Sanofi-aventis has agreed to buy Swiss generics firm Helvepharm and has also acquired a controlling stake in the Indian vaccine manufacturer Shantha Biotechnics.

Financial details of the Helvepharma deal have not been disclosed but the company is reported to expect sales of 31 million Swiss francs this year.

The deal with Shantha has been valued at 550 million Euros and, under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi Pasteur will purchase a holding company that controls 80% of the company from Maerieux Alliance, a French biotech firm.