mynth
← DATABASE
06/2007

DIANA GROUP acquired by ARDIAN

FRANCE Food Processing / Ingredients EV 500M - 1.5b EUR

Context

AXA Private Equity acquired a majority stake in Diana Ingredients from Cognetas (now Motion Equity Partners). The transaction valued the company at an Enterprise Value of EUR710 million. This Secondary Buyout (SBO) was driven by the thesis of consolidating the fragmented natural ingredients market. The deal structure involved investment from two of AXA's funds (Fund III and Fund IV). The seller, Cognetas, having achieved a significant return, reinvested to keep a minority stake.

DIANA GROUP, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2006, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the AgriFood sector (10.5x).

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.

-> Deep-dive in AgriFood market trends

Target

Headquartered in Vannes, France, Diana Group is a world leader in natural functional solutions for the food, pet food, nutraceutical, aquaculture, and cosmetic industries. The company specializes in organoleptic solutions based on natural ingredients, with a particular dominance in palatability enhancers for pet food (where it is the global leader). Diana operates production sites and commercial offices in 23 countries across Europe, North and Latin America, and Asia. At the time of the deal, the group employed approximately 2,000 people and generated 50% of its sales outside of France.

Ent. Value

LOGIN

Equity Value

LOGIN

Multiples

EV / Revenue

LOGIN

EV / EBITDA

LOGIN

EV / EBIT

LOGIN

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2006
LOGIN
LOGIN
LOGIN
2005
LOGIN
LOGIN
LOGIN

Other operations with DIANA GROUP

List of similar M&A transactions (Date, Acquirer, Target, Country, Sector, Deal Context)
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySectorDeal Context
04/2014SYMRISEDIANA GROUPFRANCEFood Processing

Symrise AG has acquired Diana Group from private equity firm Ardian (formerly AXA Private Equity) and minority shareholder Motion Equity Partners. This transaction creates a unique platform for natural extracts and functional ingredients, allowing Symrise to diversify its portfolio significantly. A key strategic driver is the entry into the highly attractive and resilient pet food market, where Diana holds a leading position. The deal also strengthens Symrise's backward integration by securing access to natural raw materials. Diana will operate as a distinct "Flavor & Nutrition" division within Symrise. The acquisition concludes a successful holding period for Ardian, which supported Diana's aggressive build-up strategy, including the acquisitions of Confoco International and Givaudan's vegetable extracts business.

REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV 500M - 1.5b EUR

EBITDA range: 50M - 100M EUR

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of DIANA GROUP by ARDIAN are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

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).

Acquirer: ardian