CLAREMONT INGREDIENTS acquired by NACTAROME GROUP

Aksia Group has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Fornaio del Casale from Riello Investimenti SGR and the founding family. Both Riello Investimenti (which acquired its stake in 2023) and the family will reinvest to retain minority stakes. The acquisition aims to support an aggressive "buy-and-build" strategy to create a leading group in the sweet and savory snack market.

Charterhouse Capital Partners agreed to sell Casa Optima to a group of investors led by Terlos (ADIA). The transaction represents a 2.6x return for Charterhouse. The strategic rationale for Terlos is to capitalize on the continued "premiumization" of the artisanal gelato market and use Casa Optima as a platform to double its size through further international expansion and consolidation. The deal follows a period of intense value creation including a scientific pricing strategy, the integration of four major acquisitions, and a total revamp of the commercial organization

Premier Foods has agreed to acquire 100% of Merchant Gourmet from its founding shareholders. The brand is projected to generate revenues of c.28 million (FY2026), showing strong double-digit growth. Premier Foods intends to apply its "branded growth model"—expanding distribution, accelerating innovation (NPD), and increasing marketing investment—to scale the business, replicating the success of its previous acquisitions of The Spice Tailor and FUEL10K.

Ferrero, through its subsidiary Ferrara Candy, entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire 100% of CPK from Eurazeo. For Eurazeo, this marks the end of an 8-year investment cycle where it successfully regrouped heritage brands into a standalone French champion. For Ferrero, this acquisition bolsters its presence in the European sugar confectionery market and provides a strong industrial base in France. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025.

Refresco has completed the acquisition of Telemark Kildevann Holding AS (TKV), a Norwegian beverage and mineral water producer, following the announcement of the transaction in May 2025. The deal was finalized after obtaining the customary regulatory approvals and satisfying the closing conditions. This acquisition is a key milestone in Refresco's "Buy & Build" strategy, which aims to strengthen its industrial footprint in Europe and consolidate its positions in attractive regional markets. The acquisition enables the group to expand its production capabilities in the Nordic countries, a strategic region where it was already present in Finland, and enhance its service offering to distributors and branded customers in Norway and Sweden

Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) acquired 100% of Sopral from Parquest, Sofiproteol, and minority investors (Agro Invest, Idia, Unexo). This acquisition marks IPN's first entry into the French market, using Sopral as a logistics and industrial hub for Continental Europe. The exit follows a successful 7-year cycle under Parquest's ownership, where revenue grew from EUR40M to EUR80M.

Foster Clark Products Ltd. has completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Preziosi Food S.p.A. from a consortium of investors led by Private Equity funds Vertis SGR and HAT Sicaf. This transaction represents a strategic milestone for the Maltese group, marking its first industrial acquisition in Italy and establishing a European hub for savory snacks. The deal secures FCP a modern manufacturing plant in Southern Italy (Melfi) and a leadership position in the Private Label snack market

Valeo Foods Group has acquired Freddi Dolciaria S.p.A. from the founding Freddi family. Financial terms were not disclosed. This acquisition further strengthens Valeo's "Sweet Treats" platform in Italy, complementing its major Balconi subsidiary. The deal adds a flexible, well-invested manufacturing facility in Northern Italy and a portfolio of trusted sponge cake products. It also allows Valeo to leverage Freddi's capabilities to expand its range of licensed global brands and "free-from" snacking options

Greencore has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Bakkavor, creating a combined UK national food champion with pro-forma revenues of circa £4 billion. The strategic rationale for the deal is the creation of an unrivalled convenience food platform with enhanced category depth and deeper retail relationships. The combination aims to deliver annual run-rate pre-tax cost synergies of at least £80 million by the end of the third year through manufacturing consolidation and procurement efficiencies

Delta Wines has been acquired by Viva Wine Group, creating a combined entity that operates across eight European countries and serves sixteen markets. The agreement was signed in early 2025 and anticipates closing in May 2025, after regulatory approvals and financing arrangements are completed. Both parties have aligned their corporate structures to facilitate a seamless integration of Delta Wines into Viva Wine Group's existing B2B segment. The acquisition supports Viva Wine Group's objective to broaden its geographic reach beyond the Nordics and to deepen its product offering in continental Europe