It is an object of the present invention to provide (1) a process for manufacturing alkali metal salts of 2-[{4-(3-methoxypropoxy)-3-methylpyridin-2- yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole which are useful as gastric acid secretion inhibitors, anti-ulcer agents and other drugs and (2) salts of 2-[{4-(3- methoxypropoxy)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole with amines which are intermediates for the production of the alkali metal salts, and a process for manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, disclosed are salts represented by the following formula (I): (wherein A+ represents an isopropylammonium ion, sec-butylammonium ion or cyclopentylammonium ion).
