CD&R Nears €15 billion Deal for Sanofi Consumer Health Unit

 Clayton Dubilier & Rice is nearing a deal to acquire Sanofi’s consumer health unit for about €15 billion ($16.4 billion), in what could be one of the largest European transactions this year, people familiar with the matter said.

The private equity firm has seen off interest from rival PAI Partners for the Opella unit, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. A deal could be announced in the coming days, they said.

Sanofi is likely going to retain a minority stake in the Opella business, which sells over-the-counter products including Cenovis vitamins, DulcoLax constipation relief and Icy Hot pain relief gel, according to the people.

While discussions are at an advanced stage, they could still be delayed or falter, the people said. A representative for Sanofi wasn’t immediately available for comment. Representatives for CD&R and PAI Partners declined to comment.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cd-r-nears-15-billion-201004870.html