AEterna completes Zentaris merger

Quebec, Canada-based AEterna says that it has completed the integrationof its subsidiaries AEterna GmbH and Zentaris. The company acquired the latter unit from Germany's Degussa for $52 million during December 2002 (Marketletter January 6) and the successful completion of the merger has triggered the settling of the $40 million outstanding balance with Degussa. Separately, AEterna has entered into a $25 million loan agreement which will be used to support current operating activities at the company.