Aurobindo Pharma Limited (BSE:524804), Cadila Healthcare Limited (BSE:532321), Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited (BSE:500420) and Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited are among the companies that have expressed preliminary interest in buying the European generic business of Sanofi India Limited (BSE:500674). The portfolio could fetch Sanofi a valuation of $1.5 to $2 billion. Pitted against these potential Indian buyers are a top Chinese drugmaker and an array of global private equity players, some of whom may tie up with strategic players.

Apax Partners Espana, S.L is joining forces with Zydus Cadila, while Intas is backed by Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and ChrysCapital.