The French laboratory has chosen to open exclusive negotiations with the American CD&R, which offered more than 15 billion euros to acquire “50% or more” of its subsidiary Opella, which notably produces Doliprane.
The French Minister in charge of Industry, Marc Ferracci, “taken note” Thursday October 10 in the evening of the decision of the pharmaceutical group Sanofi, reported by the media, to enter into exclusive negotiations with the American fund CD&R as part of the sale of Opella – which produces Doliprane. “After the announcement in the press of Sanofi’s choice to pursue exclusive discussions with CD&R in the context of the sale of Opella”the minister “takes note of this decision, while reminding both parties of the government’s points of vigilance, both economically and health-wise”according to a reaction sent to AFP by his ministry.
The economic newspaper The Echoes reported that Sanofi’s board of directors decided “to initially open 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.
This proposed sale does not call into question either 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. »
Marc Ferracci, French Minister in charge of Industry
Marc Ferracci describes CD&R as “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 “maintaining the headquarters and decision-making centers on the national territory” et “the French industrial footprint of Opella”. In his statement, the minister repeats that “the State mobilizes all the tools at its disposal”, including the procedure for controlling foreign investments in France. “This proposed sale does not call into question either 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 The Echoesthat Sanofi keeps a very significant share of the capital, since“he could remain invested at around half of his division”.
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