ERBER GROUP acquired by ROYAL DSM

Haudecoeur, backed by Ergon Capital Partners and the founding family, completed the acquisition of Palais Impérial from its founders, Nicolas Pacheny and Arnaud Gillier, who reinvest alongside existing shareholders. The transaction represents a strategic bolt-on acquisition executed within the framework of Haudecoeur’s ongoing buy-and-build strategy following its primary LBO completed one year earlier. Structured as a majority investment at the group level, the deal leverages existing acquisition financing lines to support external growth initiatives. From a strategic standpoint, the transaction enables Haudecoeur to internalize a product category where it previously relied on partner brands, notably in tea. By integrating Palais Impérial, the group strengthens its branded offering and gains direct exposure to the green tea segment, where the target holds a leading position in France. The combination enhances cross-selling opportunities and broadens the product portfolio, reinforcing the group’s value proposition toward both retail and distribution partners. Additionally, the deal aligns with a broader sector consolidation trend in specialty and ethnic food segments, where scale, brand ownership, and sourcing capabilities are key differentiators.

Glanbia Nutritionals has acquired the Canadian flavor designer Foodarom for CAD $60 million (~USD $45 million). This acquisition aligns with Glanbia's strategy to grow its "Nutritional Solutions" (NS) division by adding complementary capabilities. Foodarom's expertise in custom flavors and masking agents is highly synergistic with Glanbia's core protein business: it allows Glanbia to sell not just the protein powder, but the entire flavored formulation (e.g., "Strawberry Whey Isolate" ready-to-mix) to its sports nutrition and lifestyle clients.

BC Partners agreed to acquire Pasticceria Bindi S.p.A. from its founding family owners, marking a significant strategic investment in the Italian frozen bakery sector. This transaction follows BC Partners' prior acquisition of Forno d’Asolo in 2018, underscoring the private equity firm's interest in capitalizing on the global appeal of high-quality Italian food products. The rationale for the acquisition is centered on accelerating Bindi's growth trajectory. BC Partners plans to support the company's management in pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy. Key initiatives include broadening the existing product portfolio, innovating with new patisserie items, and significantly growing international sales, particularly by leveraging Bindi's strong foothold in the United States. Furthermore, the acquisition positions Bindi as a platform for market consolidation through subsequent strategic acquisitions in Italy and abroad. For the Bindi family, the partnership with BC Partners ensures business continuity while providing the capital and strategic support necessary for robust international expansion. The existing management team, including the General Manager and a member of the founding family in a non-executive capacity, will remain to guide the company's future development and protect its brand legacy.

Bemycompany Capital Partners has acquired an initial 8% minority interest in Acetaia Fondo Montebello, with a structured agreement to increase the position to 16% within the first quarter of 2020. This investment represents a classic growth capital transaction aimed at professionalizing the target’s corporate governance and accelerating its international expansion roadmap. The strategic rationale for the deal centers on providing the target with the necessary capital and managerial expertise to establish direct commercial branches in North America and to evaluate opportunistic acquisitions of other balsamic vinegar producers. By integrating financial resources with a network of seasoned entrepreneurs and managers, the holding company seeks to prepare the SME for an eventual public listing.

AromataGroup, backed by Ambienta SGR, has acquired the French company Nactis Flavours. This transformative deal merges the Italian AromataGroup with the French Nactis to create a new pan-European platform rebranded as "Nactarome". The transaction allows for significant geographic diversification (Italy + France + Benelux) and product expansion. Nactis founder becomes Non-Executive Chair of the new group, while Aromata's founder takes the CEO role. Ambienta retains an 80% stake in the combined group.

Ardian has acquired a majority stake in Frulact from the founding Miranda family. The transaction values the company at approximately EUR150 million. The management team, led by CEO Duarte Faria, remains in place to drive the next phase of growth, while the founder retains a role as Non-Executive Chairman. Ardian's strategy is to use Frulact as a consolidation platform to build a global leader in natural food ingredients through acquisitions in adjacent niches.

Nestle agreed to sell a 60% stake in Herta's charcuterie and dough business to Casa Tarradellas, creating a Joint Venture valued at EUR690 million. The new entity, incorporated in Spain, will be 60% owned by Casa Tarradellas and 40% by Nestle. The deal covers operations in six countries (France, Germany, Belgium, UK, Ireland, Luxembourg). Nestle explicitly retained the Herta vegetarian business to integrate it into its plant-based portfolio (Garden Gourmet), signaling a strategic pivot away from processed meats towards healthier alternatives.

Ardian acquired a majority stake in Cerelia from IK Investment Partners. During IK's tenure, Cerelia doubled its size via acquisitions (Bioderij, BakeAway, English Bay Batter). Ardian's investment thesis is built on stabilizing US margins and continuing the pan-European and transatlantic consolidation of the bakery sector.

Apax Partners Development acquired a majority stake in Routin following a competitive auction process managed by Transaction R. The transaction marked the exit of Credit Mutuel Equity as the majority shareholder, though they reinvested significantly to remain as a minority partner. The new investment cycle aims to leverage the international success of the "1883" brand in the coffee and cocktail markets.

Progressio SGR has acquired a minority stake in Polenghi Food S.p.A. from the founding family. The capital injection is aimed at accelerating the company's international growth, particularly in the United States (its largest market) and consolidating its leadership in Europe. The strategic plan also includes potential add-on acquisitions to expand the product portfolio and strengthen geographic presence.