In a deal that would no doubt bring a smile to the faces of some investment bankers, Sanofi-Aventis is reportedly preparing for an American acquisition that could be worth $20 billion.
According to Bloomberg News, which cited people with knowledge of the situation, the chief executive of the French drug giant, Chris Viehbacher, briefed the board on the potential deal this week, although the news service cautioned that the process is its early stages and a deal may not be reached.