PANAMAR BAKERY GROUP acquired by BRIDOR

Ambienta SGR, through its Small Cap fund, has acquired a majority stake in The Bridge from the founding Negro Marcigaglia family. The founders have committed to reinvesting alongside the private equity firm and will continue to play a key leadership role in the company's development. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to capitalize on the robust growth of the plant-based food sector, driven by consumer shifts toward sustainable and healthier diets. Ambienta intends to leverage its international network and sustainability expertise to accelerate The Bridge’s expansion, strengthen its organizational structure, and further invest in product innovation

Orange Capital Development has finalized the acquisition of an 80% majority stake in Effepi, marking a significant step in the construction of its specialized "Italian Frozen Food Excellence" platform. This strategic move follows the organization's previous acquisition of Gelit, a producer of frozen ready meals, and is designed to create a multidisciplinary frozen food hub. The strategic rationale for the transaction centers on the convergence of high-end dessert production with established savory meal distribution, allowing the group to offer a comprehensive "Italian experience" to global institutional and retail clients

NextStage AM has acquired a majority stake in the Société des Eaux Minérales d’Arcachon (SEMA), taking over from the long-term owner and wine merchant Jean Merlaut, who exited his entire position. The transaction was carried out pari passu through the NextStage Evergreen vehicle and the "Pépites & Territoires" FPCI, representing a combined equity ticket of €30 million. Hervé Maudet, the co-owner and long-standing director of the company, has been appointed President and maintains a minority stake in the new structure

Atria Sweden has acquired a 25% minority interest in Cookin Food Sweden AB from its parent company, Bite Delight AB. The strategic rationale for the transaction is rooted in Atria’s "TOGETHER 2030" strategy, specifically targeting the convenience food sector as a key growth driver. This investment provides Atria with a strategic foothold in premium convenience categories like travel services and craftsmanship-driven retail food solutions. Crucially, the agreement includes a call option for Atria to acquire the remaining shares of Bite Delight AB after 2028, establishing a clear roadmap for eventual full integration

Danone has acquired 100% of Huel. This represents a significant milestone in the second chapter of the "Renew Danone" strategy, which focuses on accelerating growth through high-added-value acquisitions. This transaction allows the French group to establish a dominant position in the rapidly expanding "nutritiously complete" and functional nutrition category. The strategic rationale for the deal centers on the perfect alignment between Huel’s high-growth, plant-based protein portfolio and Danone’s global leadership in specialized nutrition

AlphaPet Ventures has completed the acquisition of 100% of Cpro Food, marking its fifth strategic acquisition since 2020. This transaction serves as AlphaPet’s primary entry point into the Belgian market, a high-value territory for premium pet nutrition. The strategic rationale centers on integrating Cpro Food’s strong local brand equity and breeder network into AlphaPet’s European digital platform. The acquisition was financed through a combination of equity, led by Patria Investments and Venture Stars, and debt provided by CVC

LSDH has acquired 100% of Biscuiterie de Chambord following the retirement of the target company’s longtime director. The strategic rationale for the transaction is the continued diversification of LSDH’s portfolio into the artisanal and premium biscuit segment, a move that aligns with the group's long-term strategy of regional expansion. By integrating the biscuit maker, LSDH aims to leverage industrial and commercial synergies to consolidate and accelerate the development of the Chambord brand

Ares Management has led a €300 million ($346 million) single-asset continuation fund to extend the ownership of Europastry, currently held by MCH Private Equity (who originally invested in 2011). The transaction includes participation from the Asset Management Umbrella Fund (advised by the EIF) and Newbury Bridgepoint. This strategic move follows Europastry’s decision to cancel its IPO in 2024 due to unfavorable market conditions. The structure provides liquidity to MCH's older fund investors while allowing MCH and the Gallés family to maintain their stakes and support the company’s "solid growth prospects

Unilever has entered into a definitive agreement to merge its global food business with McCormick & Company. This transformative transaction values the Unilever Food division at an enterprise value of approximately $44.8 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Unilever will receive $15.7 billion in cash and a 9.9% equity stake in the combined entity, which it intends to divest gradually. Post-transaction, Unilever’s shareholders will own 55.1% of the new group, while McCormick’s existing shareholders will hold 35%

Nasta Pet Food acquired 100% of the shares of FirstMate Pet Foods from its founder and partner. This transatlantic consolidation aims to establish the acquirer as a major player in the North American market, the world's largest pet food region. The acquisition was funded through a major EUR118 million unitranche refinancing package provided by an international debt fund. This financing also serves to retire existing bank debt and provides a confirmed, undrawn CAPEX line for future growth. The strategic rationale focuses on combining European veterinary expertise with North American manufacturing capabilities and digital distribution networks