Hoechst AG was a major German chemical and pharmaceutical company founded in 1863. It became one of the largest chemical firms in Europe, known for producing a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and agricultural chemicals. The company played a significant role in the development of various medical treatments and innovations. In the late 1990s, Hoechst AG underwent significant restructuring and merged with Rhone-Poulenc, a French company, to form Aventis. This merger marked a shift in focus towards biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, leading to the eventual creation of Sanofi, one of the world's largest healthcare companies.