Sanofi has successfully completed the sale of a 50% controlling stake in its consumer healthcare business, Opella, to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), receiving approximately €10 billion in net cash proceeds. The transaction, which closed on previously disclosed terms, transforms Sanofi into a pure-play biopharma company while establishing Opella as an independent global leader in consumer healthcare.
Under the agreement, Sanofi retains a significant 48.2% stake in Opella, while Bpifrance has acquired a 1.8% stake and will join the company's board. The deal represents a pivotal step in Sanofi's strategic realignment to focus exclusively on developing breakthrough medicines and vaccines.
"We have full confidence in Opella's future as a new independent champion," said Paul Hudson, Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi. "Built on the strength of its talented teams, deep consumer understanding, and international reach, Opella is perfectly positioned for long-term success."
Opella's Market Position and Capabilities
Headquartered in France, Opella now stands as the third-largest business worldwide in the over-the-counter and vitamins, minerals & supplements (OTC & VMS) market. The company employs over 11,000 people across 100 countries, operates 13 manufacturing sites, and maintains four science and innovation development centers.
Opella's portfolio includes globally recognized brands such as Allegra, Doliprane, and Dulcolax, serving more than half a billion consumers worldwide. The company is positioned in a fast-growing industry driven by sustainable long-term trends, including an aging population, rising income levels, and increased health and wellness awareness.
Julie Van Ongevalle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Opella, expressed optimism about the company's future: "Through significant transformations, we have become one of the largest global players in our sector, bringing innovation to over half a billion consumers worldwide. We are ready to unlock Opella's full potential and become a leader in the fast-moving consumer healthcare space."
Strategic Benefits for Both Parties
For Sanofi, the transaction aligns with its strategy to concentrate on its core biopharma operations. "Sanofi is now a pure-play biopharma, strategically focused on pushing the boundaries of science and leveraging cutting-edge research to deliver breakthrough medicines and vaccines," Hudson stated.
CD&R, known for its expertise in consumer and healthcare sectors, views the acquisition as an opportunity to accelerate Opella's growth trajectory. Eric Rouzier, Partner and Head of European Healthcare at CD&R, commented: "This is an exciting opportunity for CD&R to support Opella in building a French headquartered, global consumer health champion. We are committed to supporting Opella's continued development, both in France and abroad."
Market Implications
The consumer healthcare spin-off follows a broader industry trend of pharmaceutical companies divesting their consumer health divisions to focus on higher-margin prescription drug businesses. Similar moves have been made by other major pharmaceutical companies in recent years, including GSK's spin-off of Haleon and Johnson & Johnson's separation of Kenvue.
Industry analysts suggest that specialized consumer health companies can often achieve greater operational efficiency and market responsiveness when operating independently from their pharmaceutical parent companies. For Opella, the partnership with CD&R brings additional expertise in consumer markets and potential for accelerated international expansion.
Looking Forward
With the transaction now complete, both companies enter new phases in their respective journeys. Sanofi will channel its resources toward innovative drug development and expanding its pharmaceutical pipeline, while Opella will leverage its established brand portfolio and CD&R's operational expertise to pursue growth in the competitive consumer healthcare landscape.
The deal's completion marks the culmination of a process that began with the announcement of the share purchase agreement in February 2025, following the required social and corporate procedures. The transaction received all necessary regulatory approvals from competent authorities.
