CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL PROFILE

Who is Merial ?
Merial is an innovation-driven leader in the provision of products and solutions which enhance the health, well-being and performance of animals.

What is Merial's vision?
Merial will be the recognised benchmark in providing value to our customers, employees and shareholders

When was Merial founded?
Merial was founded on 1 August 1997 through the merger of the animal health businesses of Merck and Co., Inc. and Aventis S.A.

How many people are employed by Merial?
Merial employs more than 6,500 people.

What are Merial's total sales?
Total 1999 sales exceeded $1.6 billion.

Who leads Merial's senior management team?
Alan Reade is the Executive Chairman.

Who are Merial's shareholders?
Merial is jointly owned by Merck and Co., Inc. and Aventis S.A., both of which are worldwide leaders in the life sciences.

Does Merial have a stock market listing?
No. Merial is a fully-integrated, free standing company jointly owned by Merck and Co., Inc. and Aventis S.A., which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Paris Stock Exchange respectively.

PRODUCTS

Which are Merial's leading products?
Merial strives to have leading products in all markets. Among the best known are Merial's ivermectin-based IVOMEC® and EPRINEX® products for beef and dairy cattle, sheep and swine. Together, they constitute the most successful family of pharmaceuticals in the history of the animal health industry.

FRONTLINE®, based on the revolutionary molecule fipronil, is the world's best-selling flea and tick treatment for cats and dogs. Merial's innovative HEARTGARD® products protect dogs and cats from deadly heartworm disease.

MARKETS

In which countries does Merial operate?
With Worldwide Headquarters in London, Merial is present in more than 150 countries across five continents and operates 30 subsidiaries.

Which are Merial's main markets?
Merial's main markets are: the United States, France, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Benelux, Germany, Australia and Argentina.

What is Merial's main customer base?
Merial's customers include veterinarians, pet owners, farmers and food animal producers everywhere.

INNOVATION

What is the size of Merial's R & D investment?
Merial has the largest Research & Development investment in the animal health industry. In 1998, our R & D spend was more than $135 million.

What areas of R & D is Merial focusing on?
Merial is advancing in four main categories: parasiticides; antibiotics; products for treating chronic conditions in companion animals; and a miscellaneous group including coccidiosis control and performance enhancers.

Merial is also commited to the discovery and development of new biological products employing conventional and novel technologies for use in a broad range of animal species.