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12/2023

MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN acquired by THE FERRERO GROUP

FRANCE Food Processing / Food Products REV 25M - 50M EUR

Context

n 2023, Danone entered into exclusive negotiations with CTH Invest, an affiliate of the Ferrero group, to divest Michel & Augustin, in which it held a 100% stake following a gradual acquisition process initiated in 2016. This transaction is part of Danone's portfolio review and its strategy to refocus on its core activities, which are deemed more conducive to growth and value creation. Michel & Augustin no longer aligns with Danone's investment priorities, particularly in terms of its growth performance, profitability (historically negative EBITDA margin), and strategic positioning. For Ferrero, the acquisition is a strategic expansion into the biscuit and snacking segment, an area where the Italian group has already made several external growth transactions in Europe (Delacre, Fox's, Burton's Biscuit Company) and developed its own brands. The addition of Michel & Augustin would strengthen Ferrero's portfolio of premium brands in the biscuit and snack categories, with a complementary positioning to the group's existing brands. The potential integration would also enable Ferrero to broaden its presence in the French market and certain European regions.

MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2023, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , a level to compare with the average currently observed in the AgriFood sector (10.5x).

-> Deep-dive in AgriFood market trends

Target

Michel & Augustin is a French food company founded in 2004 by Michel de Rovira and Augustin Paluel-Marmont. The brand has developed a range of mass-market food products, focusing on biscuits, yogurts, desserts, and beverages, with a strong brand identity and distinctive marketing tone. Initially, the company concentrated on bakery and biscuit products (cookies, shortbread, and savory biscuits), before gradually expanding its portfolio to include dairy products (drinking yogurts and desserts) and beverages. One of its iconic products is the "drinking cow" yogurt, which has contributed significantly to the brand's reputation. Michel & Augustin operates on a business model that prioritizes mass-market consumption, combining in-house product development with a robust branding strategy. The company has primarily built its distribution network through large retail channels, with a growing international presence, particularly in the United States, where it has sought to establish itself through distribution partnerships. The brand has distinguished itself through a highly differentiated marketing approach, relying on storytelling, humor, and a strong connection with consumers, which has contributed to its visibility despite limited advertising budgets compared to major industry players.

Ent. Value

Equity Value

Multiples

EV / Revenue

EV / EBITDA

EV / EBIT

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2023
2022

Other operations with MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN

List of similar M&A transactions (Date, Acquirer, Target, Country, Sub-sector)
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
04/2019DANONEMICHEL ET AUGUSTINFRANCEFood Products
06/2016DANONEMICHEL ET AUGUSTINFRANCEFood Products
07/2013ARTÉMISMICHEL ET AUGUSTINFRANCEFood Products

REFERENCES

Revenue range: 25M - 50M EUR

EBITDA range: 0M - 5M EUR

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of MICHEL ET AUGUSTIN by THE FERRERO GROUP 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.

Press release: view release

Target: michel et augustin

Acquirer: the ferrero group