Opella becomes an independent company following an agreement between Sanofi and CD&R

Sanofi announced the official closing of the sale of its 50% stake in Opella to the investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), marking the beginning of a new phase for the company specializing in self-care products.

With this transaction, Opella becomes an independent company, although Sanofi retains a significant stake of 48.2%, while Bpifrance holds the remaining 1.8%.

Opella is consolidating its position as a major player in the global market for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and vitamin and mineral supplements, a sector valued at €190 billion.

Currently, it ranks third worldwide and is emerging as the "purest" player in this segment, with a clear focus on growth, supported by trends such as population aging, digital access to healthcare, and rising demand for self-care solutions.

Headquartered in France and with a portfolio of 100 internationally recognized brands, including Allegra, Dulcolax, Enterogermina, and Buscapina, Opella aims to simplify access to healthcare products.

According to the company, the current self-care environment is still too complex, making it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need.

David Taylor, former chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble and current chairman of Delta, will assume the role of chairman of Opella's Supervisory Board. Taylor, who is also a senior advisor to CD&R, will bring his experience in leadership and consumer brands.

In his words: “What attracted me to Opella is a meaningful mission, a courageous company, a talented team, and a business ready to break new ground. Opella isn't here to tinker with the system, but to reinvent it.”

Opella President and CEO Julie Van Ongevalle said: “Becoming independent isn’t just a milestone. It’s our moment. I’m proud of our talented team of 11,000 people who made this possible. With the right partners and a clear focus, we’re ready to transform the way people around the world manage their health: simply, securely, and on their own terms.”

For his part, Vinicius Santos, Zone Head of SOCOPAC at Opella, stated: “The opportunity we have at our fingertips is extraordinary. We are building a new era in self-care, making healthcare radically simple and accessible for everyone. Our independence gives us the freedom to innovate more agilely, to listen even more closely to consumers, and to build solutions that empower people to take care of themselves, at every stage of life.”

Opella's priorities as an independent company include strengthening its trusted brands, expanding into key markets, and exploring opportunities such as the transition from prescription to over-the-counter medicines, new acquisitions, and geographic growth.

This company is the third-largest global player in the self-care market, in over-the-counter (OTC) products and vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS).

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information published by Opella, and reviewed by the journalist and an editor.