RHONE POULENC RORER INC
S-3, 1995-03-24
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
Previous: MEDIA GENERAL INC, 10-K405, 1995-03-24
Next: RHONE POULENC RORER INC, DEF 14A, 1995-03-24



<PAGE>
 
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 1995
                                                             Registration No.33-
================================================================================
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                                 ____________
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                               _________________
                           RHONE-POULENC RORER INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        PENNSYLVANIA                                             23-1699163
(State or other jurisdiction of                                (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

                                500 ARCOLA ROAD
                     COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 19426-0107
                                (610) 454-8000
    (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,including area code,
                 of registrant's principal executive offices)

                              RICHARD T. COLLIER
                   SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                           RHONE-POULENC RORER INC.
                                500 ARCOLA ROAD
                     COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 19426-0107
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)

                        Copy of all communications to:
                               James W. Jennings
                            Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
                             2000 One Logan Square
                         Philadelphia, PA  19103-6993
                                (215) 963-5276

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:  As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
====================================================================================================================
    TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF        AMOUNT TO BE       PROPOSED                  PROPOSED MAXIMUM       AMOUNT OF
  SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED     REGISTERED         MAXIMUM OFFERING   AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE   REGISTRATION FEE
                                                   PRICE PER UNIT (1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                             <C>              <C>                  <C>                        <C> 
  Common shares without
  par value (stated value            78,130             $42.25                $3,300,992.50            $1,138.27
  $1.00 per share)
====================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 
(1)     Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) solely for the purpose of calculating 
the registration fee, based upon the average of the high and low prices at which
common shares of the Company were reported on the New York Stock Exchange on 
March 21, 1995.

                         ____________________________
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>
 
                                  PROSPECTUS

                             78,130 Common Shares
                without par value (stated value $1.00 per share)


                           RHONE-POULENC RORER INC.



                           _________________________


                    Up to 78,130 common shares (the "Shares"), without par value
(stated value $1.00 per share) of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. (the "Company") are
being offered on behalf of a selling shareholder named herein (the "Selling
Shareholder"). The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of
the Shares. The Company will bear the costs of the offering.

                    The Company has been advised that the Selling Shareholder
expects to offer the Shares for sale on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE")
through brokers and dealers to be selected by it and at prices and on terms then
prevailing or in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The Selling
Shareholder and the brokers and dealers through whom sales of the Shares are
made may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and their commissions or discounts
and other compensation may be regarded as underwriters' compensation.

                    The Company's common shares are listed and traded on the
NYSE under the symbol "RPR," and are traded, unlisted, on the Philadelphia,
Boston, Pacific and Midwest Stock Exchanges. On March 21, 1995, the last
reported closing price of the Company's common shares on the NYSE was $42.25 per
share.


                               _________________

           THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY
              THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
                COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
                  OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO
                      THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                               _________________

                        The date of this Prospectus is
<PAGE>
 
                 No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to
give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained
in this Prospectus, in connection with the offering contained herein, and, if
given or made, such information and representations must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Company. This Prospectus does not constitute an
offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered
hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such
offer in such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale
made hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there
has been no change in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof.


                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

                 This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of a Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") filed by the Company with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities
Act, omits certain of the information set forth in the Registration Statement.
Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits
thereto for further information with respect to the Company and the securities
offered hereby. Copies of the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto
are on file at the offices of the Commission and may be obtained upon payment of
the prescribed fee or may be examined without charge at the public reference
facilities of the Commission described below. Statements contained herein
concerning the provisions of documents are necessarily summaries of such
documents, and each statement is qualified in its entirety by references to the
copy of the applicable document filed with the Commission.

                 The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in
accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facility maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at
the Commission's regional offices located at Seven World Trade, New York, New
York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can be obtained in person from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at its principal office located
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

                 The following documents or portions of documents filed by the
Company with the Commission are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:

                 (a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1994 which contains or incorporates by reference
certified financial statements and financial statement schedules for the
Company's latest fiscal year, as amended.

                 (b) All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act since the end of the Company's fiscal year ended December 31,
1994.

                 (c) The description of the Company's common shares which is
contained in a registration statement filed under the Exchange Act, including
any amendment or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

                 All reports and other documents subsequently filed by the
Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act,
prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all
securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities
remaining unsold, shall be

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the
date of the filing of such reports and documents.

                 The Company will provide a copy of any or all of such documents
(exclusive of exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference therein), without charge, to each person to whom this Prospectus is
delivered upon written or oral request to Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, 500 Arcola Road,
Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0107, telephone number (610) 454-8000, Attn:
Investor Relations.

                 Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY

                 Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (the
"Company"), has its principal executive offices at 500 Arcola Road,
Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0107, and its telephone number is (610) 454-
8000.



                              SELLING SHAREHOLDER

                 All of the Shares being offered hereby are owned by Davenport
Plasma Center Inc., an Iowa corporation (the "Selling Shareholder"), which is
located at 202 General Gardner Avenue, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501. As of the
date of this Prospectus, the Selling Shareholder beneficially owned 78,130
common shares of the Company, which constitutes less than 1% of the outstanding
common shares of the Company. After the sale of all of the Shares offered
hereby, the Selling Shareholder will not own any common shares of the Company.
The Shares are being registered to permit public secondary trading of the
Shares, and the Selling Shareholder may offer the Shares for resale from time to
time. See "Plan of Distribution."

                 The Shares being offered by the Selling Shareholder were
acquired from the Company in a private transaction on September 7, 1994 in
connection with the purchase by the Company of certain assets of the Selling
Shareholder.

                 The Company has filed with the Commission, under the Act, a
Registration Statement on Form S-3, of which this Prospectus forms a part, with
respect to the resale of the Shares from time to time on the NYSE or in
privately-negotiated transactions and has agreed to prepare and file such
amendments and supplements to the Registration Statement as may be necessary to
keep the Registration Statement effective until the Shares are no longer
required to be registered for the sale thereof by the Selling Shareholder.



                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

                 The Shares offered hereby by the Selling Shareholder may be
sold from time to time by the Selling Shareholder, or by pledgees, donees,
transferees or other successors in interest. Such sales may be made on the NYSE
or otherwise at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the
then-current market price, or in negotiated transactions. The Shares may be sold
by one or more of the following methods, without limitation: (a) a block trade
in which the broker-dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the Shares as agent
but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate
the transaction; (b) purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by
such broker or dealer for its account pursuant to this Prospectus; (c) ordinary
brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers;
and (d) face-to-face transactions between the Selling Shareholder and purchasers
without a broker-dealer. In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the
Selling Shareholder may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate.
Such brokers or dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the Selling
Shareholder in amounts to be negotiated immediately prior to the sale. Such
brokers or dealers and any other participating brokers or dealers may be deemed
to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, in connection
with such sales. In addition, any securities covered by this Prospectus that
qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 might be sold under Rule 144 rather than
pursuant to this Prospectus.

                 Upon the Company being notified by the Selling Shareholder that
a material arrangement has been entered into with a broker or dealer for the
sale of shares through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution or
secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, a supplemented
Prospectus will be filed, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(c) under the
Securities Act, disclosing (a) the name of each such broker-dealer, (b) the
number of shares involved, (c) the price at which such shares were sold, (d) the

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to such broker-dealer(s),
where applicable, (e) that such broker-dealer(s) did not conduct any
investigation to verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus, as supplemented, and (f) other facts material to the
transaction.

                    The Company is bearing all costs relating to the
registration of the Shares (other than fees and expenses, if any, of counsel or
other advisers to the Selling Shareholder). Any commissions, discounts or other
fees payable to broker-dealers in connection with any sale of the Shares will be
borne by the Selling Shareholder selling such Shares.

                    The Company and the Selling Shareholder have entered into an
agreement whereby the Selling Shareholder has advised the Company that during
such times the Selling Shareholder may be deemed to be engaged in a distribution
of the common shares, and therefore an "underwriter" under the Securities Act,
such Selling Shareholder will comply with the applicable rules under the
Exchange Act.


                                 LEGAL OPINION

                    The validity of the common shares offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by Richard B. Young, Vice President and Secretary of
the Company.     



                                    EXPERTS

                    The audited consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedules of the Company incorporated in this Prospectus by reference
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1994 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the report,
which includes an explanatory paragraph regarding the change in accounting for
income taxes in 1992, of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent accountants,
given on the authority of that firm as experts in auditing and accounting.



                               MATERIAL CHANGES

                    There have been no material changes affecting the Company
and its affairs since the latest annual report to shareholders of the Company
which have not been described in a report filed under the Exchange Act.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

                              ___________________



Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.*
------------------------------------------------------ 

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                                         <C>    
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee......................................   $       1,138.27
Printing expenses............................................................................       3,000.00 **
Accountants' fees............................................................................       5,000.00 **
Legal fees...................................................................................       5,000.00 **
Miscellaneous................................................................................         500.00
                                                                                                    --------
                                                                                                
                                                                                                
   Total.................................................................................   $      14,638.27
</TABLE> 



        ____________

        *         No portion of these expenses will be borne by the Selling
                  Shareholder.
        **        Estimated amount.




        Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
        --------------------------------------------------- 

                    Sections 1741 et seq. of the Pennsylvania Business
        Corporation Law of 1988 (the "PBCL") provide that a business corporation
        may indemnify directors and officers against liabilities they may incur
        in such capacities provided certain standards are met, including good
        faith and the reasonable belief that the particular action is in, or not
        opposed to, the best interests of the corporation. In general, this
        power to indemnify does not exist in the case of actions against a
        director or officer by or in the right of the corporation if the person
        entitled to indemnification shall have been adjudged to be liable unless
        a court determines upon application that the person is fairly and
        reasonably entitled to indemnification despite the adjudication of
        liability. However, Section 1746 of the PBCL provides that the other
        sections of the law are not exclusive and that further indemnification
        may be provided by by-law, agreement or otherwise except where the act
        or failure to act giving rise to a claim for indemnification is
        determined by a court to have constituted willful misconduct or
        recklessness. The corporation is required to indemnify directors and
        officers against expenses they may incur in defending actions against
        themselves as such directors or officers if they are successful on the
        merits or otherwise in defense of such actions.

                    The shareholders of the Company have approved sections of
        the Company's By-laws to indemnify the directors and officers of the
        Company to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Company maintains,
        on behalf of its directors and officers, insurance protection against
        certain liabilities arising out of the discharge of their duties, as
        well as insurance covering the Company for indemnification payments made
        to its directors and officers for certain liabilities.

                                      II-1
<PAGE>

 
Item 16.  List of Exhibits.
-------------------------- 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Exhibit
  No.                               Exhibit
-------                             -------
  <C>       <S> 
   5.1      Opinion of Richard B. Young as to legality of securities to
            be issued.
            
  23.1      Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
            
  23.2      Consent of Richard B. Young (included in the opinion filed as
            Exhibit 5.1).
            
  24.1      Powers of Attorney.
</TABLE> 

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
Item 17.  Undertakings.
----------------------

                    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

                    (1) That, for purposes of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report
pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

                    (2) To deliver or cause to be delivered with the prospectus
to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report
to security holders that is incorporated by reference in the prospectus and
furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3
under the Exchange Act; and, where interim financial information required to be
presented by Article 3 of Regulation S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to
deliver, or cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent
or given, the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by
reference in the prospectus, to provide such interim financial information;

                    (3) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

                    (a) to include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3)
                    of the Securities Act of 1933;

                    (b) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
                    after the effective date of the registration statement (or
                    the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
                    individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
                    change in the information set forth in the registration
                    statement;

                    (c) to include any material information with respect to the
                    plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
                    registration statement or any material change to such
                    information in the registration statement;

          Provided, however, that paragraphs (3)(a) and (3)(b) do not apply if
          the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
          by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
          registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
          registration statement.

                    (4) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof;
 
                    (5) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering; and

                    (6) If the registrant is a foreign private issuer, to file a
post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial
statements required by Rule 3-19 of Regulation S-X at the start of any delayed
offering or throughout a continuous offering.

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
                    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.

                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

                    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Collegeville, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on
the 24th day of March, 1995.

                                 RHONE-POULENC RORER INC.


                                 By:   /s/ Robert E. Cawthorn
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                 Robert E. Cawthorn
                                 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                 (Principal Executive Officer)

                    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.



         SIGNATURE                        TITLE                       DATE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



  /s/ Robert E. Cawthorn         Chairman, Chief Executive        March 24, 1995
---------------------------
    Robert E. Cawthorn           Officer and Director



   /s/ Patrick Langlois          Senior Vice President and Chief  March 24, 1995
---------------------------
     Patrick Langlois            Financial Officer (Chief
                                 Accounting Officer)

                                 Director                         
---------------------------
   Jean-Jacques Bertrand



             *                   Director                         March 24, 1995
---------------------------
      Jean-Marc Bruel


             *                   Director, President and Chief    March 24, 1995
---------------------------
      Michel de Rosen            Operating Officer



                                 Director                         
---------------------------
   Charles-Henri Filippi


             *                   Director                         March 24, 1995
---------------------------
       Claude Helene



<PAGE>

                                 Director                         
---------------------------
     Michael H. Jordan



             *                   Director, Senior Vice            March 24, 1995
---------------------------
  Manfred E. Karobath, MD        President, Research and
                                 Development



                                 Director                         
---------------------------
        Igor Landau



             *                   Director                         March 24, 1995
---------------------------
       Peter J. Neff



                                 Director                         
---------------------------
      James S. Riepe


             *                   Director                         March 24, 1995
---------------------------
  Edward J. Stemmler, MD


             *                   Director                         March 24, 1995
---------------------------
   Jean-Pierre Tirouflet

                                                                
* By his signature set forth below, Richard B. Young, pursuant to duly
authorized powers of attorney filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
has signed this report on behalf of the persons whose signatures are printed
above, in the capacities set forth opposite their respective names.




/s/ Richard B. Young                Vice President & Secretary
----------------------------------
Richard B. Young                    (Attorney-in-fact)
                                                                  
                                                                  

Date:  March 24, 1995
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
Exhibit
  No.                           Exhibit                               Page No.
-------                         -------                               --------
<C>              <S>                                                  <C>  
  5.1            Opinion of Richard B. Young as to
                 legality of securities to be issued.
         
  23.1           Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
         
  23.2           Consent of Richard B. Young
                 (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).
         
  24.1           Powers of Attorney.
</TABLE>

                                     II-7

<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 5.1


[LOGO OF RHONE-POULENC RORER INC. APPEARS HERE]

[LETTERHEAD OF RHONE-POULENC RORER INC. APPEARS HERE]

                                       March 23, 1995

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc.
500 Arcola Road
P.O. Box 1200
Collegeville, PA 19426-0107

     Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-3
          for Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc.
          ----------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          I am Deputy General Counsel of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc., a
Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company"), and have participated in the
preparation of a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), relating to the offering of up
to 78,130 of the Company's common shares, without par value (the "Common
Shares"), all of which shares are owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc. (the
"Selling Shareholder"). I have examined such records, documents, statutes and
decisions as I have deemed relevant in rendering this opinion. In my examination
I have assumed the genuineness of documents submitted to me as originals and the
conformity with the original of all documents submitted to me as copies thereof.

          In my opinion, the Common Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder
are validly issue, fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares.

          The opinions set forth above are limited to the Business Corporation 
Law of 1988 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

          I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the 
Registration Statement.  In giving such opinion, I do not thereby admit that I 
am acting within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section
7 of the Act or the rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission thereunder.

                                       Very truly yours, 

        
                                       /s/ Richard B. Young
                                       Richard B. Young
          

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of 
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. and Subsidiaries on Form S-3 of our report, which 
includes an explanatory paragraph on the Company's change in its method of 
accounting for income taxes in 1992, dated January 20, 1995, on our audits of 
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of 
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and 
for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, which report is included 
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference into this 
registration statement.  We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the 
caption "Experts".




COOPERS & LYBRAND, L.L.P.



Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 23, 1995

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 24.1
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY




     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or 
officer of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Richard T. Collier, Patrick Langlois and Richard B. Young, and each
of them severally, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Registration Statements on
Form S-3 to be prepared in connection with a public offering of Common Shares of
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc., and any exhibits
thereto, and where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of said corporation
thereto and attest said seal, and to sign any and all amendments (including 
post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statements, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them severally, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agents or any of
them, of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th day
of January 1995.




                                                        /s/ Jean-Marc Bruel
                                                        ------------------------
                                                            Jean-Marc Bruel
<PAGE>
 
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY




     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or 
officer of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Richard T. Collier, Patrick Langlois and Richard B. Young, and each
of them severally, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Registration Statements on
Form S-3 to be prepared in connection with a public offering of Common Shares of
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc., and any exhibits
thereto, and where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of said corporation
thereto and attest said seal, and to sign any and all amendments (including 
post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statements, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them severally, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agents or any of
them, of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th day
of January 1995.




                                                        /s/ Michel de Rosen
                                                        ------------------------
                                                            Michel de Rosen

<PAGE>
 
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY




     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or 
officer of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Richard T. Collier, Patrick Langlois and Richard B. Young, and each
of them severally, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Registration Statements on
Form S-3 to be prepared in connection with a public offering of Common Shares of
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc., and any exhibits
thereto, and where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of said corporation
thereto and attest said seal, and to sign any and all amendments (including 
post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statements, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them severally, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agents or any of
them, of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th day
of January 1995.




                                                        /s/ Claude Helene
                                                        ------------------------
                                                            Claude Helene

<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY




     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or 
officer of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Richard T. Collier, Patrick Langlois and Richard B. Young, and each
of them severally, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Registration Statements on
Form S-3 to be prepared in connection with a public offering of Common Shares of
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc., and any exhibits
thereto, and where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of said corporation
thereto and attest said seal, and to sign any and all amendments (including 
post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statements, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them severally, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agents or any of
them, of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th day
of January 1995.




                                                        /s/ Manfred Karobath
                                                        ------------------------
                                                            Manfred Karobath

 

<PAGE>
 
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY




     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or 
officer of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Richard T. Collier, Patrick Langlois and Richard B. Young, and each
of them severally, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Registration Statements on
Form S-3 to be prepared in connection with a public offering of Common Shares of
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc., and any exhibits
thereto, and where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of said corporation
thereto and attest said seal, and to sign any and all amendments (including 
post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statements, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them severally, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agents or any of
them, of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th day
of January 1995.




                                                        /s/ Peter J. Neff
                                                        ------------------------
                                                            Peter J. Neff

<PAGE>
 
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY




     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or 
officer of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Richard T. Collier, Patrick Langlois and Richard B. Young, and each
of them severally, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Registration Statements on
Form S-3 to be prepared in connection with a public offering of Common Shares of
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc., and any exhibits
thereto, and where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of said corporation
thereto and attest said seal, and to sign any and all amendments (including 
post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statements, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them severally, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agents or any of
them, of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th day
of January 1995.




                                                         /s/ Edward J. Stemmler
                                                        ------------------------
                                                             Edward J. Stemmler

<PAGE>
 
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY




     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or 
officer of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Richard T. Collier, Patrick Langlois and Richard B. Young, and each
of them severally, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full 
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Registration Statements on
Form S-3 to be prepared in connection with a public offering of Common Shares of
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. owned by Davenport Plasma Center Inc., and any exhibits
thereto, and where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of said corporation
thereto and attest said seal, and to sign any and all amendments (including 
post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statements, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them severally, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agents or any of
them, of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th day
of January 1995.




                                                    /s/ Jean-Pierre Tirouflet
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                        Jean-Pierre Tirouflet



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission