U.S. biotechnology company Genzyme Corp (GENZ.O) and Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA) have executed a nondisclosure agreement, effectively giving the French company the ability to examine Genzyme's books as they continue talks on a possible merger. While the two companies previously disclosed they are in talks, Genzyme will be sharing certain nonpublic information with Sanofi, leading to the need for the agreement, according to a U.S. securities filing.Sanofi previously launched an $18.5 billion hostile offer to acquire Genzyme, which rejected the bid as too low."This is a critical step that will allow Sanofi to conduct official diligence," ISI Group analyst Mark Schoenebaum said. (Reporting by Lewis Krauskopf and Toni Clarke; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
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