The announcement was made Thursday October 10, 2024: the French laboratory Sanofi begins negotiations with the American fund CD & R, which should take over a share (equal or majority) of Opella, the entity which markets non-prescription drugs like , in particular, Doliprane, but also food supplements. This separation had already been announced.
Sanofi favored the American giant, while the French investment fund PAI Partners (allied to the sovereign funds of Abu Dhabi and Singapore) also had an offer on the table.
The CGT denounces “destructive” practices
On the Lisieux site, where almost all of Doliprane is produced, reactions were quick, particularly from union representatives: “These destructive practices consist of maximizing profits for shareholders by trampling on workers,” ensures the CGT Sanofi. The sale of Opela would threaten “not only the future of employees, but also access to care for patients, the maintenance of employment and industrial production in France and in Europe”.
Same story with Thierry Van Boxstael, new co-secretary of the local union of the CGT of Lisieux, who was an employee of Sanofi for thirty-five years and a union delegate: “They are going to squeeze the lemon, want to reduce costs on everything they can, suppliers, have state aid on all sides, reduce staff costs, reset the agreements. When they no longer have money, they will resell the product, the premises or produce elsewhere. »
The elected officials shared
Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, deputy for 3e constituency of Calvados, indicates having “officially seized Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy, Marc Ferracci, Minister Delegate in charge of Industry and Geneviève Darrieussecq, Minister of Health to alert them to this decision which may call into question our health security and the industrial sovereignty of the France […] Solid guarantees must be provided by the American buyer. » The MP also mentions “a threat” for the 250 jobs at the Lexovian factory.
Sébastien Leclerc, mayor of Lisieux, specifies that he “exchanged at length with the leaders in recent days”. He recalls that 20 million euros were recently invested on this site “very profitable”, and that “Twenty jobs will be created. The idea is to go from a production of 260 million boxes to 400 million [par an, NDLR] », with an internationally oriented strategy. It remains only to “short and medium term”, the councilor is not “not worried” for Lisieux. “Today, there is no danger, but once the sale is concluded, it will be different,” puts Johann Nicolas, union delegate, into perspective.
“No impact on jobs” according to management
The management wants to be reassuring: “Regarding Opella, we have always been very clear: there will be no impact on jobs, on industrial sites in France, or on the future of Doliprane, explains Nicolas Obrist, media relations manager for Sanofi. It is Opella’s second largest brand in global revenue, while Doliprane is only marketed in France. It wouldn’t make sense to stop production here! »
“No decision has been made at this time. assures Nicolas Obrist, the deal is not finalized. » Management assures that in the event of a confirmed sale, social dialogue will be immediately put in place.
A strike on the site from Monday
“To mark the occasion”, the local CGT union calls for a strike on the Lexovian site, Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We’re not forcing anyone, we just want to know what the employees want to do. It’s important for their future! »
The Minister of Industry reacts
The new Minister Delegate in charge of Industry reacted immediately to this sensitive issue. He evokes “a serious investment fund” but assures “that a certain number of economic commitments will be required from Sanofi and the future buyer CD & R. These aim in particular to guarantee the maintenance of the headquarters and decision-making centers on the national territory, and to preserve the French industrial footprint of Opella. »
According to Marc Ferracci, “this proposed sale does not call into question either the production in France of Doliprane or other essential medicines, nor the market supply of these medicines”.
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