Sanofi Hostile Genzyme Bid Unlikely With Plant Woes

Sanofi-Aventis SA is unlikely to make a hostile takeover bid for Genzyme Corp. because that wouldn’t allow a full review of manufacturing changes made after a plant contamination caused drug shortages, analysts said.

Genzyme said in a regulatory filing it may take as long as four years to finish fixes requested by U.S. regulators. “A potential deal is only possible after Sanofi has the opportunity for full due diligence,” said Michael Leuchten, an analyst with Barclays Capital in London, in a research report today.