The end of Doliprane under the French flag? The Minister in charge of Industry, Marc Ferracci, “took note” Thursday evening of the decision of the pharmaceutical group Sanofi, reported by several media, to initiate exclusive negotiations with the American fund CD-R as part of the sale of Opella (Doliprane).
“After the announcement in the press of Sanofi’s choice to pursue exclusive discussions with CD-R as part of the sale of Opella”, the minister “takes note of this decision, while reminding both parties of the points of vigilance of the government, both economically and health-wise,” according to a reaction sent to AFP by his ministry.
The economic newspaper Les Echos reported that Sanofi’s board of directors decided “to open, as a first step, 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.
Contacted by AFP, Sanofi did not confirm but specified that communication is planned for Friday.
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.
“A certain number of economic commitments will be required”
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 industrial footprint French of Opella”.
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.
The CD&R project provides, according to Les Échos, that Sanofi retains a very significant share of the capital, since “it could remain invested at around half of its division”.
