Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical giant, is preparing to sell its over-the-counter (OTC) division, Opella, to U.S. investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). This deal, which values Opella at over €15 billion, has raised concerns in France, particularly about the future of Doliprane, the brand’s flagship product.
Despite reassurances from Sanofi that Doliprane production will remain in France, the French government is demanding guarantees from both Sanofi and CD&R to protect jobs and maintain industrial operations within the country.
The sale aligns with Sanofi’s broader strategy to focus on innovation and immunology, while Opella, with CD&R’s backing, aims to boost its growth in the global consumer healthcare market.
The future of this major transaction for the French pharmaceutical industry will depend heavily on the commitments made by the American fund regarding Opella’s operations in France.
