The Swiss NOVARTIS laboratory has officially declared that it is prepared to begin negotiations for the buyout of AVENTIS, on the condition that the French government remains neutral on the subject. AVENTIS is the subject of a hostile take-over to the tune of nearly EUR 48 bn by SANOFI SYNTHELABO. This transaction will bring the two French groups closer and meets the approval of the French government. NOVARTIS underlines that no figures for the deal have been mentioned for the possible...