In a reaction vessel, 2-[4-(2-{4-[1-(2-ethoxy-ethyl)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-ethyl)-phenyl]-2-methyl-propionic acid ethylester (2.3 g) prepared in the Example 15, sodium hydroxide (0.6 g) and ethyl alcohol (13 mL) were introduced, and the mixture was reacted at 50-55□ for 3 hours. Distilled water (20 mL) was added thereto, and acetic acid was added to control the pH to 7. Ethylacetate (50 mL) was added thereto, and the mixture was stirred to separate layers. The separated organic layer was condensed under reduced pressure. And, butanol (9 mL) was added and dissolved by heating. And then, it was cooled to precipitate crystals, and the crystals were filtered under reduced pressure to obtain 2-[4-(2-{4-[1-(2-ethoxy-ethyl)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-ethyl)-phenyl]-2-methyl-propionic acid (1.84 g, yield 85%, HPLC purity 99% or more).
