Sanofi in Talks with CD&R to Sell Opella Stake Amid Strategic Refocus

Sanofi's strategic shift toward biopharmaceuticals is underscored by its decision to negotiate the sale of a 50% controlling stake in its consumer health business, Opella, to Clayton Dubilier & Rice. This move is part of a broader industry trend, as companies like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and GSK have also divested their consumer health divisions to focus on innovative medicines and vaccines[1][2]. The sale, potentially valued at 15 billion euros, allows Sanofi to concentrate resources on its core biopharmaceutical division, which achieved over 18 billion euros in sales in the first half of the year 2023[2]. This transaction is expected to streamline operations and maximize stakeholder value, while CEO Paul Hudson plans to retain a stake in Opella post-separation[1].