The Opella carve-out: the Human Side Behind One of France’s Largest M&A Deals

At the crossroads between the pharmaceutical industry and everyday health products, the Consumer Healthcare market is undergoing a profound transformation. Faced with business models, innovation cycles, and market dynamics that differ significantly from those of prescription drugs, several large groups have initiated separation processes to grant greater autonomy to these activities, with varying degrees of success.
It is in this context that Opella was created, emerging from Sanofi’s Consumer Healthcare division. In April 2025, the company known in France as the producer of Doliprane became independent following the sale of a controlling stake, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Our guest speakers from Opella shared their experience and practical insights on this transformation with HR and business leaders from a wide range of sectors: luxury, banking, industry, defense, insurance, retail, construction, energy, and more.
Read the full report of the discussion held during the roundtable organized by Akoya Consulting on March 19th, 2026.