The government asks for a “comprehensive evaluation” The public aid that the pharmaceutical group Sanofi has received over the last ten years, announced on Tuesday, October 15, the Minister of Economy, Antoine Armand.
During a question session with the government, the Minister was questioned by several MPs about the planned sale of its consumer health subsidiary Opella, which markets Doliprane, by Sanofi to the US investment fund CD&RM. Armand wanted to reassure: “Yes, we support businesses, yes, we support employment and industry, but this cannot be done in any way and under any conditions”said.
Armand, who visited Doliprane’s production facilities in Lisieux (Calvados) on Monday, once again listed the “very specific commitments” discussed with transaction stakeholders in terms of employment retention, industrial footprint, headquarters location and research and development. “ “We are willing to request sanctions and the study of a capital investment” public “so that these commitments are fulfilled”he repeated, also evoking a “ possible presence of the State on the board of directors » by Opella. Besides, “the entire procedure for the control of foreign investments” In France they will mobilize if the sale is confirmed, he insisted.
Issues of health sovereignty and employment
This possible transfer raises strong concerns among public opinion and the political class over issues of health sovereignty and employment. On Monday, the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, declared: “ “We have fought for Doliprane to be reproduced in France and for us to reproduce molecules and medicines that are essential.” “And then there is capital ownership. And there the government has the instruments to guarantee that France is protected.”he assured.
The unions have planned a demonstration for Thursday at the site of the Compiègne (Oise) factory between 1 and 3 p.m., with the arrival of political figures, including the deputy (New Popular Front) François Ruffin and the president ( Les Républicains). Hauts-de-France Xavier Bertrand, according to the central union delegate of the CFDT of Opella, Adil Bensetra.
Vigilance remains essential as paracetamol supply has recently experienced periods of strain. Sanofi insists that this split project would allow “the creation of a new world champion, the only one based in France, in the consumer health sector”.
Opella employs 1,700 people in France. Doliprane is their second brand in terms of revenue. France only represents around 10% of this entity’s sales, which reached €5.2 billion in turnover in 2023.
