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11/2020Minority

Rhone Capital invests in Illycaffè

ITALY Food Processing / Beverages EV €1–10bn

Context

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.

Illycaffè, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2019, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 10x–18x, standing directly in line with the average observed in the AgriFood sector (12.4x in 2020).

-> Deep-dive in AgriFood market trends

Target

Illycaffè SpA is a leading Italian premium coffee roaster and one of the largest coffee producers in Italy, based in Trieste. The company manufactures and markets a distinctive blend of nine varieties of 100% arabica coffee, sold under the illy brand, which is recognized globally for its high‑quality, consistent taste profile and iconic silver‑and‑red packaging. Illycaffè operates across multiple channels, including retail, foodservice, workplaces, and its own network of branded cafés, while maintaining a strong presence in both traditional and specialty‑coffee markets. The company generates the majority of its revenue from roasted coffee beans and ground coffee, with a growing contribution from single‑serve formats such as coffee pods and ready‑to‑drink systems that support at‑home and out‑of‑home consumption. Illycaffè has significantly expanded its global footprint, distributing its products in over 140 countries, and operates around 269 branded illy stores and café points in more than 40 countries, positioning itself as a premium, lifestyle‑oriented coffee brand. The business model is built on a combination of brand cachet, direct‑to‑consumer touchpoints, and long‑term relationships with hospitality and foodservice clients.

Ent. Value

€1–10bn

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

EV / Revenue

1x–3x

EV / EBITDA

10x–18x

EV / EBIT

[members only]

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2019
€450–900M
€50–100M
[members only]
2018
€450–900M
€50–100M
[members only]

Other operations with Rhone Capital

Other operations with Rhone Capital
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
09/2025RHONE CAPITALFREDDY’SUNITED STATESRestaurants / Chains
11/2021RHONE CAPITALPARAGON FILMSUNITED STATESPlastic Packaging
02/2016RHONE CAPITALGARDAWORLD SECURITYCANADASecurity & Guarding

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REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV €1–10bn

Revenue range: €450–900M

EBITDA range: €50–100M

EV/Revenue range: 1x - 3x

EV/EBITDA range: 10x - 18x

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

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Target: illycaffè

Acquirer: rhone capital

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers the acquisition of a minority stake in Illycaffè, an Italian company specialised in Beverages, by Rhone Capital in 2020.

How was the acquisition of Illycaffè by Rhone Capital valued, and what multiples were paid?

mynth displays the transaction’s enterprise value within the €1–10bn band, its EV/EBITDA multiple within the 10x - 18x range, and its EV/revenue multiple within the 1x - 3x range. Exact figures are available to members.

What were Illycaffè’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Illycaffè generated annual revenue estimated in the €450–900M range and EBITDA in the €50–100M bracket (FY 2019). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

How does the valuation of Illycaffè compare to benchmarks in the AgriFood sector?

With an estimated multiple range of 10x - 18x, the transaction stands directly in line with historical averages for the AgriFood sector (12.4x in 2020).

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Transaction data and operational intelligence were compiled from independent financial press reporting by specialized M&A publications.

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