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SIFI's Strategic Merger with Faes Farma: A New Era in Ophthalmology

SIFI, a leading international player in the field of ophthalmology, has taken a monumental step by merging with Faes Farma, a prominent European pharmaceutical company. This merger, formally announced on June 10, 2025, comes as shareholders approved the acquisition of 100% of SIFI's shares by Faes Farma, solidifying a commitment to expanding access to life-changing eye care solutions globally.

The Merger: A Game Changer for Ophthalmic Care

The strategic merger is poised to create significant synergy in commercial operations due to Faes Faro's established presence in complementary markets and innovative approaches that drive growth. By integrating SIFI's extensive ophthalmic portfolio with Faes Farma's offerings, the newly formed entity aims to offer one of the most comprehensive ophthalmology product lines in the industry, positioning both companies at the forefront of eye care innovations.

Fabrizio Chines, CEO of SIFI, expressed excitement over this important milestone, emphasizing that the merger will accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiencies, and expand the long-term value for stakeholders. He said, “Faes Farma shares similar values and a culture that complements our organization significantly. This partnership will amplify our ambitious strategy in the ophthalmology sector, where SIFI stands for quality, innovation, and lasting commitment.”

Expanding Horizons: Targeting New Markets

The merger will enable SIFI and Faes Farma to capture new opportunities in high-growth regions, particularly in Italy, France, Romania, and Turkey, while bolstering their foothold in existing markets such as Iberia, Mexico, and Latin America. The newly combined company is expected to optimize its portfolio, opening avenues for cross-selling products and enhancing operational efficiencies to improve margins.

The integration of Akantior, SIFI’s innovative therapy for Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), into the expanded product portfolio is anticipated to be a game-changer. Akantior is the first and only approved treatment for AK, a rare and severe eye infection affecting around 3,000 patients annually in Europe and the U.S. The product’s introduction in Germany is slated for October 2024, amid ongoing pricing and reimbursement processes in other European countries, as well as pending FDA registrations.

Driving Innovation in Eye Care

Both organizations are committed to advancing the development of Akantior, with further investment earmarked for expanding indications in rare diseases, adding to a broader therapeutic landscape. Promising preclinical data suggests that the development of polihexanide for treating fungal keratitis will soon progress into clinical trials, showcasing the commitment to innovation that both firms uphold.

Additionally, the operational capacity within SIFI’s advanced facilities in Aci S. Antonio will be further enhanced under the new combined framework. With long-term contracts already established in contract manufacturing, these facilities will serve as pivotal points for driving recurring revenue growth, emphasizing SIFI's longstanding reputation for producing high-quality ophthalmic medications and intraocular lenses.

Future Prospects

Eduardo Recoder de la Cuadra, CEO of Faes Farma, highlighted the strategic significance of this merger, stating, “We are impressed by the strength of SIFI's business model and its management team. This transaction bolsters our position in the rapidly evolving ophthalmology landscape and accelerates our international expansion, allowing us to offer a wider array of solutions aimed at better serving healthcare professionals and patients alike.”

With a provisional enterprise value tied to a double-digit multiple of the 2024 EBITDA, this merger represents a robust opportunity for both entities. Expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2025, the transaction is pending regulatory approvals and is a testament to the combined strengths and ambitious objectives of SIFI and Faes Farma in the ophthalmic industry.

In observing the profound impact on global eye care, this merger sets a benchmark for collaboration in the pharmaceutical world, paving the way for innovative approaches that prioritize patient well-being and improved health outcomes. With both companies dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation, the future of ophthalmology looks promising.