AUTOGRILL acquired by AVOLTA
Context
The transaction represents a transformational merger between Dufry, a global leader in travel retail, and Autogrill, a global leader in travel food and beverage services. The combination was designed to create an integrated, diversified global travel experience player with an unparalleled presence across various geographies and service channels. The strategic rationale for the deal centered on redefining the industry's boundaries and creating a new leader with a comprehensive offering for travelers worldwide. For Dufry, the acquisition significantly increases its presence in core markets, particularly the United States, and facilitates a major expansion into the travel food and beverage sector. The deal was also expected to strengthen its balance sheet and generate meaningful synergies. For Autogrill, the merger provides a path for continued growth and development within a larger, more powerful entity. The combination enables a flurry of innovation in offerings, aiming to translate into more enjoyable travel experiences. The deal was structured in two main steps: an initial transfer of the majority controlling stake held by Edizione, the Benetton family's holding company, to Dufry, making Edizione the largest shareholder of the new combined group. This was followed by a mandatory public tender offer for the remaining Autogrill shares to complete the integration.
AUTOGRILL, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2021, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Retail & Consumer sector (11.0x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
Autogrill S.p.A. is a prominent global provider of food and beverage services catering primarily to travelers. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, the company has established a vast operational footprint across multiple continents, with a significant presence in airports, along motorways, and within railway stations. Its extensive network includes approximately 800 locations in 30 different countries, where it manages around 3,300 individual points of sale. Autogrill's business model revolves around a diversified portfolio of over 300 brands, which includes a mix of company-owned proprietary concepts and well-known licensed international brands. This strategy allows the company to adapt its offerings to meet the diverse and evolving preferences of a global customer base and the specific requirements of its landlords. The company's operations are supported by a large workforce, with over 34,000 employees dedicated to delivering a consistent service experience. By operating in high-traffic transit hubs, Autogrill serves a captive audience of consumers, positioning itself as a key player in the travel concessions industry.
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Historical Financials (EUR)
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 3b - 100b EUR
Revenue range: 1b - 3b EUR
EBITDA range: 450M - 900M EUR
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Press release: view release
Target: autogrill
Acquirer: avolta