Global law firm Freshfields is advising Sanofi on its exclusive negotiations with CD&R for the potential purchase and sale of a 50% controlling stake in Opella, its consumer healthcare business.

The proposed transaction paves the way for the creation of a new, standalone leader in consumer healthcare, while supporting Sanofi’s strategy and increased focus on innovative medicines and vaccines. Sanofi would remain a significant shareholder in Opella.

The signing of the proposed transaction is subject to finalization of definitive agreements, completion of the appropriate social processes and is subject to customary statutory approvals.  The anticipated closing of the transaction would be in Q2 2025 at the earliest. The valuation of Opella is based on an enterprise value of c.€16 billion.

Opella employs over 11,000 people, operates in 100 countries and serves more than half a billion consumers worldwide. It is the third-largest business worldwide in the over-the-counter and vitamins, minerals and supplements market (OTC and VMS).

The Freshfields team, who are working closely with the Sanofi legal transactions team, is led by Jennifer Bethlehem and Julian Long and includes:

Partners: David Brooks (IP/Corporate London), Rod Carlton (Competition, London), Christel Cacioppo (People and Reward, Paris), Charlotte Colin-Dubuisson (Competition, Paris), Vincent Daniel-Mayeur (Tax, Paris), Chris Davis (Finance, London), Steve Matays (Tax, New York), Jérôme Philippe (Competition, Paris), David Mendel (People and Reward, London) and, Julien Rebibo (M&A, Paris) and May Smith (Tax, London).

Counsel: Bukunola Alakija, Richard Daniels, Elodie Favre-Thellmann, Aïleen Legré, Rikin Morjaria and Jon Scurr.    

Associates: Jacob Bullock, Lucy Carruthers, Alex Collins, Laure de Chalendar, Olesya Dianov, Aia Eid, Hannah Family, Chris Gotch, Louis-Antoine Jacquet, Anaïs Jennepin, Côme Le Brun, Marton Mohasci, Dayo Ogunsola, Jennifer Okoye, Emily Parfitt, Sam Sun, Matthias Triolle, Maria Tumpel and Adam Weston.