Merial and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc announced a long-term strategic alliance for their animal health business in the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, Merial will have exclusive rights to sell in the United States, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc's new pharmaceutical products for companion animals. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica is well known in the US market for its swine, cattle and equine portfolio. It is expected that the first products from this business alliance will be made available in 2003.

"This marks another milestone in Merial's history," said Tom Zerzan, Vice President of Merial's companion animal business in North America. "The commercialization agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica demonstrates our continued commitment to seek newer and innovative ways to expand our services and product portfolio for veterinarians."

Merial makes several companion animal health products that are considered gold standards including market-leading Frontline for flea-and-tick control, Heartgard, the leading heartworm preventative and Imrab, the leading rabies vaccine. In addition, Merial invests significant resources in support of the veterinarian community in North America.

"We see this close cooperation as a perfect match for our two companies. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has successfully established a differentiated pet line in Europe. This will now be launched in the US with Merial as a highly competent partner. With their sales and marketing clout, as well as their depth of technical support, Merial is the leader in bringing innovative products to the market. We are proud to work with Merial to bring our exciting new companion animal products to America's veterinarians," said George Heidgerken, President & COO Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.