Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi is exploring the potential spinoff or sale of its consumer health products division, which could be valued at over $20 billion. The company has reportedly approached investment banks for proposals on the transaction, which could take place as early as the fourth quarter of this year.
Sanofi’s consumer unit boasts well-known over-the-counter products such as Zantac 360, Allegra, Nasacort, Selsun Blue, Gold Bond, and Aspercreme. The spinoff would follow a growing trend among Big Pharma companies to separate their consumer or generic drug operations as independent entities.
Several private equity firms, including Advent International, Blackstone, CVC Capital Partners, KKR, and Clayton Dubilier & Rice, have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the unit. Sanofi plans to announce its decision on the deal’s structure, including whether to proceed with a spinoff or a sale, at a later date.