Casa Optima acquired by Riverside
Context
The Riverside Company acquired Optima / Mec3, a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of ingredients for gelato, pastry, and other foods. Riverside aims to support management, drive global growth, and invest in R&D to maintain Mec3's reputation for innovation. The founder expressed confidence in Riverside's ability to build on Mec3's 30-year legacy and Italian heritage. Riverside emphasized the company's unique position in the growing global market for high-quality artisanal gelato.
Casa Optima, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2013, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x, to compare with the average currently observed in the AgriFood sector (11.5x in 2026).
-> Deep-dive in AgriFood market trends
Target
Casa Optima is the global market leader in premium ingredients for artisanal gelato, pastry, and specialized beverage concepts. Headquartered in Italy, the group manages an elite portfolio of complementary, high-heritage brands including Mec3, Pernigotti Maestri Gelatieri, Modecor (pastry decorations), and Giuso. Its robust business model centers on a comprehensive product and service offering, combining the formulation of complex bases, flavorings, and toppings with an international network of training centers (Optima Academy) designed to support artisanal chefs and food service chains.
Ent. Value
€100–350M
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
1x–3x
EV / EBITDA
5x–12x
EV / EBIT
[members only]
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with Casa Optima
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/2025 | ADIA | CASA OPTIMA | ITALY | Ingredients |
| 11/2017 | CASA OPTIMA | MODECOR ITALIANA | ITALY | Ingredients |
| 11/2016 | CHARTERHOUSE | CASA OPTIMA | ITALY | Ingredients |
Similar deals in Food Processing
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/2014 | 21 INVEST | FORNO D’ASOLO | ITALY | Bakery / Pastry |
| 03/2014 | CHARTERHOUSE | NUOVA CASTELLI | ITALY | Dairy |
| 02/2014 | SOLINA GROUP | SFK FOOD | DENMARK | Ingredients |
| 12/2013 | DANTE BIGI S.R.L. | GRUPPO ALIVAL | ITALY | Dairy |
| 11/2013 | FRUTAROM | PTI (PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INGREDIENTS GROUP) | RUSSIA | Ingredients |
| 11/2013 | EQUISTONE | MADEMOISELLE DESSERTS | FRANCE | Bakery / Pastry |
| 09/2013 | EQUISTONE | CHARLES & ALICE | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 08/2013 | INVESTCORP | TYRRELLS | UNITED KINGDOM | Food Products |
| 07/2013 | ARTÉMIS | MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 07/2011 | IK PARTNERS | SOLINA GROUP | FRANCE | Ingredients |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV €100–350M
Revenue range: €100–200M
EBITDA range: €5–25M
EV/Revenue range: 1x - 3x
EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Casa Optima by Riverside are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.
Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: casa optima
Acquirer: riverside
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