An improved process for the manufacture of fexofenadine is described in which a compound of formula (F): wherein R.sub.2 represents COOH, COO--C.sub.1-6 alkyl or CN; and R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, mesylate, triflate, tosylate or carboxy-C.sub.1-6-alkyl, or a salt thereof is prepared by: (I) reacting a compound of formula (B): wherein R1 represents hydrogen or carboxy-C.sub.1-6-alkyl; and R.sub.2 is a hereinbefore defined, with a copper and/or silver compound in the presence of palladium or a compound thereof to yield a compound of formula (C): wherein R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are as hereinbefore defined; (II) converting said compound of formula (C) into a compound of formula (E): wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as hereinbefore defined and R.sub.4 represents a halogen atom, and (III) reacting said compound of formula (E) with azacyclonol.