MERCHANT GOURMET acquired by PREMIER FOODS

Aksia Group has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Fornaio del Casale from Riello Investimenti SGR and the founding family. Both Riello Investimenti (which acquired its stake in 2023) and the family will reinvest to retain minority stakes. The acquisition aims to support an aggressive "buy-and-build" strategy to create a leading group in the sweet and savory snack market.

Charterhouse Capital Partners agreed to sell Casa Optima to a group of investors led by Terlos (ADIA). The transaction represents a 2.6x return for Charterhouse. The strategic rationale for Terlos is to capitalize on the continued "premiumization" of the artisanal gelato market and use Casa Optima as a platform to double its size through further international expansion and consolidation. The deal follows a period of intense value creation including a scientific pricing strategy, the integration of four major acquisitions, and a total revamp of the commercial organization.

Nactarome Group agreed to acquire Claremont Ingredients Ltd. from THG Nutrition, a subsidiary of THG PLC, in a strategic bolt-on enhancing its United Kingdom operations and sports nutrition foothold. Transaction facts outline a full ownership transfer of the flavour specialist, aligning with Nactarome's aggressive M&A playbook of tuck-in acquisitions to broaden capabilities. Strategic rationale shines through perfect complementarity: Claremont's entrenched expertise in sports nutrition masking, bakery, bars, and beverages dovetails seamlessly with Nactarome's natural flavours and colours heritage, amplifying innovation pipelines and customer-centric solutions. Timing capitalizes on booming demand for performance ingredients, enabling cross-pollination of production know-how, analytical tools, and global networks—particularly strengthening Nactarome's UK presence amid sector tailwinds. Post-deal objectives prioritize collaborative R&D for clean-label breakthroughs, agility in trend response, and expanded portfolio value for shared clients, fostering mutual growth trajectories.

Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) acquired 100% of Sopral from Parquest, Sofiproteol, and minority investors (Agro Invest, Idia, Unexo). This acquisition marks IPN's first entry into the French market, using Sopral as a logistics and industrial hub for Continental Europe. The exit follows a successful 7-year cycle under Parquest's ownership, where revenue grew from EUR40M to EUR80M.

Ferrero, through its subsidiary Ferrara Candy, entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire 100% of CPK from Eurazeo. For Eurazeo, this marks the end of an 8-year investment cycle where it successfully regrouped heritage brands into a standalone French champion. For Ferrero, this acquisition bolsters its presence in the European sugar confectionery market and provides a strong industrial base in France. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025.

Foster Clark Products Ltd. has completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Preziosi Food S.p.A. from a consortium of investors led by Private Equity funds Vertis SGR and HAT Sicaf. This transaction represents a strategic milestone for the Maltese group, marking its first industrial acquisition in Italy and establishing a European hub for savory snacks. The deal secures FCP a modern manufacturing plant in Southern Italy (Melfi) and a leadership position in the Private Label snack market. The current CEO, who led the company's turnaround since 2021, will continue to lead the operations under the new ownership.

Valeo Foods Group has acquired Freddi Dolciaria S.p.A. from the founding Freddi family. Financial terms were not disclosed. This acquisition further strengthens Valeo's "Sweet Treats" platform in Italy, complementing its major Balconi subsidiary. The deal adds a flexible, well-invested manufacturing facility in Northern Italy and a portfolio of trusted sponge cake products. It also allows Valeo to leverage Freddi's capabilities to expand its range of licensed global brands and "free-from" snacking options.

Greencore has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Bakkavor, creating a combined UK national food champion with pro-forma revenues of circa £4 billion. The strategic rationale for the deal is the creation of an unrivalled convenience food platform with enhanced category depth and deeper retail relationships. The combination aims to deliver annual run-rate pre-tax cost synergies of at least £80 million by the end of the third year through manufacturing consolidation and procurement efficiencies. As part of the transaction, Bakkavor's US operations are slated for divestment, either before or after completion, while its China business has already been marked for sale. This merger represents a major consolidation of the UK private-label food sector, allowing the enlarged group to leverage "best-of-both" operational expertise to drive resilience and performance in a highly competitive grocery landscape.

IDAK Food Group has acquired Sorrento Sapori e Tradizioni, an Italian company specializing in the production of frozen pizza snacks. This strategic acquisition allows IDAK to strengthen its position in the premium frozen segment and expand its product offering. The acquisition is part of IDAK Food Group's European expansion strategy, supported by the TowerBrook Capital Partners fund and allows IDAK to consolidate its position as a leader in the premium frozen segment and strengthen its offering of high-quality products. Both companies share a common vision of quality and innovation, and this acquisition will create an international platform of producers and companies specializing in high-quality frozen products. The acquisition will also allow IDAK to develop its production capabilities and strengthen its position in the Italian and international markets.

What's Cooking? has finalized the acquisition of 100% of Sveltic from Groupement Les Mousquetaires. The deal allows What's Cooking? to expand its product portfolio and manufacturing footprint in France. Crucially, the acquisition includes a continued supply agreement, meaning Sveltic will continue to produce goods for Intermarche/Netto while also opening up capacity for other clients.