FOODAROM acquired by GLANDIA NUTRITIONALS

Gruppo Illy sold a 20% minority stake in its operating company, Illycaffè SpA, to affiliates of Rhône Capital in a strategic transaction valued at around EUR 200 million. The deal was signed in November 2020 and closed in early 2021, marking the first time since the company’s founding in 1933 that Illycaffè opened its capital to a non‑family institutional investor. The transaction was structured as a minority‑stake entry, with Rhône committed to remaining a non‑controlling shareholder to support the Illy family’s long‑term stewardship. The strategic rationale centers on Illycaffè’s ambition to accelerate international growth, particularly in the United States, the world’s largest coffee market, and to strengthen its presence in at‑home and digital channels. The minority‑stake transaction provides Illycaffè with additional capital, governance breadth, and strategic support to invest in US distribution, branded cafés, online sales, and sustainability‑linked initiatives, while preserving the family’s control and heritage‑driven positioning.

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.

Royal DSM has reached an agreement to acquire the Erber Group, specifically its specialty animal nutrition and health businesses, Biomin and Romer Labs. Two smaller units of the Erber Group (Sanphar and EFB, representing 7% of sales) are excluded from the transaction. This acquisition provides DSM with a market-leading entry into mycotoxin risk management and expands its portfolio of high-value "Eubiotics" (gut health) solutions. The transaction is debt-financed and is expected to be earnings-enhancing in the first year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.