Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Opella becomes standalone company as Sanofi-CD&R deal closes

It is official: Opella is now a standalone company

Opella launches as an independent company to redefine the future of self-care.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Opella has officially become a standalone company, following the completion of Sanofi’s sale of a controlling 50.0% stake to private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).

Sanofi retains a significant shareholding with a 48.2% stake while Bpifrance holds the remaining 1.8% stake.


Headquartered in France, Opella is the third-largest global player in the global Over-The-Counter (OTC) and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) sector, now valued at €190 billion. Its 100 brands – including Allegra/Allevia, Dulcolax, Buscopan and Cialis Together – are already trusted names in homes around the world.

As an independent company, Opella is set to redefine the future of self-care with a clear mission: “Health in Your Hands.”

“Going independent is not just a milestone. It is our moment,” said Julie Van Ongevalle, President and CEO of Opella.

“I am proud of our talented team of 11,000 who made this happen. With the right partners and a sharp focus, we are set to reshape how people everywhere manage their health – simply, confidently, and on their terms.”

Nick Linton, head of Opella UK, emphasised the company's ambitions to simplify self-care.

“Self-care in the UK is being redefined — fast. The responsibility for health is shifting, and people are stepping up. At Opella UK, we’re not just responding to that change — we’re driving it.”

“Today’s announcement marks our moment of independence, and we’re using it as a launchpad to innovate harder, connect deeper, and move faster.”

“Our mission is clear: to simplify healthcare to put health into people’s hands. We’re here to shake things up — and we’re just getting started.”

David Taylor, former chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble and current chairman of the Board of Delta and senior advisor to CD&R funds, has been appointed chairman of Opella’s Supervisory Board.

Taylor commented: “What drew me to Opella is a mission with meaning, a company with courage, a talented team, and a business ready to break new ground.”

“Opella is not here to tweak the system – but to reimagine it.”

As it steps into the next chapter with powerful backing, Opella plans to focus on strengthening its trusted brands and deepening its presence in key markets.

“This is more than independence. It is the freedom to act. The power to simplify. And the drive to redefine the future of selfcare,” the company noted.

More For You

PHOENIX expands operations with new depot in Aberdeen

Representational image

Photo credit: PHOENIX

PHOENIX opens new depot in Aberdeen

PHOENIX has announced the opening of a new depot in Aberdeen to support its growing customer base in Scotland.

The pharmaceutical wholesaler already operates 13 depots across the UK, collectively delivering over 250 million packs of medicines each year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Bennett
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Pharmacists need to take advantage of independent prescribing pathways, says Bennett

Independent prescribing will be a “significant point” in the history of community pharmacy, according to Royal Pharmaceutical Society chief executive Paul Bennett.

Last month, the RPS announced the launch of a comprehensive new prescribing development programme to support pharmacists across all stages of their prescribing careers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump signs executive order to accelerate US-based pharmaceutical manufacturing plants

US president Donald Trump

Pic credit: Getty Images

Trump signs executive order to encourage US drug manufacturing

US president Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that aims to reduce the time it takes to approve pharmaceutical plants in the country, as part of new regulations to encourage domestic manufacturing.

The order directs the US Food and Drug Administration to streamline reviews and work with domestic manufacturers to provide early support before facilities come online.

Keep ReadingShow less
Community Pharmacy Scotland secures £10m reimbursement uplift amid ongoing negotiations

Negotiations continue on the Global Sum element of remuneration.

Getty Images

Community Pharmacy Scotland secures £120m reimbursement deal for 2025/26

Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) has accepted the Scottish government’s initial financial offer for the 2025/26 fiscal year, securing a guaranteed minimum reimbursement of £120 million for community pharmacies — up from £110 million from 2024/25.

The agreement marks the first phase of ongoing negotiations surrounding community pharmacy funding for the upcoming financial year.

Keep ReadingShow less