SOCIÉTÉ DES EAUX MINÉRALES D’ARCACHON (SEMA) acquired by NEXTSTAGE

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

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

BRIDOR has announced the acquisition of PANAMAR BAKERY GROUP for an enterprise value exceeding €1 billion, making it the largest transaction in the history of the LE DUFF Group. This landmark deal integrates 11 Spanish production sites and 2,600 employees into Bridor’s existing network, creating a global powerhouse with a combined turnover of €2.5 billion in 2026. The strategic rationale for the deal is rooted in the "Premiumization" of the frozen bakery market and the capture of the highly resilient Spanish tourism and retail channels

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%

Refresco has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of SunOpta for $6.50 per share in an all-cash transaction. The strategic rationale for the deal is to significantly bolster Refresco’s position in the fast-growing North American plant-based beverage market, utilizing SunOpta’s specialized aseptic manufacturing footprint as a platform for regional expansion. The acquisition is highly complementary, filling geographic gaps in Refresco’s US operations while adding advanced R&D and formulation capabilities in the plant-based milk and broth categories