This step in the development of Opella, Sanofi said, would pave the way for the creation of a new stand-alone consumer healthcare company, while supporting the company's strategy and increased focus on innovative medicines and vaccines. According to Sanofi, it would remain a significant shareholder in Opella and thus continue to participate in the future value creation of the company. Bpifrance is expected to participate as a minority shareholder with a 2% stake.

Headquartered in France, Opella employs over 11,000 people, operates in 100 countries with 13 manufacturing sites and four science and innovation development centers. With a portfolio of brands like Allegra, Doliprane, and Dulcolax, the company is considered the third-largest business worldwide in the market for over-the-counter medicines and vitamins, minerals and food supplements.

The rating of Opella is based on an enterprise value of approximately €16 billion, which corresponds to about 14 times the estimated EBITDA for 2024. Sanofi said that the offer from CD&R is binding and fully financed. The proposed transaction, which is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2025 at the earliest, is subject to finalization of definitive agreements, completion of the appropriate social processes, and customary statutory approvals.

Paul Hudson, Sanofi’s CEO, commented: “We are proud of what Opella and its inspired people have already accomplished. We are confident that the future of Opella will be even brighter. We share the love and emotional attachment to Opella’s brands, hence our decision to remain vested in its future. We will support Opella on its path to become an independent company, grounded in talented people, a deep consumer expertise and a truly global presence with deep roots in France. Our chosen partner CD&R has demonstrated unique capabilities in the consumer space, with deep values of respect for employees, customers, communities in which they operate, and the environment.”

Eric Rouzier, partner and head of European Healthcare at CD&R, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for CD&R to partner with Sanofi, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, to support Opella’s ambitious management team as it invests in innovation and growth to create a French-headquartered, global consumer healthcare champion. Opella is differentiated by the quality of its brand portfolio and its highly skilled and motivated workforce. We see significant opportunities to enhance Opella’s market leadership by leveraging our deep industry expertise, broad network of operating talents, and capital resources to position the company for accelerated growth. We look forward to supporting both its French operations, including Opella’s critical manufacturing footprint and advanced R&D capabilities, and further developing its global platform to better serve employees, consumers, and patients.”

Julie Van Ongevalle, Opella’s president and CEO, added: “This announcement is a major and exciting milestone in Opella's journey. Building on significant transformations, we have grown into one of the largest global players in our sector, bringing relevant innovation to more than half a billion consumers worldwide. 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.”