The project also includes the arrival of Bpifrance, for a 2% stake, which would represent approximately 320 million euros in value for this equity investment. In total, Sanofi would retain 48% of Opella’s capital. The operation could be finalized “at the earliest in the second quarter of 2025,” Sanofi indicates in a press release.
The government certifies guarantees obtained on employment and production in France for Opella
«Nothing will change for Doliprane“, assures Paul Hudson, the CEO of Sanofi, during an online press conference, while a certain concern has been palpable for several weeks among the general public and among politicians. In Bercy, after several days of agitation and requests for guarantees, people say they have “obtained the highest possible guarantee framework».
In a message on his X account on October 20, Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry, indicated that he had “obtained guarantees for the maintenance and development of Opella in France. Our demands on employment, production and investment will be respected. For Doliprane and other essential medicines in the country. And the State is also part of the operation with this participation from Bpifrance which should allow it to obtain representation on the board of directors of Opella.
Sanofi wants to create a global champion of consumer health
Sanofi has not indicated a possible deadline for its continued ownership of Opella, a behemoth of non-prescription medicines, vitamins and food supplements, presented as number 3 in the sector, raking in more than 5 billion euros in turnover. annual business, with 11,000 employees and 13 industrial sites around the world, and home to nearly 120 brands consumed by half a billion people around the world.
Paul Hudson states that the association with CD&R aimed to create a “global champion of consumer health with governance based in France“, and that there is a “absolute commitment» by Sanofi «to participate in the long term“. Adding that the laboratory heard “stay for a long time» in the capital of Opella as part of a participation «for an indefinite period».
The French laboratory announced barely a year ago its plan to withdraw from its Consumer Health division. Initially, the preferred option was that of an IPO, as Sanofi had done with EuroAPI, its chemistry division for active ingredients for third parties, retaining 30% of the capital. In the end, with Opella, the laboratory would visibly remain more involved, even if it will ultimately leave the majority to its American partner whereas there had been talk, in recent days, of remaining at 50%.
This disengagement, described by Sanofi as intended to create more value for Opella by having more means to develop, will allow the French laboratory to be entirely focused on its activities in vaccines and biopharma, with always the ambition to become world leader in immunology.
Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
