DANONE invests in MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN
Context
Danone has acquired a 40% stake in Michel & Augustin through its Danone Manifesto Ventures arm, as part of a structured transaction that enables a gradual increase in the French group's capital. This deal was completed through the purchase of shares from the founders and the Artemis holding company, owned by the Pinault family. The transaction is part of a strategic partnership aimed at supporting Michel & Augustin's growth, with a focus on international development, particularly in the United States, a key market identified by the brand. Danone's investment also brings industrial, commercial, and international capabilities that can accelerate product distribution. For Danone, this move is part of a broader strategy to invest in innovative food brands with high growth potential, through an incubation and minority stake approach, followed by gradual integration. Danone Manifesto Ventures, a dedicated platform based in New York, was designed to support this type of partnership with emerging or high-growth companies.
Previously, Michel Et Augustin had been acquired in an LBO by ArtéMis in 2013.
MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2015, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , a level to compare with the average currently observed in the AgriFood sector (10.5x).
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Target
Michel & Augustin is a French food company founded in 2004 by Michel de Rovira and Augustin Paluel-Marmont. The brand has developed a range of mass-market food products, focusing on biscuits, yogurts, desserts, and beverages, with a strong brand identity and distinctive marketing tone. Initially, the company concentrated on bakery and biscuit products (cookies, shortbread, and savory biscuits), before gradually expanding its portfolio to include dairy products (drinking yogurts and desserts) and beverages. One of its iconic products is the "drinking cow" yogurt, which has contributed significantly to the brand's reputation. Michel & Augustin operates on a business model that prioritizes mass-market consumption, combining in-house product development with a robust branding strategy. The company has primarily built its distribution network through large retail channels, with a growing international presence, particularly in the United States, where it has sought to establish itself through distribution partnerships. The brand has distinguished itself through a highly differentiated marketing approach, relying on storytelling, humor, and a strong connection with consumers, which has contributed to its visibility despite limited advertising budgets compared to major industry players.
Ent. Value
Equity Value
Multiples
EV / Revenue
EV / EBITDA
EV / EBIT
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/2023 | THE FERRERO GROUP | MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 04/2019 | DANONE | MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 07/2013 | ARTÉMIS | MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN | FRANCE | Food Products |
REFERENCES
Revenue range: 25M - 50M EUR
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Press release: view release
Target: michel et augustin
Acquirer: danone