5  98 
                    
                  December 31, 2010  666  201  115  719  317  48  2,066 
                    
                  Merial (1)      1  69  1  8  79 
                  Genzyme  7    4  132  39  12  194 
                  Current provision related to current period sales  1,224  496  1,569  4,159  349  152  7,949 
                  Net change in provision related to prior period sales  (5) (35) 13  22  (5) (2) (12)
                  Payments made  (1,132) (466) (1,548) (4,135) (322) (125) (7,728)
                  Currency translation differences  20  7  6  9  11  3  56 
                    
                  December 31, 2011  780  203  160  975  390  96  2,604 
                    
                  Current provision related to current period sales  1,713  522  2,368  4,574  432  261  9,870 
                  Net change in provision related to prior period sales  (56) (34) (22) 9  (23) 1  (125)
                  Payments made  (1,422) (517) (2,345) (4,807) (347) (260) (9,698)
                  Currency translation differences  (15) (3) (3) 3  (10) (3) (31)
                    
                  Balance at December 31, 2012  1,000  171  158  754  442  95  2,620 
                    
                  (1)
                  Includes provisions for Merial customer rebates and returns, previously presented inLiabilities related to assets held for sale or exchange, reclassified following the announcement of the decision to maintain two separate entities (Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough) operating independently (see notes D.2. and D.8.2.).
                  (2)
                  Primarily the U.S. government's Medicare and Medicaid programs.
                  (3)
                  Rebates and other price reductions, primarily granted to healthcare authorities in the United States.

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                  (1)


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Primarily the U.S. government’s Medicare and Medicaid programs.

                  (2)

                  Rebates and other price reductions, primarily granted to healthcare authorities in the United States.

                  (3)

                  The movement during 2010 is mainly due to the impact of U.S. healthcare reforms.

                  D.24. Personnel costs

                          

                  Total personnel costs break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010 (1)

                   
                    
                  Salaries  6,151  5,940  5,121 
                  Social security charges (including defined-contribution pension plans)  1,883  1,716  1,555 
                  Stock options and other share-based payment expense  155  143  133 
                  Defined-benefit pension plans  212  358  340 
                  Other employee benefits  267  262  238 
                    
                  Total  8,668  8,419  7,387 
                    
                  (1)
                  Excluding Merial.

                          

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Salaries   5,121     5,019     4,774  
                  Social security charges (including defined-contribution pension plans)   1,555     1,510     1,451  
                  Stock options and other share-based payment expense   133     114     125  
                  Defined-benefit pension plans   340     404     305  
                  Other employee benefits   238     233     259  

                  Total

                     7,387     7,280     6,914  

                  The total number of employees at December 31, 20102012 was 101,575,111,974, compared with 104,867113,719 at December 31, 20092011 and 98,213101,575 at December 31, 20082010 (these employee numbers are unaudited).

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Employee numbers by function (excluding Merial) as of December 31 are shown below (unaudited):

                      December 31,
                  2010
                     December 31,
                  2009
                     December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Production   37,504     36,849     31,903  
                  Research and development   16,983     19,132     18,976  
                  Sales force   32,686     34,292     33,507  
                  Marketing and support functions   14,402     14,594     13,827  

                  Total

                     101,575     104,867     98,213  

                  Merial had a total of 5,581 employees as of December 31, 2010 (unaudited).

                   
                   December 31,
                  2012

                   December 31,
                  2011

                   December 31,
                  2010 (1)

                   
                    
                  Production  45,035  44,415  37,504 
                  Research and development  17,066  18,823  16,983 
                  Sales force  32,270  32,874  32,686 
                  Marketing and support functions  17,603  17,607  14,402 
                    
                  Total  111,974  113,719  101,575 
                    
                  (1)
                  Excluding Merial.

                  D.25. Other operating income

                          

                  Other operating income amounted to €359totaled €562 million in 2010,2012, compared with €866€319 million in 20092011 and €556€369 million in 2008.2010.

                          

                  This line includes income arising under alliance agreements in the Pharmaceuticals segment (€315258 million in 2010,2012, versus €646€202 million in 20092011 and €472€315 million in 2008)2010), in particular the agreement on the worldwide development and marketing of Actonel®Actonel® (see Note C.2.C.3.) and the Group’sGroup's share of profits on Copaxone®Copaxone®. The €331 million fall in 2010 relative

                          In 2012, it also included the impact of the favorable outcome of litigation relating to 2009 was mainly due to the discontinuation in the second quarter of royalty payments from Tevaa license.

                          Other items recorded on North American sales of Copaxone®.

                  It also includes operatingthis line include net foreign exchange gains and losses representing a(representing net losslosses of €41 million in 2012, €5 million in 2011 and €141 million in 2010, compared with a net gain of €40 million in 2009 and a net loss of €94 million in 2008;2010) and proceeds from disposals related to ongoing operations which amounted to(€59 million in 2012, versus €56 million in 2011 and €54 million in 2010, €56 million in 2009, and €24 million in 2008.

                  2010).

                  D.26. Other operating expenses

                          

                  Other operating expenses amounted to €276€454 million in 2010, versus €4812012, €315 million in 20092011 and €353€292 million in 2008.2010. This item includes shares of profits due to alliance partners (other than BMS and the Alliance Partner under the Actonel®Actonel® agreement) under product marketing agreements, primarily in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada (€16966 million in 2010,2012, versus €186€121 million in 20092011 and €178€169 million in 2008)2010).


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                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          In 2012, Sanofi paid $109 million in an out-of-court settlement with the office of the Massachusetts District Attorney, the U.S. Department of Justice and various other U.S. states to resolve all claims arising from the investigation into the distribution of samples of Hyalgan®, a former Sanofi product.

                  In 2009,        Also included on this item includedline is an additional provision of €116 million (before taxes) relating to litigation in Canada in respect of ramipril, recognized in 2012.

                          Finally, this line includes an expense of €69€40 million arising from changes to estimates of future expenditure on environmental risks at sites formerly operated by sanofi-aventis or sold to third parties (see note D.22. (e) “Contingencies arising from certain Business Divestitures”). Reversals of these provisions are classified inOther operating income(see Note D.25.).

                  This item also includes, for 2010, an expense of €51 2012 (versus €43 million (2009: €59 million)in 2011) relating to pensions and other benefits for Group retirees.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.27. Restructuring costs

                          

                  Restructuring costs recognized in 2010 amounted to €1,372 million (€1,080€1,141 million in 2009; €5852012, versus €1,314 million in 2008),2011 and €1,384 million in 2010, and break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Employee-related expenses  860  840  817 
                  Expenses related to property, plant and equipment  221  422  184 
                  Compensation for early termination of contracts (other than contracts of employment)  7  27  35 
                  Decontamination costs  2  22  105 
                  Other restructuring costs  51  3  243 
                    
                  Total  1,141  1,314  1,384 
                    

                          These restructuring costs reflect measures announced by the Group as part of the major transformation project initiated in 2009 to adapt the Group's structures to meet future challenges.

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Employee-related expenses   817     869     498  
                  Expenses related to property, plant and equipment   184     146       
                  Compensation for early termination of contracts (other than contracts of employment)   35     19       
                  Decontamination costs   105     30     50  
                  Other restructuring costs   231     16     37  

                  Total

                     1,372     1,080     585  

                          In 2012, these costs include provisions of €646 million recognized in the year ended December 31, 2012 following the announcement of a realignment of the Group's resources in France. These measures cover changes in the scope of activities of the Group's Research and Development sites during the next three years, the reorganization of industrial facilities in the Vaccines segment, and the streamlining of the Group's support functions. The restructuring costs recognized during the year also reflect the ongoing transformation of industrial facilities in Europe, adjustments to sales forces worldwide, and the integration of Genzyme. In addition, an impairment loss of €107 million was recognized against property, plant and equipment in France in connection with the reorganization of Research and Development operations.

                  The restructuring costs recognized in 2010 mainly related to:2011 primarily reflected the transformation and reorganization of Research and Development operations, measures taken to adapt the Group's industrial facilities in Europe, adjustments to the sales forces in the United States and Europe, the implementation of multi country organizations (MCOs) in Europe, and the integration of Genzyme entities worldwide.

                          

                  the transformation of Research & Development operations, in particular the financial impact of the agreement with Covance which, in addition to the divestment of the Alnwick and Porcheville sites, also committed sanofi-aventis to partially funding the operation of these sites for a limited period in return for a job protection guarantee;

                  measures announced by sanofi-aventis inIn 2010, intended to migrate the Group’s chemical industrial facilities in France towards biotechnologies and vaccine production, and to anticipate the fall in production volumes following the expiry of patent protection for major pharmaceutical products;

                  ongoing measures to adjust the Group’s sales forces in France, other European countries, and the United States;

                  the impact of pension reforms on existing early retirement plans in France.

                  In 2009, restructuring costs related primarily to measures announced by sanofi-aventis in June 2009 aimed at transformingthe Group to continue transformation of its Research and Development operations, upgrade its chemical manufacturing sites to encourage innovation,biotech and adapting central support functions so as to streamline the organizational structure. These costs mainly comprised employee-related expenses,vaccine production, and reorganize its sales forces in the form of early retirement benefits and of termination benefits under voluntary redundancy plans. In France, these plans affected approximately 1,000 jobs in Research and Development and 450 jobs in central support functions.

                  Restructuring costs for 2009 also included amounts relating to transformation plans announced in other countries. The Research and Development transformation plan is a global project, which also affects the United States and Europe. These costs also included the United Kingdomimpact of pension reforms on existing early retirement plans in France.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.28. Other gains and Japan.losses, and litigation

                          Other gains and losses for the year ended December 31, 2011 included:

                  To

                    an expense resulting primarily from the backlog of depreciation and amortization charged against the Merial property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for the period from September 18, 2009 through December 31, 2010, which amounted to €519 million (see Note D.2.);

                    the net pre-tax loss of €18 million on the sale of the Dermik dermatology business;

                    a lesser extent, restructuring costsgain of €210 million in compensation for 2009 reflected ongoing measures takenloss caused by sanofi-aventis to adapt its industrial facilities in Europe and adjust its sales forces.

                    In 2008, restructuring costs related primarily to adaptationthe sale of industrial facilities in France and to measures taken by sanofi-aventis to adjust its sales force to reflect changing pharmaceutical market conditions in various European countries — mainly France, Italy, Spain and Portugal — anda counterfeit generic version of Plavix® in the United States.

                    States in 2006.

                          

                  D.28. Gains and losses on disposals, and litigation

                  In 2010, this line item reportedshowed an expense of €138 million, relating to an adjustment to vendor’svendor's guarantee provisions in connection with past divestments.divestitures.

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisThe Group made no major divestments during 2010, 2009divestitures in either 2012 or 2008.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  In 2008, this item included €76 million of reversals of provisions in respect of litigation in the United States on pricing and market practices (see Note D.22.c) “Government Investigations, Competition Law and Regulatory Claims”).

                  2010.

                  D.29. Financial income and expenses

                          

                  Financial income and expenses break down as follows:

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Cost of debt (1)  (417) (425) (385)
                  Interest income  68  100  61 
                    
                  Cost of debt, net of cash and cash equivalents  (349) (325) (324)
                    
                  Non-operating foreign exchange gains/(losses)  (17) 10  (20)
                  Unwinding of discount on provisions (2)  (87) (83) (68)
                  Gains/(losses) on disposals of financial assets  37  25  61 
                  Impairment losses on financial assets, net of reversals (3)  (30) (58) (6)
                  Other items  (14) 19  (5)
                    
                  Net financial income/(expenses)  (460) (412) (362)
                    
                  comprising:  Financial expenses  (553) (552) (468)
                                       Financial income  93  140  106 
                    
                  (1)
                  Includes gains/losses on interest rate derivatives used to hedge debt: €79 million gain in 2012, €47 million gain in 2011, €7 million gain in 2010.
                  (2)
                  Primarily provisions for environmental risks and restructuring provisions (see Note D.19.).
                  (3)
                  Primarily available-for-sale financial assets, including (€6) million for Greek government bonds in 2012 (versus (€49) million in 2011).

                          

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Cost of debt(1)   (385  (310  (315
                  Interest income   61    88    132  

                  Cost of debt, net of cash and cash equivalents

                     (324  (222  (183
                  Non-operating foreign exchange gains/(losses)   (20  (67  (74
                  Unwinding of discount on provisions(2)   (68  (42  (37
                  Gains/(losses) on disposals of financial assets   61    1    41(3) 
                  Impairment losses on financial assets, net of reversals(4)   (6  (2  (8
                  Other items   (5  32    29  

                  Net financial income/(expenses)

                     (362  (300  (232

                  comprising: Financial expenses

                     (467  (324  (335

                                      Financial income

                     105    24    103  

                  (1)

                  Includes gains/losses on interest rate derivatives used to hedge debt: €7 million gain inIn 2012, 2011 and 2010, €25 million gain in 2009, €2 million loss in 2008.

                  (2)

                  Primarily provisions for environmental risks.

                  (3)

                  Includes €38 million from the sale of the investment in Millennium in 2008 (see Note D.7.).

                  (4)

                  Primarily available-for-sale financial assets.

                  The impact of the ineffective portion of hedging relationships was not material in 2010, 2009 or 2008.material.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.30. Income tax expense

                          

                  The Group has opted for tax consolidations in a number of countries, principally France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

                          

                  The table below shows the split of income tax expense between current and deferred taxes:

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Current taxes  (2,050) (2,359) (2,929)
                  Deferred taxes  916  1,904  1,499 
                    
                  Total  (1,134) (455) (1,430)
                    

                          

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Current taxes   (2,758  (2,531  (2,140
                  Deferred taxes   1,516    1,167   1,458 

                  Total

                     (1,242  (1,364  (682

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  The difference between the effective tax rate and the standard corporate income tax rate applicable in France is explained as follows:

                  (as a percentage)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Standard tax rate applicable in France   34    34   34 
                  Impact of reduced-rate income tax on royalties in France   (11  (9  (12
                  Impact of change in net deferred tax liabilities as a result of changes in tax rates(1)       1     
                  Impact of the ratification of the Franco-American treaty on deferred tax liabilities relating to tax cost of distributions made from reserves       (2    
                  Impact of tax borne by BMS for the territory managed by sanofi-aventis (see Note D.32.)   (2  (3  (4
                  Other items   1    1   (2

                  Effective tax rate

                     22    22   16 

                  (1)

                  In 2009, mainly the reform of local business taxes in France.

                  (as a percentage)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Standard tax rate applicable in France  34  34  34 
                  Difference between French tax rates and tax rates applicable to foreign subsidiaries (1)  (6) (3) (2)
                  Impact of reduced-rate income tax on royalties in France  (6) (11) (10)
                  Impact of change in net deferred tax liabilities as a result of changes in tax laws and rates (2)    (4)  
                  Tax rate differential on intragroup margin in inventory (3)  (1) (1)  
                  Impact of the Franco-American Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) 2006-2010 (4)    (7)  
                  Impact of tax borne by BMS for the territory managed by Sanofi (see Note D.32.)  (1) (1) (2)
                  Other items (5)  (1) 2  3 
                    
                  Effective tax rate  19  9  23 
                    
                  Changes(1)
                  In 2012, this line includes the effects of an Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) with the competent Japanese authorities covering the period from 2012 through 2014. The APA procedure is one in which tax authorities from one or more countries negotiate and conclude an agreement for a prospective period to determine transfer pricing methods applicable to transactions between subsidiaries of the same parent company.
                  (2)
                  In 2011, this mainly involved changes to tax legislation in the United Kingdom.
                  (3)
                  When internal margin included in inventory is eliminated, a deferred tax asset is recognized on the basis of the tax rate applicable to the subsidiary that holds the inventory, which may differ from the tax rate of the subsidiary that generated the eliminated intragroup margin.
                  (4)
                  In December 2011, the French and U.S. governments signed an APA covering the period from 2006 through 2011.
                  (5)
                  The "Other" line “Impact of reduced-rate income tax on royaltiesincludes in France” are mainly due to significant year-on-year fluctuations in pre-tax profits in 2010, 2009 and 2008. The year-on-year change in 2010 also reflectsparticular the impact of the strong performance of Plavix® in the United States, and the resulting increase in royalty income.

                  The “Other items” line includes (i) the effect of differences between tax rates applicable in France and those applicable in other jurisdictions; (ii) the impact of the new CVAE valued added business(Cotisation sur la Valeur Ajoutée des Entreprises) tax in France fromeffective January 1, 2010; (iii)2010, and (ii) the impactreassessment of reassessing certainsome of the Group’sGroup's tax exposures;risks.

                          For the periods presented, the amount of deferred tax assets recognized in profit or loss that were initially subject to impairment losses on a business combination is immaterial.

                          Article 6 of the French Amending Finance Bill for 2012, enacted August 16, 2012, introduced an additional corporate income tax contribution of 3% on amounts distributed by French or foreign companies and (iv)entities that are subject to corporate income tax in France. This contribution, the impact ontrigger point for which is the effectivedecision by the shareholders' general meeting to make the distribution, has not been taken into account in measuring the Group's deferred tax rateassets and liabilities. It will apply to future distributions of amortization and impairment charged against intangible assets.dividends by Sanofi.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.31. Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures

                          

                  This item mainly comprises the share of co-promotion profits attributable to sanofi-aventisSanofi for territories covered by entities majority-owned by BMS (see Note C.1.). The impact of the BMS alliance in 20102012 was €1,551€643 million, before deducting the tax effect of €223 million (versus €1,671 million with a tax effect of €601 million in 2011, and €1,551 million with a tax effect of €571 million (2009: €1,229 million, tax effect €444 million; 2008: €984 million, tax effect €361 million)in 2010).

                          

                  It also includes the share of profits or losses from other associates and joint ventures, (€2 million lossthe amount of which was immaterial in 2010, €29 million profit in 2009, €69 million profit in 2008). These figures include the effects of the Aventis acquisition (amortization2012, 2011 and impairment of intangible assets).

                  In accordance with IFRS 5, the share of profits from Merial for 2008 has been retrospectively reclassified to the lineNet income from the held-for-exchange Merial business (see Note D.8. “Assets held for sale or exchange”).

                  2010.

                  D.32. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

                          

                  This line includes the share of co-promotion profits attributable to BMS for territories covered by entities majority-owned by sanofi-aventisSanofi (see Note C.1.). The amount involved was €149 million in 2012, €226 million in 2011, and €237 million in 2010, €405 million in 2009, and €422 million in 2008.2010. There is no tax effect, because BMS receives its share before tax.

                          

                  It also includes the share of net income attributable to other non-controlling interests (€1720 million in 2010, €212012, €15 million in 2009,2011, and €19€17 million in 2008)2010).

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  D.33. Related party transactions

                          

                  The principal related parties of sanofi-aventisSanofi are companies over which the Group has control or significant influence, joint ventures, key management personnel, and principal shareholders.

                          

                  The Group has not entered into any transactions with any key management personnel. Financial relations with the Group’sGroup's principal shareholders, in particular the Total group (until September 2012), fall within the ordinary course of business and were immaterial in the years ended December 31, 2010,2012, December 31, 20092011 and December 31, 2008.2010.

                          

                  DetailsA list of transactions with relatedthe principal companies the Group controls is presented in Note F.1. These companies are disclosedfully consolidated (as described in Note B.1.). Transactions between these companies, and between the parent company and its subsidiaries, are eliminated when preparing the consolidated financial statements.

                          Transactions with companies over which the Group has significant influence and with joint ventures are presented in Note D.6.

                          

                  Key management personnel include corporate officers (including two directors during 2012 and 2011, and three directors duringin 2010, and 2009, and four directors during 2008,who were covered by supplementary pension plans:plans, see Item 6.B.) and the members of the Executive Committee (9 members during 20102012, 2011 and 2009, and 7 during 2008.)2010).

                          

                  The table below shows, by type, the compensation paid to key management personnel:

                  (€ million)  Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                     Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   
                  Short-term benefits(1)   23     22     18  
                  Post-employment benefits(2)   12     11     12  
                  Share-based payment(3)   6     5     7  

                  Total recognized in the income statement

                     41     38     37  
                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Short-term benefits (1)  24  21  23 
                  Post-employment benefits  10  10  12 
                  Share-based payment (2)  8  5  6 
                    
                  Total recognized in the income statement  42  36  41 
                    
                  (1)
                  Compensation, employer's social security contributions, directors' attendance fees, and termination benefits where applicable (net of reversals of obligation the case of termination benefits).
                  (2)
                  Stock option expense computed using the Black-Scholes model.

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                  (1)

                  Compensation, employer’s social security contributions, directors’ attendance fees, and any termination benefits.

                  (2)

                  Estimated pension cost, calculated in accordance with IAS 19.

                  (3)

                  Stock option expense computed using the Black-Scholes model.

                  The aggregate amount of supplementary pension obligations to certain corporate officers and to members of the Executive Committee was €162 million at December 31, 2012, compared with €121 million at December 31, 2011 and €130 million at December 31, 2010 (the increase is mainly due to a fall in discount rates during 2012). The aggregate amount of retirement benefits payable to certain corporate officers and key management personnel was €130€5 million at December 31, 2010, versus €149 million at December 31, 20092012, 2011 and €157 million at December 31, 2008. The aggregate amount of lump-sum retirement benefits payable to corporate officers and key management personnel at December 31, 2010 was €5 million, versus €10 million at December 31, 2009 and €8 million at December 31, 2008.

                  2010.

                  D.34. Split of net sales

                          

                  Credit risk is the risk that customers (wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics or government agencies) may fail to pay their debts. The Group manages credit risk by pre-vetting customers in order to set credit limits and risk levels and asking for guarantees or insurance where necessary, performing controls, and monitoring qualitative and quantitative indicators of accounts receivable balances such as the period of credit taken and overdue payments.

                          

                  Customer credit risk also arises as a result of the concentration of the Group’sGroup's sales with its largest customers, in particular certain wholesalers in the United States. The Group’sGroup's three largest customers respectively accounted for approximately 7.6%6.5%, 7.0%5.3% and 6.0%5.2% of gross salesrevenues in 2010.2012.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                    Net sales

                          

                  NetThe net sales of sanofi-aventisSanofi comprise net sales generated by the Pharmaceuticals segment, and net sales generated by the Vaccines segment and the Animal Health segment. The table below shows net sales of flagship products and other major pharmaceutical products:

                   
                   Year ended December 31,
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Lantus®  4,960  3,916  3,510 
                  Apidra®  230  190  177 
                  Amaryl®  421  436  478 
                  Insuman®  135  132  133 
                  Other diabetes products  36  10   
                    
                  Total: Diabetes  5,782  4,684  4,298 
                    
                  Taxotere®  563  922  2,122 
                  Eloxatine®  956  1,071  427 
                  Jevtana®  235  188  82 
                  Zaltrap®  25     
                  Mozobil®  96  59   
                  Other Oncology products (1)  519  389  59 
                    
                  Total: Oncology  2,394  2,629  2,690 
                    
                  Lovenox®  1,893  2,111  2,806 
                  Plavix®  2,066  2,040  2,083 
                  Aprovel®/CoAprovel®  1,151  1,291  1,327 
                  Allegra®  553  580  607 
                  Stilnox®/Ambien®/Ambien® CR/Myslee®  497  490  819 
                  Copaxone®  24  436  513 
                  Depakine®  410  388  372 
                  Tritace®  345  375  410 
                  Multaq®  255  261  172 
                  Xatral®  130  200  296 
                  Actonel®  134  167  238 
                  Nasacort®  71  106  189 
                  Renagel®/Renvela® (1)  653  415   
                  Synvisc®/Synvisc-One® (1)  363  256   
                    
                  Aubagio®  7     
                    
                  Total: Multiple Sclerosis  7     
                    
                  Cerezyme® (1)  633  441   
                  Myozyme®/Lumizyme® (1)  462  308   
                  Fabrazyme® (1)  292  109   
                  Other Rare Diseases products (1)  391  264   
                    
                  Total: Rare Diseases (1)  1,778  1,122   
                    
                  Total: New Genzyme (1)  1,785  1,122   
                    
                  Other Products  5,513  5,927  6,005 
                  Consumer Health Care  3,008  2,666  2,217 
                  Generics  1,844  1,746  1,534 
                    
                  Total: Pharmaceuticals  28,871  27,890  26,576 
                    
                  (1)
                  In 2011, net sales of Genzyme products were recognized from the acquisition date (April 2011).

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                          

                      Year ended December 31 
                  (€ million)  2010   2009   2008 
                  Lantus®   3,510     3,080     2,450  
                  Apidra®   177     137     98  
                  Amaryl®   478     416     379  
                  Insuman®   133     131     143  

                  Sub-total: Diabetes

                     4,298     3,764     3,070  
                  Lovenox®   2,806     3,043     2,738  
                  Taxotere®   2,122     2,177     2,033  
                  Plavix®   2,083     2,623     2,609  
                  Aprovel®   1,327     1,236     1,202  
                  Eloxatine®   427     957     1,345  
                  Multaq®   172     25       
                  Jevtana®   82            
                  Stilnox®/ Ambien®/ Ambien® CR/ Myslee®   819     873     822  
                  Allegra®   607     731     666  
                  Copaxone®   513     467     622  
                  Tritace®   410     429     491  
                  Depakine®   372     329     322  
                  Xatral®   296     296     319  
                  Actonel®   238     264     330  
                  Nasacort®   189     220     240  

                  Other Products

                     6,064     5,947     6,341  

                  Consumer Health Care

                     2,217     1,430     1,203  

                  Generics

                     1,534     1,012     354  

                  Total Pharmaceuticals

                     26,576     25,823     24,707  

                  Net sales of the principal product ranges of the Vaccines segment are shown below:

                   
                   Year ended December 31,
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines  1,184  1,075  984 
                  Influenza Vaccines  884  826  1,297 
                  Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines  650  510  527 
                  Adult Booster Vaccines  496  465  449 
                  Travel and Endemics Vaccines  364  370  382 
                  Other Vaccines  319  223  169 
                    
                  Total: Vaccines  3,897  3,469  3,808 
                    

                          Net sales of the principal product ranges of the Animal Health segment are shown below:

                      Year ended December 31 
                  (€ million)  2010   2009   2008 
                  Influenza Vaccines   1,297     1,062     736  

                  of which seasonal vaccines

                     845     597     610  

                  of which pandemic vaccines

                     452     465     126  
                  Pediatric Combination and Poliomyelitis Vaccines   984     968     768  
                  Meningitis/Pneumonia Vaccines   527     538     472  
                  Adult Booster Vaccines   449     406     399  
                  Travel and Endemics Vaccines   382     313     309  
                  Other Vaccines   169     196     177  

                  Total Vaccines

                     3,808     3,483     2,861  

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  (€ million)
                   2012
                   2011
                   2010
                   
                    
                  Frontline® and other fipronil-based products  775  764  774 
                  Vaccines  730  662  627 
                  Avermectin  423  372  355 
                  Other Animal Health products  251  232  227 
                    
                  Total: Animal Health  2,179  2,030  1,983 
                    

                  D.35. Segment information

                          

                  As indicated in Note B.26., sanofi-aventisSanofi has twothe following operating segments: the Pharmaceuticals, segment and the Human Vaccines (Vaccines) segment.and Animal Health. All other activities are combined in a separate segment, Other.

                          In March 2011, Sanofi and Merck announced the mutual termination of their agreement to create a new Animal Health joint venture. Following this announcement, the Animal Health business was identified as an operating segment on the basis of information now used internally by management to measure operational performance and to allocate resources.

                  The Pharmaceuticals segment covers research, development, production and marketing of medicines.medicines, including those originating from Genzyme (see D.1.2.). The sanofi-aventisSanofi pharmaceuticals portfolio consists of flagship products, plus a broad range of prescription medicines, generic medicines, and consumer health products. This segment also includes all associates whose activities are related to pharmaceuticals, in particular the entities majority owned by BMS.

                          

                  The Human Vaccines segment is wholly dedicated to vaccines, including research, development, production and marketing. This segment includes the Sanofi Pasteur MSD joint venture.

                          The Animal Health segment comprises the research, development, production and marketing activities of Merial, which offers a complete range of medicines and vaccines for a wide variety of animal species.

                  The Other segment includes all segmentsactivities that aredo not qualify as reportable segments within the meaning ofunder IFRS 8. This segment includes the Group’sSanofi's interest in the Yves Rocher group until the Animal Health business (Merial)date of loss of significant influence (see Note D.6.), and the impacteffects of retained commitments in respect of divested activities.

                          

                  Inter-segment transactions are not material.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.35.1. Segment results

                          

                  Sanofi-aventisSanofi reports segment results on the basis of “Business"Business operating income”income". This indicator adopted in order to comply(compliant with IFRS 8,8) is used internally to measure operational performance and allocate resources.

                  Business operating income”income is derived from operatingOperating income, adjusted as follows:

                    the amounts reported in the line itemsRestructuring costs,Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities andOther gains and losses, and litigation are eliminated;

                    amortization charged against intangible assets is eliminated;

                  and impairment losses charged against intangible assets (other than software) are eliminated;

                  restructuring costs are eliminated;

                  gains and losses on disposals, and litigation, are eliminated;



                  the share of profits/losses of associates and joint ventures is added, and added;

                  net income attributable to non-controlling interests is deducted;



                  other acquisition-related effects (primarily the workdown of acquired inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date, and the impact of acquisitions on investments in associates and joint ventures) are eliminated;



                  restructuring costs relating to associates and joint ventures are eliminated.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                          

                  Segment results are shown in the tables below:

                      2010 
                  (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals  Vaccines  Other  Total 

                  Net sales

                     26,576    3,808        30,384  
                  Other revenues   1,623    28        1,651  
                  Cost of sales   (7,316  (1,371      (8,687
                  Research and development expenses   (3,884  (517      (4,401
                  Selling and general expenses   (6,962  (603  (2  (7,567
                  Other operating income and expenses   177    14    (108  83  
                  Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures (1)   1,009    19    8    1,036  
                  Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business           418    418  
                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   (258  1        (257

                  Business operating income

                     10,965    1,379    316    12,660  
                  Financial income and expenses      (362
                  Income tax expense               (3,083

                  Business net income

                                 9,215  
                   
                   Year ended December 31, 2012
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Pharmaceuticals
                   Vaccines
                   Animal Health
                   Other
                   Total
                   
                    
                  Net sales  28,871  3,897  2,179    34,947 
                  Other revenues  933  44  33    1,010 
                  Cost of sales  (8,759) (1,635) (701)   (11,095)
                  Research and development expenses  (4,219) (539) (164)   (4,922)
                  Selling and general expenses  (7,666) (611) (669) (1) (8,947)
                  Other operating income and expenses  98  (7) 3  14  108 
                  Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  432  (1) (7)   424 
                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  (171)   (1)   (172)
                    
                  Business operating income  9,519  1,148  673  13  11,353 
                    


                  (1)

                  Net of taxes

                      2009 
                  (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals  Vaccines  Other  Total 

                  Net sales

                     25,823    3,483        29,306  
                  Other revenues   1,412    31        1,443  
                  Cost of sales   (6,527  (1,326      (7,853
                  Research and development expenses   (4,091  (491  (1  (4,583
                  Selling and general expenses   (6,762  (561  (2  (7,325
                  Other operating income and expenses   387    (3  1    385  
                  Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures (1)   792    41    8    841  
                  Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business           241    241  
                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   (426  (1      (427

                  Business operating income

                     10,608    1,173    247    12,028  
                  Financial income and expenses      (300
                  Income tax expense               (3,099

                  Business net income

                                 8,629  

                  (1)

                  Net of taxes

                   
                   Year ended December 31, 2011
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Pharmaceuticals
                   Vaccines
                   Animal Health
                   Other
                   Total
                   
                    
                  Net sales  27,890  3,469  2,030    33,389 
                  Other revenues  1,622  25  22    1,669 
                  Cost of sales  (8,368) (1,404) (654)   (10,426)
                  Research and development expenses  (4,101) (564) (146)   (4,811)
                  Selling and general expenses  (7,376) (542) (617) (1) (8,536)
                  Other operating income and expenses  (13)   (7) 24  4 
                  Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  1,088  1    13  1,102 
                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  (246)   (1)   (247)
                    
                  Business operating income  10,496  985  627  36  12,144 
                    

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


                   
                   Year ended December 31, 2010
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Pharmaceuticals
                   Vaccines
                   Animal Health
                   Other
                   Total
                   
                    
                  Net sales  26,576  3,808  1,983    32,367 
                  Other revenues  1,623  28  18    1,669 
                  Cost of sales  (7,316) (1,371) (615)   (9,302)
                  Research and development expenses  (3,884) (517) (155)   (4,556)
                  Selling and general expenses  (6,962) (603) (604) (2) (8,171)
                  Other operating income and expenses  177  14  (6) (108) 77 
                  Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures  1,009  19    8  1,036 
                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests  (258) 1      (257)
                    
                  Business operating income  10,965  1,379  621  (102) 12,863 
                    

                  Year ended December 31, 2010        The table below shows the reconciliation between "Business net income" andIncome before tax and associates and joint ventures:

                      2008 
                  (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals  Vaccines  Other  Total 

                  Net sales

                     24,707    2,861        27,568  
                  Other revenues   1,208    41        1,249  
                  Cost of sales   (6,231  (1,104      (7,335
                  Research and development expenses   (4,150  (425      (4,575
                  Selling and general expenses   (6,662  (520  14    (7,168
                  Other operating income and expenses   297    1    (95  203  
                  Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures (1)   671    28    21    720  
                  Net income from the held-for-exchange Merial business           170    170  
                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   (441          (441

                  Business operating income

                     9,399    882    110    10,391  
                  Financial income and expenses      (270
                  Income tax expense               (2,807

                  Business net income

                                 7,314  

                  (1)

                  Net of taxes

                  “Business net income” is determined by taking “Business operating income”

                  (€ million)
                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2012

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2011

                   Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010

                   
                    
                  Business operating income  11,353  12,144  12,863 
                    
                  Share of profit/loss of associates and joint ventures (1)  (424) (1,102) (1,036)
                  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (2)  172  247  257 
                  Amortization of intangible assets  (3,291) (3,314) (3,529)
                  Impairment of intangible assets  (117) (142) (433)
                  Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities  (192) 15   
                  Expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories (3)  (23) (476) (142)
                  Restructuring costs  (1,141) (1,314) (1,384)
                  Other gains and losses, and litigation (4)    (327) (138)
                  Impact of the discontinuation of depreciation of the property, plant and equipment of Merial (IFRS 5)      77 
                    
                  Operating income  6,337  5 731  6,535 
                    
                  Financial expense  (553) (552) (468)
                  Financial income  93  140  106 
                    
                  Income before tax and associates and joint ventures  5,877  5,319  6,173 
                    
                  (1)
                  Excluding (i) restructuring costs of associates and adding financial incomejoint ventures and deducting financial(ii) expenses includingarising from the related income tax effects.

                  “Business net income” is defined asNet income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventisexcluding (i) amortization of intangible assets; (ii) impairment of intangible assets; (iii) other impacts associated with acquisitions (including impactsimpact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures); (iv)ventures.

                  (2)
                  Excluding the share attributable to non-controlling interests of (i) restructuring costs (including restructuring costs relating to associates and joint ventures), gains and losses on disposals(ii) other adjustments.
                  (3)
                  This lines record the impact of non-current assets, and costs or provisions associated with litigation; (v) the tax effect related toworkdown of acquired inventories remeasured at fair value at the items listed in (i) through (iv), as well as (vi) effectsacquisition date.
                  (4)
                  See Note D.28.

                  Table of major tax disputes and (vii) the share of non-controlling interests in items (i) through (vi). The items listed in (iv) — except for restructuring costs related to associates and joint ventures — correspond to those reported in the line itemsRestructuring costsand Gains and losses on disposals, and litigation, as defined in Note B.20. to the consolidated financial statements.Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  A reconciliation of “Business net income” toNet income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis is set forth below:

                  (€ million)

                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2010
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2009
                    Year ended
                  December 31,
                  2008
                   

                  Business net income

                     9,215    8,629    7,314  
                  (i) Amortization of intangible assets   (3,529  (3,528  (3,483
                  (ii) Impairment of intangible assets   (433  (372  (1,554
                  (iii) Expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on inventories(1)   (30  (27  (2
                  (iv) Restructuring costs   (1,372  (1,080  (585
                  (iii)/(iv) Other items(2)   (138      114  
                  (v) Tax effects of:   1,841    1,629    1,904  
                   – amortization of intangible assets   1,181    1,126    1,189  
                   – impairment of intangible assets   143    136    537  
                   

                  – expenses arising on the workdown of acquired inventories

                     9    7    1  
                   – restructuring costs   462    360    196  
                   – other items   46        (19
                  (iii)/(vi) Other tax items(3)       106    221  
                  (vii) Share of items listed above attributable to non-controlling interests   3    1      
                  (iii) Expenses arising from the impact of the Merial acquisition (4)   (32  (66  (50
                  (iii)/(iv) Restructuring costs of associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures(5)   (58  (27  (28

                  Net income attributable to equity holders of sanofi-aventis

                     5,467    5,265    3,851  

                  (1)

                  Workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.

                  (2)

                  Other items comprise:

                       Gain on sale of investment in Millennium38
                       Reversals of/(charges to) provisions for risks(13876
                  (3)

                  Other tax items comprise:

                       Provisions for/settlements of tax disputes221
                       Reversal of deferred taxes following ratification of the Franco-American Treaty (see Note D.30.)106
                  (4)

                  This line comprises: until September 17, 2009, amortization and impairment charged against the intangible assets of Merial; and from September 18, 2009, (i) the impact of the discontinuation of depreciation of the property, plant and equipment of Merial in accordance with IFRS 5 (see Note B.7.) and (ii) the expense arising from the workdown of inventories remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date.

                  (5)

                  This line shows the portion of major restructuring costs incurred by associates and joint ventures, and expenses arising from the impact of acquisitions on associates and joint ventures (workdown of acquired inventories, amortization and impairment of intangible assets, and impairment of goodwill).

                  D.35.2. Other segment information

                          

                  The tables below show the split by operating segment of (i) the carrying amount of investments in associates and joint ventures, (ii) acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, and (iii) acquisitions of intangible assets.

                          

                  The principal associates and joint ventures are: for the Pharmaceuticals segment, the entities majority owned by BMS (see Note C.1.), Handok InfraServ,(divested October 30, 2012), Infraserv GmbH & Co. Höchst KG, and (in 2008) Zentiva; for the Vaccines segment, Sanofi Pasteur MSD; and for theMSD. The Other segment Merial andincludes the associate Yves Rocher, in 2008, and Yves Rocher in 2009 and 2010.

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  which ceased to be accounted for by the equity method effective November 2011 (see note D.6.).

                          

                  Acquisitions of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment correspond to acquisitions made during the period.

                      2010 
                  (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals   Vaccines   Other   Total 
                  Investments in associates and joint ventures   446     350     128     924  
                  Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment   779     416          1,195  
                  Acquisitions of intangible assets   335     43          378  
                   
                   2012
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Pharmaceuticals
                   Vaccines
                   Animal
                  Health

                   Other
                   Total
                   
                    
                  Investments in associates and joint ventures  192  292  3    487 
                  Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment  1,024  216  79    1,319 
                  Acquisitions of intangible assets  276  9  8    293 
                    


                      2009 
                  (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals   Vaccines   Other   Total 
                  Investments in associates and joint ventures   420     412     123     955  
                  Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment   940     465          1,405  
                  Acquisitions of intangible assets   364     16          380  

                      2008 
                  (€ million)  Pharmaceuticals   Vaccines   Other   Total 
                  Investments in associates and joint ventures   706     431     1,322     2,459  
                  Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment   967     375          1,342  
                  Acquisitions of intangible assets   225     39          264  
                   
                   2011
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Pharmaceuticals
                   Vaccines
                   Animal
                  Health

                   Other
                   Total
                   
                    
                  Investments in associates and joint ventures  488  319      807 
                  Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment  1,136  323  77    1,536 
                  Acquisitions of intangible assets  223  8  15    246 
                    


                   
                   2010
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Pharmaceuticals
                   Vaccines
                   Animal
                  Health

                   Other
                   Total
                   
                    
                  Investments in associates and joint ventures  446  350    128  924 
                  Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment  779  416  88    1,283 
                  Acquisitions of intangible assets  335  43  1    379 
                    

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  D.35.3. Information by geographical region

                          

                  The geographical information on net sales provided below is based on the geographical location of the customer.

                          

                  In accordance with IFRS 8, the non-current assets reported below exclude financial instruments, deferred tax assets, and pre-funded pension obligations.

                   
                   2012
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   Europe
                   of which
                  France

                   North
                  America

                   of which
                  United States

                   Other
                  countries

                   
                    
                  Net sales  34,947  11,056  2,846  11,440  10,873  12,451 
                  Non-current assets:                   

                  • property, plant and equipment

                    10,578  6,707  4,073  2,696  2,285  1,175 

                  • intangible assets

                    20,192  4,417     11,400     4,375 

                  • goodwill

                    38,073  15,025     15,994     7,054 
                    

                   

                           2010 
                  (€ million)  Total   Europe   Of which
                  France
                     North
                  America
                     Of which
                  United States
                     Other
                  countries
                   
                  Net sales   30,384     11,609     2,922     9,484     8,968     9,291  
                  Non-current assets:            

                  •  property, plant and equipment

                     8,155     5,764     3,603     1,510     1,091     881  

                  •  intangible assets

                     12,479     3,773      ��5,835       2,871  

                  •  goodwill

                     31,932     13,718          13,264          4,950  

                   
                   2011
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   Europe
                   of which
                  France

                   North
                  America

                   of which
                  United States

                   Other
                  countries

                   
                    
                  Net sales  33,389  11,796  3,106  10,511  9,957  11,082 
                  Non-current assets:                   

                  • property, plant and equipment

                    10,750  6,857  4,128  2,768  2,374  1,125 

                  • intangible assets

                    23,639  5,537     15,422     2,680 

                  • goodwill (1)

                    38,582  15,238     16,365     6,979 
                    
                  (1)
                  In accordance with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations), Sanofi made adjustments during the Genzyme purchase price allocation period to some of the provisional amounts recognized in 2011 (see Note D.1.2.).

                   
                   2010
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Total
                   Europe
                   of which
                  France

                   North
                  America

                   of which
                  United States

                   Other
                  countries

                   
                    
                  Net sales  32,367  12,198  3,092  10,333  9,790  9,836 
                  Non-current assets:                   

                  • property, plant and equipment

                    8,155  5,764  3,603  1,510  1,091  881 

                  • intangible assets

                    12,479  3,773     5,835     2,871 

                  • goodwill

                    31,932  13,718     13,264     4,950 
                    

                          

                           2009 
                  (€ million)  Total   Europe   Of which
                  France
                     North
                  America
                     Of which
                  United States
                     Other
                  countries
                   
                  Net sales   29,306     12,059     3,206     9,870     9,426    7,377  
                  Non-current assets:            

                  •  property, plant and equipment

                     7,830     5,734     3,436     1,375     1,018    721  

                  •  intangible assets

                     13,747     4,636       5,930       3,181  

                  •  goodwill

                     29,733     13,528          11,419          4,786  

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                           2008 
                  (€ million)  Total   Europe   Of which
                  France
                     North
                  America
                     Of which
                  United States
                     Other
                  countries
                   
                  Net sales   27,568     12,096     3,447     9,042     8,609    6,430  
                  Non-current assets:            

                  •  property, plant and equipment

                     6,961     5,174     3,181     1,320     1,042    467  

                  •  intangible assets

                     15,260     4,573       7,429       3,258  

                  •  goodwill

                     28,163     12,414          11,750          3,999  

                  As described in NoteIn accordance with Notes B.6.1. and D.5. to the consolidated financial statements, France is not a cash-generating unit. Consequently, information about goodwill is provided for Europe.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  E. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANTS’ACCOUNTANTS' FEES AND SERVICES

                          

                  PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and Ernst & Young Auditet Autres served as independent auditors of sanofi-aventisSanofi for the year ended December 31, 20102012 and for all other reporting periods covered by this annual report on Form 20-F. The table below shows fees charged by these firms and member firms of their networks to sanofi-aventisSanofi and other consolidated companiessubsidiaries in the years ended December 31, 20102012 and 2009.2011.

                      Ernst & Young  PricewaterhouseCoopers 
                      2010       2009       2010      2009     
                  (€ million)  Amount   %  Amount   %  Amount  %  Amount  % 

                  Audit

                             
                  Audit opinion, review of statutory and consolidated financial statements(1)   12.8     92  13.1     93  13.5   93  14.1   95

                  - of which sanofi-aventis S.A.

                     3.7      4.1      3.7    4.0  

                  - of which consolidated subsidiaries

                     9.1      9.0      9.8(3)    10.1(3)  

                  Other audit-related services(2)

                     1.0     7  1.0     7  0.7   5  0.8   5

                  - of which sanofi-aventis S.A.

                           0.1           0.1  

                  - of which consolidated subsidiaries

                     1.0      0.9      0.7    0.7  

                  Sub-total

                     13.8     99  14.1     100  14.2   98  14.9   100

                  Non-audit services

                             
                  Tax   0.1            0.3       
                  Other                       

                  Sub-total

                     0.1     1           0.3   2        

                  TOTAL

                     13.9     100  14.1     100  14.5   100  14.9   100

                  (1)

                  Professional services rendered for the audit and review of the consolidated financial statements of sanofi-aventis, statutory audits of the financial statements of sanofi-aventis and its subsidiaries, compliance with local regulations, and review of documents filed with the AMF and the SEC (including services normally provided by independent experts of the audit firms in connection with the audit).

                  (2)

                  Services that are normally performed by the independent accountants, ancillary to audit services.

                  (3)

                  Includes audit fees of €1.8 million relating to Merial for 2010, and €1.7 million for 2009.

                   
                   Ernst & Young
                   PricewaterhouseCoopers
                   
                    
                   
                   2012
                   2011
                   2012
                   2011
                   
                    
                  (€ million)
                   Amount
                   %
                   Amount
                   %
                   Amount
                   %
                   Amount
                   %
                   
                    
                  Audit:                         
                  Audit opinion, review of statutory and consolidated financial statements (1)  15.4  96%  13.6  92%  15.6  92%  17.9  91% 

                  – Sanofi S.A

                    3.9     3.5     4.0     4.1    

                  – fully consolidated
                                 subsidiaries

                    11.5     10.1     11.6     13.8    
                  Other audit-related services (2)  0.5  3%  1.0  7%  1.2  7%  1.3  7% 

                  – Sanofi S.A

                         0.3     0.3     0.9    

                  – fully consolidated
                                 subsidiaries

                    0.5     0.7     0.9     0.4    
                  Sub-total (3)  15.9  99%  14.6  99%  16.8  99%  19.2  98% 
                    
                  Non-audit services:                         
                  Tax  0.1     0.1     0.1     0.4    
                  Other                     
                  Sub-total  0.1  1%  0.1  1%  0.1  1%  0.4  2% 
                    
                  TOTAL  16.0  100%  14.7  100%  16.9  100%  19.6  100% 
                    
                  (1)
                  Professional services rendered for the audit and review of the consolidated financial statements of Sanofi and statutory audits of the financial statements of Sanofi and its subsidiaries, compliance with local regulations, and review of documents filed with the AMF and the SEC (including services provided by independent experts to the audit firms in connection with the audit).
                  (2)
                  Services that are normally performed by the independent accountants, ancillary to audit services.
                  (3)
                  Does not include contractual audit fees for U.S. pension plans ((401 k plans), which amounted to €0.4 million in 2012).

                  Audit Committee Pre-approval and Procedures

                          

                  The Group Audit Committee has adopted a policy and established certain procedures for the pre-approvalapproval of audit and other permitted audit-related services, and for the pre-approval of permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors. In 2010,2012, the Audit Committee established a budget breaking down permitted audit-related services and non-audit services by type of service, and the related fees to be paid.


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  F. LIST OF PRINCIPAL COMPANIES INCLUDED IN THE CONSOLIDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20102012

                  F.1. Principal fully-consolidatedfully consolidated companies

                          

                  The principal companies in the Group’sGroup's areas of operations and business segments are:

                  Europe

                  Financial interest
                  %

                  Aventis Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbHGermany  

                  Financial interest

                  %

                  100
                   
                  Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH Germany  100 
                  Hoechst GmbH Germany  100 
                  Winthrop Arzneimittel GmbH Germany  100 
                  Zentiva Inhalationsprodukte GmbH Germany100
                  Merial GmbH Germany 100
                  Genzyme GmbHGermany  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Gmbh /GmbH Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH OHG(1) Austria  50.1 
                  Sanofi-Aventis GmbH Austria  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Belgium S.A.N.V.  Belgium 100
                  Sanofi European Treasury CenterBelgium100
                  Genzyme Flanders BVBABelgium100
                  Merial Norden A/SDenmark  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Denmark A/S Denmark  100 
                  Sanofi Winthrop BMS partnership (JV DK)(1) Denmark  50.1 
                  Sanofi-Aventis SA (Spain)Merial Laboratorios S.A.  Spain 100
                  Sanofi-Aventis SASpain  100 
                  Sanofi Winthrop BMS OYSanofi-aventis Bms Ay (1) Finland  50.1 
                  Sanofi-Aventis OY Finland  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Europe S.A.S. France  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Participations S.A.S. France  100 
                  Sanofi Pasteur Participations S.A. France  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Amérique du Nord S.A.S. France  100 
                  Sanofi Pasteur Holding S.A. France  100 
                  Aventis Pharma S.A.  France  100 
                  Sanofi Pasteur S.A. France  100 
                  Aventis Agriculture S.A. France  100 
                  Fovea Pharmaceuticals S.A. France  100 
                  Francopia S.A.R.L. France  100 
                  Winthrop Médicaments S.A. France  100 
                  Sanofi Chimie S.A. France  100 
                  Sanofi Participations S.A.S. France  100 
                  Sanofi Pharma Bristol-Myers Squibb S.N.C.(1) France  50.1 
                  Sanofi-Aventis S.A.Sanofi France  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis France S.A. France  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Groupe S.A. France  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Recherche et Développement S.A. France  100 
                  Sanofi Winthrop Industrie S.A. France  100 
                  Laboratoire Oenobiol S.A.S.Merial SAS France 100
                  Genzyme SASFrance100
                  Genzyme PolyclonalsFrance  100 
                  Chattem Greece S.A.  Greece  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventissanofi-aventis A.E.B.E.  Greece  100100
                  (1)
                  Partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb (see Note C.1.).

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Europe

                  Financial interest
                  %

                   
                  Chinoin Private Co. Ltd Hungary  99.6 
                  Sanofi-AventisSANOFI-AVENTIS Private Co. Ltd Hungary  99.6 
                  Chattem Global Consumer Products Limited Ireland  100 
                  Carraig Insurance Ltd Ireland  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Ireland LtdLimited Ireland  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis SpAGenzyme Ireland Limited ItalyIreland  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisMerial Italia S.p.A. Italy100
                  sanofi-aventis SpAItaly100
                  Sanofi-aventis Norge AS Norway  100 
                  Sanofi Winthrop BMS partnership ANSAns (NO) (1) Norway  50.1 
                  Sanofi-Aventissanofi-aventis Netherlands B.V.  Netherlands  100 
                  Sanofi Winthrop BMS VOFBms Vof (Netherlands) (1) Netherlands  50.1 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Sp z.o.o.Genzyme Europe BV PolandNetherlands  100 

                  (1)

                  Partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb (see Note C.1.).

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Europe

                  Financial interest

                  %

                  Nepentes S.A.Sanofi-Aventis Sp z.o.o.  Poland  100 
                  Winthrop Farmaceutica Portugal, LDALda Portugal  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi — Produtos Farmaceuticos LDAPharmaceuticos Lda Portugal  100 
                  Sanofi Winthrop BMS AEIE (Portugal) (1) Portugal  50.1 
                  Sanofi-Aventis, s.r.o. Czech Republic  100 
                  Zentiva Group, a.s.Czech Republic100
                  Zentiva k.s.  Czech Republic  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Romania SRL Romania  100 
                  Aventis Pharma LtdLimited United Kingdom  100 

                  Chattem Limited (U.K.)

                  United Kingdom100
                  Sanofi-Aventis UK Holdings Limited

                   United Kingdom  100 
                  Sanofi Pasteur Holding Ltd United Kingdom  100 
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo LtdSanofi-Synthelabo Limited United Kingdom  100 
                  Sanofi-SynthélaboSanofi-Synthelabo UK LtdLimited United Kingdom  100 
                  Winthrop Pharmaceuticals UK LtdLimited United Kingdom  100 
                  Fisons Limited United Kingdom  100 
                  May and Baker Limited United Kingdom  100 
                  Genzyme LimitedUnited Kingdom100
                  Merial LimitedUnited Kingdom100
                  Merial Animal Health LtdUnited Kingdom100
                  ZAO Aventis Pharma ZAO Russia  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi-aventis Vostok Russia  51 
                  Sanofi-AventisZentiva Pharma o.o.o. Russia100
                  sanofi-aventis Pharma Slovakia s.r.o. Slovakia  100
                  Zentiva a.s., HlohovecSlovakia98.8 
                  Sanofi-Aventis AB Sweden  100 
                  Sanofi SA-AGSA Switzerland  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis (Suisse) SA Switzerland  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Ilaclari Limited Sirketi Turkey  100 
                  Winthrop Ilac Anonim Sirketi Turkey  100 
                  Sanofi-SynthélaboSanofi-Synthelabo Ilac ASAs Turkey  100 
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo BMS ADI Ortakligi partnership(1)Zentiva Saglik Urunleri Turkey  50.1100 
                  Sanofi-AventisLimited Liability Company Sanofi-aventis Ukraine LLC Ukraine  100 

                  (1)

                  Partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb (see Note C.1.).

                  (1)
                  Partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb (see Note C.1.).

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  United States



                  Financial interest
                  %

                  %


                   
                  Armour Pharmaceutical Co.Company (US) United States  100 
                  Aventis Inc. (US) United States  100 
                  Aventisub Inc. (US) United States  100 
                  Aventis Holdings Inc. (US) United States  100 
                  Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (US) United States  100 
                  BiPar Sciences IncInc.  United States  100 
                  Carderm Capital L.P. (US) United States  100 
                  Chattem Inc. United States  100 
                  Chattem (Canada) Holdings, Inc.Merial, Limited United States  100 
                  HBA Indemnity Insurance, LtdMerial Select, Inc. United States100
                  Sanofi US Services Inc.  United States  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis US Inc.United States100
                  Sanofi-Aventis US LLC.LLC United States  100 
                  Sanofi Pasteur Biologics, Co.LLC United States  100 
                  Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (US) United States  100 
                  Sanofi-SynthélaboSanofi-Synthelabo Inc. United States  100 
                  Signal Investment & Management Co.United States100
                  SunDex,Sundex, LLC United States  100 
                  TargeGen Inc. United States  100 

                  Sanofi Pasteur VaxDesign Corporation

                   United States  100 
                  Vaxserve Inc.BMP Sunstone Corporation (US) United States  100 
                  Genzyme CorporationUnited States100
                  Sanofi-Topaz Inc. United States100
                  VaxServe, Inc. (US)United States100


                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Other countries

                  Financial interest
                  %

                   
                  Sanofi-Aventis South Africa (Pty) Ltd South Africa  100 
                  Winthrop Pharmaceuticals (Pty) LtdLimited South Africa  100 
                  Winthrop Pharma Saïdal S.P.A. Algeria  70 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Algérie Algeria  100 
                  Merial Argentina S.A. Argentina100
                  Sanofi-Aventis Argentina S.A. Argentina  100 
                  Quimica Medical S.A.Argentina Sociedad Anonima Comercial E Industrial Argentina  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Limited Australia  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi-aventis Healthcare Holdings Pty Ltd Australia  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi-aventis Healthcare Pty Ltd Australia  100 
                  Bullivant’sBullivant's Natural Health Products (International) Pty Ltd Australia  100 
                  Bullivant’sBullivant's Natural Health Products Pty Ltd Australia  100 
                  CenovisCENOVIS Pty Ltd Australia  100 
                  MCP Direct Pty Ltd Australia  100 
                  Carlson Health Pty Ltd Australia100
                  Merial Australia Pty, LtdAustralia100
                  MERIAL SAUDE ANIMAL LTDABrazil  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Comercial e Logistica Ltda Brazil  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Farmaceutica Ltda Brazil  100 
                  Medley Comercial e Logistica Ltda Brazil  100 
                  Medley S.A. Industria Farmaceutica Ltda Brazil  100 
                  Sanofi Pasteur LimitedMerial Canada, Inc.  Canada  100 
                  Sanofi Pharma General PartnershipPasteur Limited (Canada) Canada  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc. Canada  100 
                  Chattem (Canada) Corp.Canada100
                  Chattem Canada ULCCanada100
                  Chattem CanadaSanofi Consumer Health Inc./Sanofi Santé Grand Public Inc.  Canada  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis de Chile SA Chile  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Pharma BeijingSanofi China Investment Co., Ltd. China100
                  Sanofi (Beijing) Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd China  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi (Hangzhou) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd China  100 
                  Shenzhen Sanofi Pasteur Biological Products Co. Ltd China  100 
                  Hangzhou Sanofi Minsheng Consumer Healthcare Co., Ltd China  60
                  MERIAL ANIMAL HEALTH CO. LTDChina99
                  Sunstone Fulai (Tangshan) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. China100 
                  Winthrop Pharmaceuticals de Colombia SA Colombia  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis de Colombia SAS.A Colombia  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventissanofi-aventis Korea Co. Ltd Korea  91100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Gulf F.Z.E. United Arab Emirates  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi Egypt SAES.A.E Egypt  10099.8 
                  Sanofi-Aventis del Ecuador S.A.S.A Ecuador  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventissanofi-aventis de Guatemala S.A. Guatemala  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSunstone China limitedHong Kong100
                  Sanofi-aventis Hong Kong Limited Hong Kong  100 
                  Sanofi-SynthélaboSanofi-Synthelabo (India) Ltd India  100 
                  Aventis Pharma LtdSanofi India Limited India  60.4 
                  Shantha Biotechnics Ltd India  96.497 
                  PT Sanofi-Aventis IndonesiaSANOFI AVENTIS INDONESIA Indonesia  100

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  Other countriesFinancial interest
                  %
                   
                  PT Aventis Pharma Indonesia  75 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi K.K. Japan  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Meiji Pharmaceuticals Co LtdJapan51 

                  Table of Contents


                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Winthrop Pharmaceutical Japan Co LtdJapan100
                  Other countries

                  Financial interest
                  %

                   
                  Sanofi-Aventis Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Inc.Meiji Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd Japan  51 
                  Sanofi Pasteur K.K.Kabushiki KaishaJapan100
                  Merial JAPAN LTDJapan80
                  Genzyme JP KK Japan  100 
                  Winthrop Pharmaceuticals (Malaysia) SDN.BHDSDN-BHD Malaysia  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis (Malaysia) SDN.BHDSdn Bhd Malaysia  100 
                  Maphar Morocco  80.6 
                  Sanofi-Aventis (Maroc)Maroc Morocco  100 
                  Merial de Mexico S.A. de C.V. Mexico100
                  Sanofi Pasteur SA de CV (Mexico)Mexico100
                  Sanofi-Aventis de Mexico SAS.A de CV Mexico  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Winthrop SA de CV Mexico  100 
                  Winthrop Pharmaceuticals de Mexico SA de CVLaboratorios Kendrick S.A.  Mexico  100 
                  Laboratorios Kendrick S.A.Mexico100
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi Aventis Pakistan Ltd Pakistan  5352.9 
                  Sanofi-Aventis de Panama S.A. Panama  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Latin America SA Panama  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventissanofi-aventis del Peru S.A.SA Peru  100 
                  Chattem Peru S.R.L. Peru  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Philippines Inc.Inc Philippines  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis de la Rep.Republica Dominicana S.A. Dominican Rep.  100 
                  Aventis Pharma (Manufacturing) Pte. Ltd Singapore  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Singapore Pte.Pte Ltd Singapore  100 
                  Sanofi-AventisSanofi Taiwan Co.Co Ltd Taiwan  100 
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo (Thailand) Ltd Thailand  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventissanofi-aventis (Thailand) Ltdltd Thailand  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis Pharma Tunisie Tunisia  100 
                  Winthrop Pharma Tunisie Tunisia  100 
                  Sanofi-Aventis de Venezuela SA Venezuela  100 
                  Sanofi-Synthélabo Vietnam Pharmaceutical Shareholding CoCompany Vietnam  70 
                  Sanofi-Aventissanofi-aventis Vietnam Co. LtdCompany Limited Vietnam  100 

                          

                  The Group has also consolidated Merial and its subsidiaries since September 18, 2009, the date on which control was acquired (see Note D.8.1.D.8.2.).

                  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

                  Year ended December 31, 2010

                  F.2. Principal associates and joint ventures



                  Financial interest
                  %

                   
                  InfraServInfraserv GmbH & Co Höchst KG Germany  31.2 
                  Bristol-Myers Squibb / Squibb/Sanofi Canada Partnership Canada  49.9 
                  Bristol-Myers Squibb / Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership United States  49.9 
                  Bristol-Myers Squibb / Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership United States  49.9 
                  Bristol-Myers Squibb / Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership Puerto Rico United States  49.9 
                  Bristol-Myers Squibb / Squibb/Sanofi-Synthélabo Partnership United States  49.9 
                  Bristol-Myers Squibb / Squibb/Sanofi-Synthélabo Puerto Rico Partnership United States  49.9 
                  Sanofi Pasteur MSD S.N.C. France  50 
                  Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves RocherFrance39.1 

                  F-126