Sanofi has announced negotiations with Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), a US-based investment company, regarding the potential sale of a 50% controlling stake in its consumer healthcare business, Opella.

The move marks a significant step in the company's ongoing effort to sharpen its focus on its core areas of innovative medicines and vaccines.

The French finance ministry, as reported by Reuters, has acknowledged CD&R as a "serious investment fund" with favourable prospects for Opella's growth and its operations in the country. The ministry has stipulated economic commitments from both Sanofi and CD&R.

These include ensuring that Opella's decision-making centres remain in France and protecting the company's industrial footprint within the country.

The ministry has also emphasised that the proposed sale will not affect the production of Doliprane or other essential medicines by Opella in France, nor the supply of these medicines to the market.

The reported valuation of the deal by Bloomberg stands at €15bn ($16.4bn). The fact that CD&R has reportedly outbid PAI Partners suggests a competitive process that reflects the high value and potential of Opella within the broader consumer health market.

Opella, with its headquarters in France, employs more than 11,000 people, has operations in 100 countries and manages 13 manufacturing sites and four research and innovation centres. It has a portfolio of 100 brands, including Doliprane, Allegra, Novanight, Icy Hot and Dulcolax.

Operating independently within Sanofi, Opella has resources allocated for research and development, production, and digital operations, along with a sustainability roadmap.

It reached a 6.3% sales growth at constant exchange rates in 2023, demonstrating a focus on brands and consumer orientation.

In October 2024, Recordati reached an agreement with Sanofi to acquire the worldwide rights to Enjaymo, the only approved treatment specifically targeting cold agglutinin disease, a rare B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder.