Doliprane divestment: government highlights economic and health issues

In a statement sent to AFP, Industry Minister Marc Ferracci highlighted the government’s concerns regarding the sale of Doliprane by Sanofi to an American investment fund.

A major change for Doliprane

After more than fifty years under the tutelage of Sanofi, the famous French drug Doliprane is heading for a new owner: the CD&R fund. This development was confirmed following the announcement of exclusive discussions between Sanofi and CD&R, concerning the sale of the Opella subsidiary. The Minister expressed his “agreement” with this decision, while reiterating the importance of monitoring certain crucial aspects.

Commitments to be respected

Marc Ferracci insisted on the need to demand economic commitments from Sanofi and the new buyer, CD&R. He stressed that these commitments must guarantee that Opella’s headquarters and decision-making centers remain in France, and that Opella’s industrial footprint remains in France. In his press release, he affirmed that “the State is mobilizing all the tools at its disposal”, including the control of foreign investment in France.

Protecting local production

The Minister also reassured the public that this divestment would not affect the production of Doliprane or other essential medicines manufactured on French soil. “The supply of these medicines to the market remains assured”, he added.

Considerable commercial interest

According to information relayed by Les Echos newspaper, Sanofi’s Board of Directors has decided to pursue exclusive negotiations with CD&R, which has made an offer of over €15 billion to acquire at least 50% of the French group’s consumer healthcare division. Although Sanofi has not yet officially confirmed this sale, a communication is scheduled for Friday.

This division, which encompasses over a hundred brands including Doliprane, Dulcolax, Lysopain and Maalox, is present in 150 countries and generated sales of 5.2 billion euros in 2023.