Sanofi enters exclusive talks to sell 50% stake in Consumer Healthcare

Sanofi SA announced on Monday that it is engaged in exclusive discussions with a U.S. private equity firm regarding the sale of a stake in its consumer healthcare division, with the deal valuing the business at €16 billion.

Sanofi enters exclusive talks to sell 50% stake in Consumer Healthcare

The Paris-based healthcare company confirmed that it is negotiating exclusively with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC for a potential sale of a 50% controlling stake in its Opella consumer healthcare business. CD&R's offer is described as "binding and fully financed." Additionally, France’s state-owned investment bank Bpifrance will acquire a 2% stake, while Sanofi will remain a significant shareholder. Earlier this month, Sanofi had already disclosed its negotiations with CD&R, raising concerns among trade unions and politicians in France. In response to Sanofi's initial announcement, France's Ministry of Economics, Finance, and Industrial & Digital Sovereignty issued a statement expressing its "points of vigilance" regarding the potential deal. These concerns include the need to preserve Opella's French headquarters and industrial presence in the country, as well as ensuring France's "health security."

Bpifrance to acquire minority stake

On Monday, Sanofi reiterated that the deal would enhance Opella's goals as a "French-headquartered, global consumer healthcare champion." Opella’s product range includes Doliprane branded paracetamol, Allegra antihistamines, and Buscopan antispasmodics. "This new step in Opella’s journey lays the foundation for establishing a new, standalone leader in consumer healthcare while supporting Sanofi’s strategy and heightened focus on innovative medicines and vaccines," Sanofi stated on Monday. The company indicated that the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025 "at the earliest."