Sanofi (SNY.US) to Sell 50% of Consumer Health Unit to CD&R

Sinovent (SNY.US) has reached an equity purchase agreement to sell 50% of its controlling stake in its consumer healthcare business Opella to private equity firm CD&R. The terms of the deal remain unchanged from those previously disclosed, and it is expected to be completed as early as the second quarter of 2025.

Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, is expected to participate as a minority shareholder, holding 2% of Opella, while Sinovent will remain the majority shareholder.

Sinovent first negotiated with CD&R for a potential sale in October 2024. Media reports at the time said the deal was worth around 15 billion euros (about $16.4 billion).

Opella is headquartered in France and sells over-the-counter medicines and vitamins, minerals, and supplements, with 100 brands including Allegra, Doliprane, Novanight, Icy Hot, and Dulcolax. It manages 13 manufacturing sites and 4 research and innovation centers.