The German group BAYER and Franco-German group AVENTIS are to create a joint venture in blood plasma by pooling their activities in this sector. The new entity will thus bring together the activities of AVENTIS BEHRING (turnover EUR 1.13 billion with 6,500 employed) and those of BAYER BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS (turnover EUR 1.2 billion with 2,800 employed), a majority stake of which will be held by BAYER. It may see the light of day early 2003 and become a leader in its sector.