DULUTH, Georgia, January 8 /PRNewswire/ --

- Expanded service offering combines vaccines with latest delivery technology - an added value for customers

MERIAL Limited has grown its avian business by becoming the exclusive distributor and technical service provider of the innovative in ovo injection systems of AviTech, LLC. As a result, Merial can now offer world-wide poultry customers its portfolio of avian vaccines together with the latest in ovo technology.

Merial is one of the largest global avian vaccines companies. It has a long-standing commitment to the poultry industry and, through close ties with producers, has developed extensive expertise to serve customers. Merial is a leader in the production of vaccines for the treatment of prevalent diseases, such as Marek's Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease, that are especially suitable for in ovo administration. Merial already supports its vaccine operations through the development and service of administration devices; these activities are now complemented by its exclusive distribution of AviTech's IntelliJect(R) and ManualJect(TM) in ovo injection systems.

Said Merial's Global Head of Avian, Alain Wille: Merial has long recognized the value of working with the industry to make our products available conveniently and efficiently. The in ovo route is becoming ever more important and we are delighted to partner with AviTech. The key to our future success will be ensuring our customers reap the benefits of combining vaccines and delivery technology in one package. A major factor here will be our ability to provide a single interface for technical aspects of our vaccines and the equipment that administers them.

Said AviTech President, Rafael Correa: The synergies of AviTech's high quality engineered solutions and Merial's remarkable product and service reputation will provide the industry the quality performance it needs now more than ever.

About Merial

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5,400 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were more than US$2.6 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com

About AviTech

AviTech (www.avitechllc.com) is a poultry equipment manufacturer that provides engineered solutions for the poultry industry. AviTech has gained rapid popularity by utilizing the latest technology and implementing innovative, user friendly designs in its equipment. AviTech's current leading equipment line consists of the IntelliJect(R) and ManualJect(TM) systems.

About in ovo technology

Automated in ovo technology is quickly becoming a standard procedure for broiler vaccination in the hatchery thereby offering improved biosecurity, greater consistency in dosage delivery of the vaccine, and superior cost effectiveness. Vaccine manufacturers today are looking to develop their new products to be administered via the in ovo method.

IntelliJect(R) is a technologically advanced in ovo injection system designed for medium to large hatcheries. It utilizes high precision manufacturing to deliver a fully automated in ovo injection and transfer system.

ManualJect(TM) features the same in ovo injection benefits as IntelliJect(R); however the transfer is done manually allowing the system to be more affordable for small hatcheries.

IntelliJect(R) and ManualJect(TM) are registered or registration pending trademarks of AviTech, LLC in the United States.

Natasha Joseph, Merial, USA, +1-678-638-3681, natasha.joseph@merial.com; Philip Connolly, Merial, UK, +44-1279-775846, philip.connolly@merial.com