Bpifrance has acquired a 2% stake in Opella, a subsidiary of Sanofi, as part of its strategy to maintain influence in the pharmaceutical industry.
The investment, valued at 100 to 150 million euros, allows Bpifrance to actively participate in discussions and decisions regarding Opella"s future. However, it does not grant the bank blocking power on the Board of Directors.
There are concerns about national sovereignty over essential medicines, with some advocating for the nationalization of Opella. Bpifrance CEO, Nicolas Dufourcq, dismisses this idea, stating that maintaining a competitive and open market is crucial for the French economy.
Labor unions are skeptical about the effectiveness of Bpifrance"s minority stake, but Dufourcq argues that minority shareholders can still exert influence in corporate governance.
The future of Opella and its flagship product, Doliprane, is uncertain as the pharmaceutical landscape evolves with increasing foreign investment. The involvement of a US investment fund in the French pharmaceutical sector has prompted calls for greater scrutiny and oversight.
The balance between foreign investment and national sovereignty remains a contentious issue.