HERTA acquired by CASA TARRADELLAS

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.

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.

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.

Riello Investimenti SGR has acquired a 73% majority stake in Foodness S.p.A. The remaining capital is held by the founders (Paolo Fermi, Franco Lusetti, and Alberto Andrei), who retain their management roles, alongside industry veterans Mario Muttoni and Roberto Venturi. Additionally, a "Club Deal" of private investors organized by Pigreco Corporate Finance has co-invested in the transaction. This partnership aims to support Foodness's rapid growth trajectory (CAGR +40%) and consolidate its leadership in the "wellness" beverage niche within the HoReCa channel.

The transaction is structured as a secondary leverage buyout executing the complete exit of TA Associates after a four-year holding period. The departing majority shareholder relinquishes control to facilitate the next institutional expansion phase. Under the definitive agreement, the incoming sponsor acquires an approximate 80% equity stake in the holding structure. Co-founder Jacques Attal and the executive management team led by Yann Coléou roll over substantial equity into the new vehicle. This significant reinvestment aligns long-term management incentives directly with institutional investor objectives. Debt financing is fully provided by BlueBay Asset Management via a €200M unitranche facility. The highly aggressive pricing terms offered by this credit fund displaced the incumbent financial partner Ares from the final syndicate. This flexible capital structure provides ample dry powder to fund imminent cross-border consolidation without draining operational liquidity. Final closing is projected for the end of the second quarter of 2019 following standard anti-trust approvals. Rothschild acted as exclusive financial advisor to the sell-side corporate entities. Cambon Partners and Alantra provided dual M&A advisory services to the buy-side consortium during these private negotiations.

Just months after the acquisition of Michel Kremer, Mademoiselle Desserts completed another structural add-on by absorbing Les Delices des 7 Vallees from the private equity fund Sagard. The operation was financed through bank debt. This acquisition allows Mademoiselle Desserts to conquer the strategic "sweet snacking" segment (donuts, muffins) and significantly strengthen its presence in Mass Market Retail (GMS), a channel where the target excels. Sagard exited the capital after backing the company since 2015.

Ambienta SGR has acquired a majority stake in AromataGroup from its founders and management. This acquisition marks Ambienta's entry into the food ingredients sector, serving as a platform investment to consolidate the fragmented European market for natural flavours and colours. The deal capitalizes on the "Clean Label" megatrend and the shift from synthetic to natural ingredients. Ambienta plans to support the company's international expansion and product diversification through an aggressive buy-and-build strategy. The existing management team, led by Hans Udo Wenzel, reinvests in the transaction.

Parquest Capital acquired a majority stake in Sopral from the Avril Group. This strategic carve-out allowed Sopral to gain independence and accelerate its growth in the consolidating premium pet food market. Groupe Avril remained involved as a minority shareholder through its subsidiary Sofiproteol. The deal also included several regional and sector-specialized minority investors (IDIA, Agro Invest, Unexo) to support international expansion and industrial optimization.