SIFI Announces Expansion in the French Market With Acquisition of Dacudoses and Novoptine

Italian ophthalmic company SIFI has announced the acquisition of Dacudoses and Novoptine antiseptic brands in France from Laboratoire Gifrer Barbezat.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Dacudoses is the leading reimbursed RX brand of the French ophthalmic antiseptic segment, prescribed by ophthalmologists and general practitioners, according to SIFI. Dacudoses is commonly used as an eyewash in case of light conjunctivitis and/or infections, benefitting from a very strong brand recognition in France.

Novoptine is an OTC antiseptic collyrium used to treat eye infections and conjunctivitis.

SIFI will market directly both products through its subsidiary SIFI France S.A.S. from January 2020. The reference market segment is expected to grow due to increased incidence of eye disorders, such as bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis.

“This strategic deal represent a significant milestone for our company, being the first acquisition made since our foundation, and will accelerate our penetration into France, one of the largest and most competitive markets in Western Europe,” Fabrizio Chines, Chairman and CEO of SIFI, said in a company news release. “Dacudoses and Novoptine are very complementary with our proprietary portfolio, which we expect to launch through SIFI France starting from 2020, in line with a well-balanced regulatory, market access and marketing strategy.”

“SIFI is an example of excellence in our portfolio that we are proud to support in its international expansion” commented Alessandro Benetton, Founding Managing Partner of 21 Invest. “This operation is strategic to reach its ambitious goal of creating a leading company in the international ophthalmic market.”