The economic newspaper “Les Echos” reported that the board of directors of Sanofi decided “to open, initially, exclusive discussions with the American fund”, which offered more than 15 billion euros to acquire “50% or more” of the French group’s consumer health subsidiary.
Sanofi has not confirmed but a communication is planned for Friday.
Doliprane, Lysopaine and Maalox
This activity, which includes more than a hundred brands, including Doliprane, Dulcolax, Lysopaïne, and even Maalox, is present in 150 countries. It achieved a turnover of 5.2 billion euros in 2023.
Marc Ferracci describes CD&R as a “serious investment fund which presents positive prospects for the overall development of Opella as well as for the sites established in France”.
He also recalls “that a certain number of economic commitments will be required from Sanofi and the future buyer CD & R” aimed at guaranteeing the “maintenance of the headquarters and decision-making centers on the national territory” and “the French industrial footprint of Opella”.
Production in France maintained
In his statement, the minister repeats that “the State is mobilizing all the tools at its disposal” including the procedure for controlling foreign investments in France.
“This proposed sale calls into question neither the production in France of Doliprane or other essential medicines produced by Opella in our territory, nor the supply of these medicines to the market,” he assures. “This is naturally part of the commitments requested.”
Sanofi has been thinking since fall 2023 about how it will separate from this entity. Facing the American fund, another offer was led by the French fund PAI Partners.
The pharmaceutical group is due to release its quarterly financial results next week.
