Sanofi-Aventis boosted its presence in emerging markets by agreeing to acquire Indian vaccines maker, Shantha Biotechnics, through Mérieux’s French subsidiary, ShanH. Sanofi then followed up with another deal to acquire Merck & Co’s 50% stake in animal health company, Merial, with the option to make Merial a member of the Merck and Intervet/Schering-Plough joint venture.