Doliprane officially becomes American

Doliprane, the most prescribed drug in France, is changing nationality. On Wednesday, April 30, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi finalized the sale of control of the company that produces the popular yellow pill to the American investment fund CD & R.

The completion of this transaction, whose announcement in October sparked a backlash from politicians and unions, was confirmed just before the pharmaceutical giant's shareholders' meeting this Wednesday afternoon in Paris. As part of this transaction, the firm said it had "received a total net cash amount of around €10 billion."

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Sanofi is selling 50% of its subsidiary Opella, which notably produces Doliprane, to the American fund CD & R, while retaining a 48.2% stake in this company which markets non-prescription treatments and vitamins, minerals and supplements.

Faced with fears about the potential repercussions of this transfer to the US flag on French employment and health sovereignty, the government secured the public investment bank's entry into the operation in the fall. The bank will hold a 1.8% stake, according to the Sanofi press release.

The announcement of Opella's sale sparked political reactions from all sides, from the left to elected officials supporting the government, who called on the executive to oppose the deal. On the ground, employees of the subsidiary went on strike for several days.