A process for the preparation of trityl olmesartan comprising (a) condensing 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propyl-imidazol-5-carboxylic acid alkyl ester with trityl biphenyl bromide in the presence of a polar aprotic solvent and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal alkoxides, and tertiary amines to obtain a compound of formula V,
b) deesterifying the compound of formula (V) with a base; and c) reacting the product of step (b) with 4-halomethyl-5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolene of formula (IV),
wherein X is halogen selected from F or Cl or Br or I, to obtain trityl olmesartan medoxomil of formula. The trityl olmesartan medoxomil may be deprotected to produce olmesartan medoxomil.