21 Invest, a European investment group founded and led by Alessandro Benetton with offices in Italy, France and Poland, is pleased to announce the signing of a binding agreement for the purchase of a stake in Omega Pharma S.r.l. (“Omega Pharma"), leading Italian player in the R&D and commercialization of food supplements, medical devices and cosmetics.

Established in Cantù (Como) in 1995 and led today by Gianantono Tomaselli, Omega Pharma is today at the forefront of the food supplements business, setting the standard for innovation, quality and scientific standing of its products. The company is focused on various therapeutic niches such as angiology, gastroenterology, urology, gynechology, ophtalmology and pediatrics, all undergoing compelling growth dynamics.

The sales network counts more than 130 sales representatives well spread throughout the Italian territory and a reference point for specialists across therapeutic areas. In 2023, the company registered a turnover of €M 20 (avg. growth rate in the last 10 years equal to 15%), principally to pharmacies in Italy, with an expanding international footprint.

“Building new industrial champions is our main challenge.” Alessandro Benetton, Chariman and Founder of 21 Invest comments. “We found Omega Pharma to be an outstanding entrepreneurial business, focused on technological research and development with high professional standards. We will develop together an ambitious build-up project in the sustainable food supplements sector, as a key starting point for long-term growth.”

Gianantonio Tomaselli, CEO of Omega Pharma, adds “The partnership with an European investment group like 21 Invest will allow us to pursue with even more confidence our development goals in terms of turnover and market share, which have always guided Omega Pharma’s management, with particular attention towards growth abroad.”

Omega Pharma focuses on innovation with the continuous launch of new products and formulations, thanks to its strong scientific know-how developed over the years, a well-established R&D team and a rigorous control of the supply chain. Omega Pharma’s research starts from the selection of the best raw materials and the identification of the latest technologies in active principles administration, in order to meet changing patients’ needs also thanks to the close collaboration with key opinion leaders in the medical and scientific community. The latter includes Antonino Santoro, Chairman of the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers, who will enter the Board of Directors of the company.

The food supplements market has been particularly resilient in recent years and is marked by solid long-term drivers such as an ageing population, growing health awareness and the importance of prevention also for younger generations. Italy is the largest food supplements market in Europe and is experiencing significant growth and i innovation trends, driven by the high competitive standards in the market.

The 21 Invest team, together with its Founder and Chairman Alessandro Benetton, will integrate the founding family’s entrepreneurial tradition with its competences and strategic approach developed over the course of more than 30 years of activity to support Omega Pharma in its ambitious growth plan to become the market leader. Gianantonio Tommaselli will keep leading the devolpment path and will keep the 35% of the company.

The value creation strategy foresees organic growth by enhancing and scaling the business model on the Italian market and expansion of the company’s international presence, as well as the execution of a build-up project in the fragmented Italian market, full of opportunities to expand know-how and create synergies.

21 Invest was assisted by PedersoliGattai, EY Advisory for financial and ESG due diligence, Bain & Company for business due diligence, Russo, De Rosa e associati for tax and structuring matters and Ethica Group in the role of financial advisor.

Omega Pharma was assisted in legal and corporate matters by Orsingher Ortu and by EY Advisory as M&A advisor.