#London #United Kingdom #APIs #Samfara #Chr. Olesen

Samfara Completes Acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis

On October 2, 2026, Samfara, a prominent European investment firm specializing in life sciences, declared the successful completion of its acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis. This noteworthy move marks Samfara’s first significant investment in the pharmaceutical industry, supported by a group of institutional investors and family offices from Europe and North America.

Located near Copenhagen, Chr. Olesen Synthesis is renowned for its development and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates. The company specializes in controlled substances, which are critically important in treating conditions such as opioid use disorder (buprenorphine) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (lisdexanfetamine). Their manufacturing facility, certified to cGMP standards, has been operational in a commercial capacity since 2015, supplying pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Chr. Olesen Synthesis prides itself on its technical expertise and remarkable flexibility in meeting the diverse needs of clients in the pharmaceutical sector.

With Samfara’s backing, Chr. Olesen Synthesis plans to enhance its capabilities, consolidate its existing client base and product offerings, and broaden its reach into new markets. Jean-François Hilaire, a former CEO of Unither and ex-Executive Vice President of Recipharm, will join the board of directors of Chr. Olesen Synthesis as its chairman following this acquisition.

Helena Malchione and James Cocker, both partners at Samfara, expressed their enthusiasm about this acquisition by stating, “Chr. Olesen Synthesis represents our strategy of identifying successful firms within complex niches and supporting them with capital and strategic direction. The company has a solid footing and an excellent reputation in a demanding segment of the pharmaceutical market. We look forward to collaborating with Thomas and his team as they grow with their current clients and expand into new markets, both organically and through acquisitions.”

Thomas Moestrup, the CEO of Chr. Olesen Synthesis, chimed in, “This marks a promising forward step for Chr. Olesen Synthesis. With Samfara as our new owner, we have a partner that shares our ambitions and will support our ongoing business development. We aim to strengthen our client relationships further, expand operations, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Mads C. Olesen, CEO and owner of Chr. Olesen, reflected on the transition, stating that after acquiring Chr. Olesen Synthesis in 2011, they worked with Signet Healthcare to establish it as a significant player in the field of APIs for controlled substances. He added that the time was right for new ownership to propel the business forward and expressed confidence in entrusting the company to Samfara.

Samfara received advisory services from Addleshaw Goddard (legal, UK), Connaught (capital raising), Infotransactions (financial and tax due diligence), Lockton (WI insurance), Nivaro Law (legal, Denmark), and RSM (tax structuring). Meanwhile, Chr. Olesen and Signet Healthcare Partners were advised by LEK (commercial), Moalem Weitemeyer (legal), Nielsen Nørager (legal), PwC (financial and tax), Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton (legal), and Stifel (M&A).

About Samfara

Samfara is a London-based private equity firm focused on the buyout of mid-to-lower market European life sciences businesses. The firm invests based on a thesis in complex international businesses where performance can be accelerated and transformed through active ownership. Samfara aims to deliver attractive returns for its investors while supporting European life sciences companies, the jobs they create, and the patients they benefit.

About Chr. Olesen Synthesis

Chr. Olesen Synthesis specializes in the development and manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates, particularly in the realm of controlled substances. With a cGMP-certified facility in Hvidovre, near Copenhagen, they service pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, offering development and manufacturing services for new APIs.

About Chr. Olesen

Founded in 1885, Chr. Olesen is a family-owned global distribution company specializing in nutraceutical ingredients for the animal feed, human food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.

About Signet Healthcare Partners

Signet Healthcare Partners is a growth equity firm focused on healthcare, investing in commercial-stage medical technology and pharmaceutical companies. Established in 1998 and headquartered in New York, Signet has invested in over 60 companies, providing entrepreneurs with capital, strategic guidance, and an extensive network in the industry.