Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA) said it has completed its takeover of U.S. biotechnology company Genzyme Corp (GENZ.O), whose shares will cease trading on the Nasdaq as of the market close on Friday. The companies agreed in February on a deal worth about $20.1 billion. The acquisition gives Sanofi access to Genzyme's business in treating rare diseases and is expected to help the company combat sales erosion from drugs facing cheap generic competition. [ID:nLDE71F046] Sanofi said more than 237 million Genzyme shares were tendered in the transaction, representing 89.4 percent of outstanding shares. Sanofi then exercised a top-up option, resulting in ownership of more than 90 percent of Genzyme's shares.
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