21 Invest, the European investment group founded by Alessandro Benetton, with offices in Italy, France, Poland, and Spain, announces the sale of SIFI, Italian ophthalmic company, to a leading Spanish pharmaceutical group Faes Farma, specialized in the fields of allergies, hypocalcemia, and immunomodulation.

Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Catania, Sicily, SIFI is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The company has established itself as a global leader in ophthalmology, developing, manufacturing, and distributing innovative pharmaceutical products, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, dietary supplements, medical devices, and advanced intraocular lenses for eye care. SIFI operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with know-how and technology for sterile production of eye drops, ointments, and post-cataract surgery intraocular lenses.

Since the investment by 21 Invest in 2015, SIFI has undergone a profound transformation, establishing itself as a solid and innovative player in the global ophthalmology sector. This evolution was driven by the strategic and industrial support of the 21 Invest team and the leadership of Fabrizio Chines, who is part of the third generation of one of the two founding families.

The company achieved sales of over €M 100 in 2024, with approximately 65% generated internationally, compared to just 30% in 2015.

The growth strategy focused on four key pillars: training and managerialization, international expansion, research and development, and digitalization — all areas in which SIFI has targeted its investments backed by 21 Invest.

Thanks to a strong commitment to continuous training and new talent acquisition, the workforce grew by 40%, reaching approximately 500 highly qualified employees today, 63% of whom hold university degrees. 45% of the staff is under 45 years old, and 45% of leadership roles are held by women. Since 21 Invest’s entry, the top management team has been strengthened with several experienced managers from the pharmaceutical and international development sectors, both regulatory and commercial.

SIFI’s international footprint has expanded to over 40 countries, including the opening of subsidiaries in France, Spain, and Turkey, the establishment of joint ventures in China and the United Arab Emirates, strengthening operations in long-standing subsidiaries in Romania and Mexico, and numerous distribution partnerships, particularly in the Far East.

R&D investments have been especially focused on addressing unmet medical needs in ophthalmology. This has led to the launch of innovative products, including the orphan drug AKANTIOR®, recently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and in pre-registration stage in US FDA. AKANTIOR® marked a breakthrough in treating Acanthamoeba keratitis, an extremely rare and debilitating corneal infection that typically affects contact lens users and had no approved treatment until now. The drug is already being used under compassionate use programs in more than 12 European countries, treating over 180 patients.

Among other notable projects, EVOLUX has stood out for its innovation potential in eye care expanding the company’s line of high-tech intraocular lenses.

Throughout this journey, 21 Invest has played a key role, supporting M&A operations, enabling over €M 70 in investments, and attracting high-profile managerial talent.

Additionally, the company has always stood out for its environmental and social sustainability policies, strong local ties, and concrete application of the Shared Value philosophy—perfectly aligned with 21 Invest’s values.

The development path launched will be continued by the Spanish company Faes Farma, as part of a strategy to strengthen its ophthalmology platform, following the acquisition in March 2025 of the Portuguese company Laboratorios Edol. This will create an international group with enormous growth potential in the sector and total revenues exceeding €M 600.

Alessandro Benetton, Chairman and Founder of 21 Invest, states: “When we invested in SIFI ten years ago, we recognized the potential of an Italian excellence with a strong identity and ambitious international vision. Together with the Chines family and management team, we helped transform the company, enhancing its global footprint and innovation capabilities. Our commitment to long-term projects—such as the development of an orphan drug—embodies our philosophy: to invest responsibly, with value creation for all stakeholders at the center of our focus."

Fabrizio Chines, Chairman and CEO of SIFI, adds: “I would like to thank 21 Invest for their financial and strategic support since 2015. It has been a highly successful journey, during which SIFI significantly expanded its international footprint, strengthened its R&D pipeline and delivered innovative therapeutic solutions to ophthalmic patients. This transaction represents a transformational milestone that validates the strength of our business model and delivers significant value to our shareholders.”

Evercore Partners International LLP (“Evercore”) and Mediobanca - Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A. (“Mediobanca”) are acting as exclusive financial advisor to SIFI's shareholders (founding families and 21 Invest SGR S.p.A. on behalf of managed fund 21 Investimenti III (“21 Invest”)). Hogan Lovells Studio Legale (“Hogan Lovells”) is acting as legal advisor.

J.P. Morgan SE (“JPM”) is acting as Faes Farma’s exclusive financial advisor and debt financing provider in connection with the transaction. Cuatrecasas Legal SLP (“Cuatrecasas”) serves as legal advisor and Ernst & Young Servicios Corporativos S.L. (“EY”), Chiomenti and A.T. Kearney as due diligence providers for Faes Farma.