NIACET acquired by KERRY GROUP

3i Group has invested in Dutch Bakery, a bakery group specialized in home bake-off bread and snack products, to support the company's international growth strategy in the fragmented European private label market for bake-off products. The investment by 3i Group will enable Dutch Bakery to strengthen its leading position in the Dutch market and expand its activities internationally. The company's growth strategy will be based on a combination of organic growth and external development, including targeted acquisitions

Spanish food group Ebro Foods has entered into an agreement to divest its French dry pasta, couscous, semolina, and sauce business, which is consolidated under the Panzani brand, to CVC Capital Partners. This transaction is part of Ebro's strategy to refocus on its core activities, particularly in the fresh pasta and higher-value-added product segments. The sale process, which was managed through a competitive auction led by investment banks, attracted several industrial players and investment funds before CVC was selected as the buyer

Equinox acquired a 63% majority stake in Gruppo Salpa. The founding family (Cherubini) sold their shares but reinvested significantly to retain a 35% stake, while the management team holds the remaining 2%. The transaction implies a high valuation multiple. The auction process was highly competitive, attracting interest from major industrial players (Barry Callebaut, Dr. Oetker) and numerous private equity funds (Investindustrial, NB Renaissance, Riverside). The new ownership plans to expand production capabilities and pursue acquisitions in the "Decoration & Covers" segment, with a specific focus on entering the United States

Pilgrim's Pride has agreed to acquire the Meats and Meals business of Kerry Group plc. This acquisition adds a portfolio of high-margin, value-added brands to Pilgrim's existing UK operations. It allows Kerry Group to exit the lower-growth consumer foods segment to focus on its core taste and nutrition business.

Bain Capital Private Equity has agreed to acquire Valeo Foods Group from CapVest Partners. This acquisition marks the exit of CapVest, which created Valeo in 2010 and grew it from EUR200m to EUR1.1bn in sales through a buy-and-build strategy. Bain Capital intends to support Valeo's management team in continuing this consolidation strategy through further organic growth and M&A across Europe.

Olam Food Ingredients completed the acquisition of the U.S. spices blender Olde Thompson. Rationale underscores transformative synergies: OFI's farm-gate origination and sustainable spice chain merges with Olde Thompson's blending mastery and customer intimacy, unlocking comprehensive natural flavour portfolios amid surging demand for traceable retail staples. Timing leverages post-pandemic pantry-loading and clean-label acceleration; post-deal goals encompass expanded offerings, retail value co-creation, and EBITDA synergies via optimized supply

Astorg has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Solina from Ardian in a transaction valuing the company at approximately EUR1.7 billion. This deal marks Solina's sixth LBO, highlighting its consistent growth trajectory under private equity ownership. Astorg secured the deal through a pre-emptive offer, beating out other interested funds and industrial players. Under Ardian's ownership (since 2015), Solina nearly doubled its size through organic growth and nine build-up acquisitions, expanding beyond its core markets (France, Benelux, Scandinavia) into the UK, Spain, and Canada

Ambienta-backed Nactarome Group completed the acquisition of TasteConnection from its founders, marking its fourth add-on in 2.5 years and establishing a UK industry hub. Transaction facts detail full ownership transfer of the seasonings specialist, integrating its Gloucestershire facility adjacent to Nactarome's existing operations for streamlined synergies. Rationale centers on strategic adjacency in clean-label flavourings, with TasteConnection's snacks and savoury dominance complementing Nactarome's top-notes portfolio to create comprehensive aromatic solutions

TPG Capital has acquired a majority stake in Made Group from its historical shareholders, including The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Amatil, as well as the company's founders and management team. This transaction marks a new chapter in the growth story of this Australian specialist in premium health and wellness beverages, while allowing the management team to retain a significant equity stake. The primary objective of this acquisition is to accelerate Made Group's international expansion, particularly in Asian markets, by leveraging TPG Capital's financial resources and expertise in the consumer goods sector

After 8 years under Equistone's control, the management team, led by Thierry Goubault, initiated a buyout alongside Credit Mutuel Equity. Management would then hold 40% of the capital, while the investment firm would acquire approximately 60%. This transaction marks Credit Mutuel Equity's third investment cycle in the company since 2007, illustrating a long-term partnership strategy aimed at preserving its independence from global agri-food conglomerates. The strategic rationale is based on accelerating organic growth through the expansion of industrial capacity, notably the commissioning of a new factory dedicated to the production of private label brands, and increased penetration of European markets, such as the United Kingdom