Stock Movers BP Spin Off, Sanofi Down, Fresnillo Up
Dec 24, 2025
Join Kit Rees, Bloomberg's sharp-witted reporter on European markets, as he dissects recent high-stakes deals. BP is set to sell a majority stake in its Castrol lubricants division, raising $6 billion, amid management shake-ups and activist pressures. Sanofi is expanding its vaccine portfolio with a $2.2 billion acquisition of Dynavax, despite facing FDA hurdles. Meanwhile, precious metals are soaring—gold surpasses $4,500—boosting mining stocks like Fresnillo. Delve into market dynamics and what’s driving these shifts!
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BP Sells Majority Of Castrol
- BP will sell a 65% stake in Castrol to Stonepeak to raise about $6 billion and refocus its strategy.
- Kit Rees says the move fits BP's broader push to restructure and concentrate on oil and gas after activist pressure.
Shares Lag Despite Restructuring
- BP's shares are up modestly but still trail the broader energy sector, reflecting uneven investor confidence.
- Kit Rees notes BP is up 10% this year versus the sector's 20% gain, indicating room for recovery.
Sanofi Bets On Adult Vaccines
- Sanofi will buy Dynavax for $2.2 billion to gain adult immunisation and hepatitis B vaccine exposure.
- Kit Rees frames this as a bet to revive Sanofi's vaccine business amid falling flu-shot sales and pricing pressure.