SIFI: new bank financing for 33 million Euros Catania, 29 June 2016 - SIFI is pleased to announce the closing of a medium/long term financing agreement of up to 33 million euro, aimed at refinancing its outstanding debt and supporting its growth strategy. The consortium of lenders includes Banca Popolare di Milano, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca del Mezzogiorno Mediocredito Centrale, Credito Valtellinese and Credito Siciliano. Banca Popolare di Milano and Banca IMI acted as arrangers and bookrunners ; BancaPopolare di Milano also acted as agent and depository bank . Essentia acted as financial advisor and Carbonetti e Associati as legal advisor to the company, while Simmons & Simmons acted as legal advisor to the banks. The main objective of the deal is to fund SIFI Group’s business plan, whose main targets are international expansion, also through acquisitions in selected European markets, and consolidation of its leadership position in Italy, through the implementation of a new marketing strategy and the launch of new products. "We are very pleased with the execution of this strategic deal - said Fabrizio Chines, SIFI Executive Chairman – which will allow us to further invest in overseas growth opportunities and new technologies. Thanks to new credit lines and the definitive overcoming of the previous bank debts rescheduling agreement , SIFI obtains the financial and business flexibility required to pursue its vision of becoming a leading player in the European EyeCare market. We also expect an immediate economic benefit from the capability to access best financials conditions for our working capital needs. " "We are very proud that an excellent and undoubtedly growing company such as SIFI SpA, so well positioned on the Italian market and growing internationally, has identified BPM as a reliable bank for this significant financing transaction" said Claudio Stefani, Head of Structured Finance Banca Popolare di Milano, "on this occasion, Banca Popolare di Milano has maintained its commitment to Italian medium- sized companies." According to Corrado Passoni - Head of Corporate Loan Structuring, Structured Finance Banca IMI - "This funding allows SIFI to focus on a new development phase. The resources made available will promote growth through acquisitions in foreign markets, where Intesa San Paolo Group, with its international network, is ready to offer its support to the achievement of SIFI Group’s objectives. " SIFI Group SIFI is the leading Italian ophthalmic company, focused on eye care since 1935. SIFI designs, manufactures and markets innovative pharmaceutical specialty products, surgical and medical devices. Headquartered in Catania, Sicily, SIFI operates directly in Italy, Romania and Mexico with a staff of more than 330 people worldwide. Since June 2015 SIFI is backed by 21 Investimenti, a private equity firm founded by Alessandro Benetton, which supports the company’s international expansion and portfolio development strategy. For further information: SIFI SpA Press & Communication Office c/o CITYnet - Rome [email protected] +39 3336999669 Banca Popolare di Milano Ufficio stampa Elena Molteni +39 02.77.00.3906 [email protected] .