France's PAI Partners Ups Bid for Sanofi's Consumer Health Division As French Government Hints Possible Regulatory Block

Last week, Sanofi SA (NASDAQ:SNY) said it is negotiating with Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) to potentially sell a 50% controlling stake in Opella, its consumer healthcare business.

In October 2023, Sanofi 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.

France’s government has hinted at the possibility of blocking the sale of Sanofi’s consumer pharmaceuticals division to CD&R, citing concerns over employment and national healthcare interests.

The French government’s requirements, expressed earlier in the sale process, have taken ...