Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical company, has decided to sell a 50% stake in its Opella subsidiary, known for producing Doliprane, an over-the-counter medication.
Sanofi has reached an agreement to sell a 50% stake in Opella to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), an American private equity firm. CD&R specializes in investing in unlisted companies and has a track record of supporting their growth.
The sale values Opella at approximately €16 billion and includes a portfolio of 115 brands. After the sale, Sanofi will retain a 48% stake in Opella, while the French public investment bank Bpifrance is expected to acquire a minor stake.
CD&R, founded in 1978, has invested in over 110 companies in North America and Europe. The firm focuses on sectors such as industrial, financial services, healthcare, retail, and technology. CD&R's investment philosophy involves acquiring stakes in companies, nurturing their development, and selling them for a profit.
CD&R aims to enhance Opella's market position and accelerate its growth. The acquisition of a significant stake in Opella is expected to create opportunities for growth in the consumer healthcare sector. CD&R aims to position Opella as a leading player in this space.
Doliprane, as a flagship product of Opella, is expected to benefit from this partnership. CD&R's expertise in scaling businesses and optimizing operations is expected to drive innovation and expand the product's reach.
The collaboration between CD&R and Sanofi could set a precedent for future investments in the pharmaceutical sector, aligning with the industry's focus on consumer healthcare.