Samfara Completes Acquisition of Danish Company Chr. Olesen Synthesis to Expand Life Sciences Portfolio

Samfara Completes Acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis

On October 2, 2026, Samfara, a European investment firm focused on life sciences, announced the successful acquisition of the Danish company Chr. Olesen Synthesis. This acquisition, which marks Samfara's first investment in the sector, is supported by a consortium of institutional investors from both Europe and North America, as well as family offices. Chief Executive Thomas Moestrup is joining forces with Samfara in this venture.

While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition represents a strategic move for both firms. Located near Copenhagen, Chr. Olesen Synthesis specializes in the development and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates. The company has carved out a niche in controlled substances, particularly in treatments for opioid addiction like Buprenorphine and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications like Lisdexamfetamine. Their cGMP-certified facility has been operational since 2015, supplying pharmaceuticals across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

With Samfara's support, Chr. Olesen Synthesis aims to expand its capabilities, build on its existing customer base, and pursue new market opportunities. Jean-François Hilaire, a former CEO of Unither and Executive Vice President at Recipharm, will assume the role of chairman at Chr. Olesen Synthesis, lending his expertise to guide the company through this transition.

Helena Malchione and James Cocker, partners at Samfara, expressed their enthusiasm for this acquisition, highlighting Chr. Olesen Synthesis's strong reputation and position in a challenging segment of the pharmaceutical market. They stated, "Chr. Olesen Synthesis exemplifies our strategy of identifying successful companies in complex niches and supporting them with both capital and strategic assistance. We look forward to collaborating with Thomas and his team to grow with existing customers and expand organically and through acquisitions into new markets."

Thomas Moestrup added, "This is an exciting next step for Chr. Olesen Synthesis. With Samfara as our new owner, we have a partner who shares our objectives and will help support the future growth of the company. We are eager to build upon our strong customer relationships and seize the opportunities ahead."

Mads C. Olesen, the CEO and owner of Chr. Olesen, stated, "In 2011, we acquired Chr. Olesen Synthesis and, alongside Signet Healthcare, developed it into a considerable player in the market for controlled substance APIs. Now is the right time for new ownership to propel the company forward, and we are confident that we have entrusted the company to the right new owners. We wish Samfara and Chr. Olesen Synthesis's leadership team all the best."

The merger was facilitated with the guidance of various advisors. Samfara received assistance from Addleshaw Goddard for legal advice in the UK, Connaught for capital procurement, and RSM for tax structuring, among others. Similarly, Chr. Olesen and Signet Healthcare Partners were advised by LEK, Moalem Weitemeyer, and PwC, to name a few.

Overview of Samfara

Samfara is a London-based private equity firm that specializes in majority acquisitions of lower-middle-market European life sciences companies. With an aim to deliver attractive returns for its investors, the company focuses on investments that can be accelerated and transformed through active involvement. Samfara is also committed to supporting European life sciences companies, the jobs they create, and the patients they benefit.

For more information about Samfara, visit samfara.com

Overview of Chr. Olesen Synthesis

Chr. Olesen Synthesis is a Danish developer and manufacturer of APIs, concentrating on controlled substances. Operating out of its cGMP-certified facility in Hvidovre, near Copenhagen, the firm provides services for contract development and manufacturing of new drugs to pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

To learn more about Chr. Olesen Synthesis, visit cosynthesis.dk

Overview of Chr. Olesen

Founded in 1885, Chr. Olesen is a globally active family business that specializes in distributing nutraceutical ingredients for the feed, food, pharmaceutical, and technical industries. For more about the company, go to chr-olesen.dk

About Signet Healthcare Partners

Established in 1998, Signet Healthcare Partners is a growth equity firm specializing in health care investments. They focus on established pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, providing them with capital, strategic advice, and a vast network of industry connections. Discover more at signethealthcarepartners.com.