PALAIS IMPÉRIAL acquired by HAUDECOEUR

Amsterdam Commodities N.V. (Acomo) has acquired the Global Ingredients business of SunOpta Inc. in a debt-free, cash-free transaction. This transformative acquisition adds Tradin Organic, a global leader in organic ingredients, to Acomo's existing portfolio of conventional commodities (spices, tea, seeds). For SunOpta, the divestiture represents a strategic pivot to focus exclusively on its high-growth, plant-based food and beverage manufacturing business. The deal proceeds were used by SunOpta to pay down debt and fund capacity expansion in plant-based milk production. The transaction adds approximately EUR450 million in revenue to Acomo and significantly expands its footprint in the "healthy and sustainable" food segment.

Platinum Equity acquired a controlling stake in Biscuit International from its previous shareholders (Qualium Investissement). The transaction positions Platinum Equity to support the company's aggressive buy-and-build strategy in the fragmented European private label market. With over EUR500 million in revenue, Biscuit International serves as a scalable platform to acquire other local biscuit manufacturers across Europe, leveraging Platinum's financial resources and operational expertise.

Glanbia Nutritionals has acquired the Canadian flavor designer Foodarom for CAD $60 million (~USD $45 million). This acquisition aligns with Glanbia's strategy to grow its "Nutritional Solutions" (NS) division by adding complementary capabilities. Foodarom's expertise in custom flavors and masking agents is highly synergistic with Glanbia's core protein business: it allows Glanbia to sell not just the protein powder, but the entire flavored formulation (e.g., "Strawberry Whey Isolate" ready-to-mix) to its sports nutrition and lifestyle clients.

Royal DSM has reached an agreement to acquire the Erber Group, specifically its specialty animal nutrition and health businesses, Biomin and Romer Labs. Two smaller units of the Erber Group (Sanphar and EFB, representing 7% of sales) are excluded from the transaction. This acquisition provides DSM with a market-leading entry into mycotoxin risk management and expands its portfolio of high-value "Eubiotics" (gut health) solutions. The transaction is debt-financed and is expected to be earnings-enhancing in the first year.

AromataGroup, backed by Ambienta SGR, has acquired the French company Nactis Flavours. This transformative deal merges the Italian AromataGroup with the French Nactis to create a new pan-European platform rebranded as "Nactarome". The transaction allows for significant geographic diversification (Italy + France + Benelux) and product expansion. Nactis founder becomes Non-Executive Chair of the new group, while Aromata's founder takes the CEO role. Ambienta retains an 80% stake in the combined group.

BC Partners agreed to acquire Pasticceria Bindi S.p.A. from its founding family owners, marking a significant strategic investment in the Italian frozen bakery sector. This transaction follows BC Partners' prior acquisition of Forno d’Asolo in 2018, underscoring the private equity firm's interest in capitalizing on the global appeal of high-quality Italian food products. The rationale for the acquisition is centered on accelerating Bindi's growth trajectory. BC Partners plans to support the company's management in pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy. Key initiatives include broadening the existing product portfolio, innovating with new patisserie items, and significantly growing international sales, particularly by leveraging Bindi's strong foothold in the United States. Furthermore, the acquisition positions Bindi as a platform for market consolidation through subsequent strategic acquisitions in Italy and abroad. For the Bindi family, the partnership with BC Partners ensures business continuity while providing the capital and strategic support necessary for robust international expansion. The existing management team, including the General Manager and a member of the founding family in a non-executive capacity, will remain to guide the company's future development and protect its brand legacy.

Bemycompany Capital Partners has acquired an initial 8% minority interest in Acetaia Fondo Montebello, with a structured agreement to increase the position to 16% within the first quarter of 2020. This investment represents a classic growth capital transaction aimed at professionalizing the target’s corporate governance and accelerating its international expansion roadmap. The strategic rationale for the deal centers on providing the target with the necessary capital and managerial expertise to establish direct commercial branches in North America and to evaluate opportunistic acquisitions of other balsamic vinegar producers. By integrating financial resources with a network of seasoned entrepreneurs and managers, the holding company seeks to prepare the SME for an eventual public listing.

Ardian has acquired a majority stake in Frulact from the founding Miranda family. The transaction values the company at approximately EUR150 million. The management team, led by CEO Duarte Faria, remains in place to drive the next phase of growth, while the founder retains a role as Non-Executive Chairman. Ardian's strategy is to use Frulact as a consolidation platform to build a global leader in natural food ingredients through acquisitions in adjacent niches.

Nestle agreed to sell a 60% stake in Herta's charcuterie and dough business to Casa Tarradellas, creating a Joint Venture valued at EUR690 million. The new entity, incorporated in Spain, will be 60% owned by Casa Tarradellas and 40% by Nestle. The deal covers operations in six countries (France, Germany, Belgium, UK, Ireland, Luxembourg). Nestle explicitly retained the Herta vegetarian business to integrate it into its plant-based portfolio (Garden Gourmet), signaling a strategic pivot away from processed meats towards healthier alternatives.

Ardian acquired a majority stake in Cerelia from IK Investment Partners. During IK's tenure, Cerelia doubled its size via acquisitions (Bioderij, BakeAway, English Bay Batter). Ardian's investment thesis is built on stabilizing US margins and continuing the pan-European and transatlantic consolidation of the bakery sector.