In a press release sent to AFP, the Minister in charge of Industry “reminds both parties of the government’s points of vigilance, both economically and health-wise”.
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The little yellow box passes under the American flag. After more than fifty years in the fold of the French pharmaceutical laboratory Sanofi, the Doliprane will join the American investment fund CD&R. “After the announcement in the press of Sanofi’s choice to pursue exclusive discussions with CD&R in the context of the sale of Opella”, the Minister in charge of Industry, Marc Ferracci, “takes note of this decision”. In a press release sent to AFP, he “reminds both parties of the government’s points of vigilance, both economically and health-wise.”
Marc Ferracci also recalls “that a certain number of economic commitments will be required from Sanofi and the future buyer CD&R” aimed at guaranteeing the “maintaining the headquarters and decision-making centers on the national territory” And “Opella’s French industrial footprint”. In his statement, the minister repeats that “the State mobilizes all the tools at its disposal” including the procedure for controlling foreign investments in France. “This proposed sale does not call into question either the production in France of Doliprane or other essential medicines produced by Opella in our territory, nor the supply of these medicines to the market”he assures.
The newspaper Les Echos reported that Sanofi’s board of directors decided “to initially open exclusive discussions with the American fund”which offered more than 15 billion euros to acquire “50% or more” of the French group’s consumer health subsidiary. Contacted by AFP, Sanofi did not confirm but specified that communication is planned for Friday.
This activity, which includes more than a hundred brands, including Doliprane, Dulcolax, Lysopaïne, and even Maalox, is present in 150 countries. It achieved a turnover of 5.2 billion euros in 2023.