The multinational pharma giant, Sanofi-Aventis (PSX: SAPL) was initially incorporated in 1967 as Hoechst Pakistan Limited. The company began manufacturing pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals in 1972 and listed itself on the KSE in 1977. In 1999, Hoechst AG and the French company Rhone Poulenc SA globally merged their life sciences business into a new company known as Aventis SA. Finally, in 2004, this new company was acquired by Sanofi Synthelabo to form Sanofi-Aventis.
Today, Sanofi stands as the 7th largest pharmaceutical in Pakistan, presently with a market share of around 3.5 percent. Its market capitalisation is north of Rs 20.4 billion. The company is in the business of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and consumer healthcare. It boasts household-name brands like Flagyl, Telefast, and Amaryl to name just a few, and is a leader in the field of diabetes.
Pattern of Shareholding
Over half of SAPL stock (53%) is in the hands of its holding company - one SECIPE, France, as per the company's reports. The ultimate parent of the group is Sanofi SA, France. The next sizeable chunk (19%) is with IGI Insurance. Just over four percent of SAPL stock is in the hands of the public. Little wonder then, that Sanofi-Aventis stock has the lowest turnover on the bourse.