BY Fraser Tennant
In a transaction with an enterprise value of €16bn, French drugmaker Sanofi is to sell a 50 percent controlling stake in its consumer health business Opella to US private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).
CD&R’s acquisition of Opella paves the way for the creation of a new, standalone leader in consumer healthcare, while supporting Sanofi’s strategy and increased focus on innovative medicines and vaccines.
French public investment bank Bpifrance is expected to become a minority shareholder, taking a stake of around 2 percent and a seat on the board of Opella.
“This is an exciting opportunity for CD&R to partner with Sanofi, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies,” said Eric Rouzier, partner and head of European Healthcare at CD&R. “Opella is differentiated by the quality of its brand portfolio and its highly skilled and motivated workforce.”
Headquartered in France, Opella employs over 11,000 people and operates in 100 countries with 13 manufacturing sites and four science and innovation development centres. With a portfolio of iconic brands, such as Allegra, Doliprane and Dulcolax, Opella is the third-largest business worldwide in the over-the-counter and vitamins, minerals and supplements market, serving more than half a billion consumers worldwide.
“This acquisition is a major and exciting milestone in Opella's journey,” said Julie Van Ongevalle, president and chief executive of Opella. “Partnering with CD&R will allow Opella to unlock its full development potential, to further drive value creation and deploy the exceptional talent of our teams to become a leading company in the fast-moving consumer healthcare space.”
The transaction, which is expected to close in Q2 2025 at the earliest, is subject to finalisation of definitive agreements, completion of the appropriate social processes and customary statutory approvals.
“We are proud of what Opella and its inspired people have already accomplished and are confident that the future will be even brighter,” concluded Mr Hudson. “We share the love and emotional attachment to Opella’s brands, hence our decision to remain vested in its future.”
News: Sanofi reaches deal on terms of sale of consumer health arm, say French government sources