Private Equity Firms Circle Sanofi's Consumer Health Business Amid Potential Spinoff

In October 2023, Sanofi SA (NASDAQ:SNY) announced its plans to spin off its consumer healthcare business as the French pharmaceutical company outlined its strategic update to increase investment in its drug-development pipeline and cut costs.

Sanofi said the spinoff would allow it to increase its focus on innovative medicines and vaccines.

Sanofi’s consumer health unit boasts a portfolio that includes popular over-the-counter products like Phytoxil cough syrups, Icy Hot pain relief gels, and Dulcolax laxative tablets. 

According to a Bloomberg report, two private equity firms, Clayton Dubilier & Rice and PAI Partners, made separate bids for Sanofi’s consumer health division.

The ...