Signet Healthcare Partners announces sale of Chr. Olesen Synthesis to Samfara
/Signet and Chr. Olesen A/S built the Danish manufacturer into a significant player in controlled-substance APIs, serving pharmaceutical customers across Europe, North America and the Middle East
New York, October 2, 2026 – Signet Healthcare Partners ("Signet"), a healthcare growth equity firm, today announced that funds managed by Signet, together with Chr. Olesen A/S, have completed the sale of Chr. Olesen Synthesis A/S ("Chr. Olesen Synthesis" or the "Company") to Samfara LLP, a London-based European life sciences investment firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Based in Hvidovre, near Copenhagen, Chr. Olesen Synthesis develops and manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates, specializing in controlled substances, in particular those used to treat opioid use disorder (buprenorphine) and ADHD (lisdexamfetamine). The Company’s cGMP-certified plant has been in commercial production since 2015 and supplies pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America and the Middle East. The Company also offers contract development and manufacturing services for new APIs.
The transaction represents a successful exit for Signet in the pharma services sector, a core focus of the firm’s investment strategy. During Signet’s holding period, Chr. Olesen Synthesis grew revenue five-fold and progressed from an unprofitable operation, with a portfolio of outdated generic APIs, to a profitable, scaled supplier of complex controlled-substance APIs. Signet worked alongside Chr. Olesen A/S and the management team to build out the Company’s manufacturing capabilities, broaden its customer base across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, and establish its reputation in one of the most technically and regulatorily demanding areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
ABOUT SIGNET HEALTHCARE PARTNERS
Signet Healthcare Partners is a healthcare growth equity firm that invests in commercial-stage pharmaceutical (pharma services and therapeutics) and medical technology companies. Founded in 1998 and based in New York, Signet has invested in more than 60 companies, supporting entrepreneurs with capital, strategic guidance, and deep industry networks.
www.signethealthcarepartners.com
ABOUT CHR. OLESEN SYNTHESIS
Chr. Olesen Synthesis A/S is a Danish developer and manufacturer of APIs and advanced intermediates, specializing in controlled substances. From its cGMP-certified plant in Hvidovre, near Copenhagen, it supplies pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America and the Middle East and offers contract development and manufacturing services for new APIs.
ABOUT CHR. OLESEN
Chr. Olesen A/S, founded in 1885, is a family-owned global distribution company specializing in nutraceutical ingredients for the feed, food, pharma, and technical industries.
ABOUT SAMFARA
Samfara LLP is a London-based private equity firm focused on majority buyouts of European life sciences companies in the lower mid-market. Samfara LLP is an appointed representative of Suntera Advisers (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.