By Nick Kostov
PARIS--Sanofi SA on Wednesday announced a new corporate
structure that the French pharmaceuticals company said would make
it more efficient and optimise growth, as the company's new chief
executive puts his stamp on the business.
Sanofi, which in February named Olivier Brandicourt as its new
chief executive, said it is organising itself into five global
business units, with the structure set to be implemented in January
2016. Sanofi didn't say if the move would lead to any staff cuts or
how much would be saved.
"The new organization simplifies and focuses Sanofi to optimize
growth," said Mr. Brandicourt.
The company will now be divided along the lines of general
medicines and emerging markets, specialty care, diabetes and
cardiovascular, Sanofi Pasteur and Merial. Sanofi had listed seven
businesses in its 2014 earnings.
Sanofi named Mr. Brandicourt CEO in February, appointing a
pharmaceutical veteran to lead one of the world's largest drug and
vaccine makers as it faces stiff competition and prepares to launch
crucial new products.
Mr. Brandicourt's appointment ended months of speculation over
who would take the reins at the French drug maker after the abrupt
ouster of Christopher Viehbacher in October.
Sanofi said it aims to launch six new medicines in 2015 and
approximately one every six months between 2016 and 2018.
Write to Nick Kostov at Nick.Kostov@wsj.com
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