Sanofi, France’s second-largest drug firm, is willing...

Sanofi, France’s second-largest drug firm, is willing to invest $500 million in the A. H. Robins Co. to gain entry to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. The Richmond Times Dispatch reported Sunday that Sanofi would pay cash to acquire a minority interest in Robins and would guarantee payment of a $2.47-billion trust for claims related to Robin’s Dalkon Shield intrauterine device. Robins has agreed to be acquired by the Rorer Group of Philadelphia for $2.6 billion, but the agreement allows Robins to hold discussions with other suitors.