SANOFI-AVENTIS has not changed its offer of US$69 per share for drug maker Genzyme, a Sanofi spokesman said yesterday, declining to comment on a report that it had lined up more financing for its bid.

"We have one offer at $69. No other offer has been made ... We would like to enter into a dialogue," said Sanofi spokesman Jean-Marc Podvin. He declined to comment on a Wall Street Journal report released over the weekend that said Sanofi-Aventis had lined up more financing from Citigroup and Bank of America Corp. Sanofi has said it already has financing from J.P. Morgan Chase & Co, BNP Paribas SA and Societe Generale SA.

The French drug maker wants to reach a friendly agreement but has not ruled out a hostile offer made directly to Genzyme shareholders, sources previously told Reuters. Last month, Genzyme rejected Sanofi's offer as dramatically undervaluing the company.