#None #pharmaceuticals #Samfara #Chr. Olesen

Samfara Completes Acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis

In a strategic move to enhance its portfolio in the life sciences sector, Samfara, a renowned European investment firm, has officially concluded its acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis, a Danish manufacturer known for its production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are regulated under stringent conditions. This acquisition not only signifies Samfara's first major investment but also comes with the support of a consortium of institutional investors and family offices from Europe and North America.

Located near Copenhagen, Chr. Olesen Synthesis has established itself as a significant player in the pharmaceutical industry. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing APIs and advanced intermediates, particularly focusing on controlled substances. Their expertise includes products for treating opioid use disorders (such as buprenorphine) and ADHD (lisdexamfetamine). Since 2015, their cGMP-certified production facility has been operational, catering to pharmaceutical laboratories across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, showcasing their technical proficiency and flexibility to meet diverse client needs.

With the backing of Samfara, Chr. Olesen Synthesis plans to expand its capabilities while enhancing relationships with its existing clients and tapping into new markets. Jean-François Hilaire, former CEO of Unither and ex-executive vice president of Recipharm, who advised Samfara during this acquisition, will join the board of Chr. Olesen Synthesis as Chairman. “This partnership illustrates our strategy to identify promising companies in complex niches and provide them with both financial and strategic support,” stated Helena Malchione and James Cocker, partners at Samfara. They emphasized their excitement about collaborating with Thomas Moestrup, the current CEO of Chr. Olesen Synthesis, and his team to drive growth and explore new market opportunities through both organic growth and potential acquisitions.

Thomas Moestrup expressed the optimism shared by the team at Chr. Olesen Synthesis, stating, “This is an exciting new chapter for our company. With Samfara on board, we have found a partner that shares our ambitions and will support our ongoing development. We look forward to solidifying our client relationships, expanding our operations, and seizing new opportunities.”

Mads C. Olesen, CEO and owner of Chr. Olesen, reflected on the company’s journey, stating, “Since acquiring Chr. Olesen Synthesis in 2011, we have worked closely with Signet Healthcare to establish it as a key player in the regulated API market. It is now time for new ownership to advance the company further, and we are confident that we have passed it into the right hands. We wish Samfara and the management team all the best.”

Advisors and Strategic Partners

Samfara received advisory support from various firms for this transaction. Legal guidance in the UK was provided by Addleshaw Goddard, while Connaught assisted with capital structuring. Financial and tax due diligence was handled by infotransactions, with Lockton advising on WI insurance matters. Legal aspects in Denmark were taken care of by Nivaro Law, and RSM assisted with tax structuring. On the other side, Chr. Olesen and Signet Healthcare Partners were advised by LEK (commercial aspects), Moalem Weitemeyer (legal), Nielsen Nørager (legal), PwC (financial and tax), Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton (legal), and Stifel (mergers and acquisitions).

About Samfara

Samfara LLP is a London-based private equity firm specializing in acquiring majority stakes in European life sciences companies within the lower middle-market segment. They focus on investments that are based on specific theses, targeting complex international businesses where performance can be enhanced through active ownership. Samfara aims to deliver attractive returns to its investors while supporting European life sciences enterprises, the jobs they create, and the patients who benefit from them.

About Chr. Olesen Synthesis

Chr. Olesen Synthesis is a Danish developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical active ingredients and advanced synthesis intermediates, specializing in controlled substances. Their cGMP-certified facility in Hvidovre, near Copenhagen, serves laboratories across Europe, North America, and the Middle East with development and contract manufacturing services for new pharmaceutical APIs.

About Chr. Olesen

Founded in 1885, Chr. Olesen is an international family-owned distribution company specializing in nutraceutical ingredients for the animal feed, food, pharmaceutical, and technical industries.

About Signet Healthcare Partners

Signet Healthcare Partners is a private equity firm specializing in the healthcare sector, investing in commercial-stage pharmaceutical and medical technology companies. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in New York, Signet has invested in over 60 companies, providing entrepreneurs with capital, strategic advice, and a broad network within the industry.