Merial is a multinational animal health company. It is a joint venture between Merck & Co. (MSD AgVet) an Sanofi-Aventis (Rhône-Mérieux), and was founded in 1997. Merial produces pharmaceutical products and vaccines for livestock, pets and wildlife. Merial employs approximately 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2006 sales were nearly $2.2 billion.