LA COMPAGNIE DES DESSERTS acquired by PAI PARTNERS
Context
PAI Partners' investment in La Compagnie des Desserts, a specialist in frozen pastries and ice cream for professionals, is part of a broader strategy to expand geographically and diversify operations. With a workforce of 700 employees, the company aims to achieve revenues of 180 million euros by 2027, up from 117 million euros in 2022, driven by approximately 20 annual hires. This growth will be fueled by the development of new market segments, such as leisure, take-out sales, and dark kitchens, as well as entry into new geographic markets, including Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, and Austria, potentially through targeted acquisitions, thereby increasing its global footprint and broadening its customer base, with the ultimate goal of enhancing its financial performance and competitiveness in the industry.
LA COMPAGNIE DES DESSERTS, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2022, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x, representing a discount to the average currently observed in the AgriFood sector (11.0x).
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Target
The Compagnie des Desserts operates as a manufacturer and distributor of artisanal ice creams and premium frozen pastries, catering to the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Headquartered in Lézignan-Corbières, within the Aude region, the company has established an integrated logistics network, comprising two distribution platforms in France, located in Narbonne and Orly. This setup enables the company to deliver to southern and northern France, as well as Spain, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. The company's product portfolio encompasses approximately 1,700 references, organized into three categories: ice creams, pastries, and complementary products. It develops over 200 new products annually, underscoring its commitment to innovation. With a customer base of nearly 25,000 clients across Europe, primarily in France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the company has established a significant presence in the region, facilitating the supply of its products to a diverse range of clients.
Ent. Value
€100–350M
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
below 1.5x
EV / EBITDA
5x–12x
EV / EBIT
[members only]
Historical Financials (EUR)
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV €100–350M
Revenue range: €100–200M
EBITDA range: €5–25M
EV/Revenue range: below 1.5x
EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: la compagnie des desserts
Acquirer: pai partners