SVELTIC acquired by WHAT S COOKING?

Greencore has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Bakkavor, creating a combined UK national food champion with pro-forma revenues of circa £4 billion. The strategic rationale for the deal is the creation of an unrivalled convenience food platform with enhanced category depth and deeper retail relationships. The combination aims to deliver annual run-rate pre-tax cost synergies of at least £80 million by the end of the third year through manufacturing consolidation and procurement efficiencies. As part of the transaction, Bakkavor's US operations are slated for divestment, either before or after completion, while its China business has already been marked for sale. This merger represents a major consolidation of the UK private-label food sector, allowing the enlarged group to leverage "best-of-both" operational expertise to drive resilience and performance in a highly competitive grocery landscape.

Valeo Foods Group has acquired Freddi Dolciaria S.p.A. from the founding Freddi family. Financial terms were not disclosed. This acquisition further strengthens Valeo's "Sweet Treats" platform in Italy, complementing its major Balconi subsidiary. The deal adds a flexible, well-invested manufacturing facility in Northern Italy and a portfolio of trusted sponge cake products. It also allows Valeo to leverage Freddi's capabilities to expand its range of licensed global brands and "free-from" snacking options.

Marking its entry into the Australian market, BRIDOR has completed the acquisition of Laurent Bakery Group from the private equity firm BGH Capital. The strategic rationale for the deal is the acquisition of a turnkey premium industrial platform in the APAC region, perfectly aligned with Bridor’s "premium-only" global positioning. The deal allows Bridor to instantly control a retail network of 15 stores while gaining access to a massive wholesale distribution channel covering 1,000+ supermarkets. This acquisition follows a successful four-year value creation cycle under BGH Capital and marks the beginning of a new industrial era where Laurent Bakery’s artisanal expertise will be combined with Bridor’s global R&D and manufacturing scale. This move highlights the accelerating consolidation of the global "artisan-at-scale" bakery segment, where global leaders are increasingly acquiring regional icons to secure premium shelf space and high-end hospitality contracts.

Andros has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Delafruit from the Spanish private equity firm ProA Capital. This strategic acquisition expands Andros' industrial footprint in Spain, adding a specialized facility in Tarragona to its existing plants in Cantabria and Granada. Under ProA Capital's ownership, Delafruit was spun off from Go Fruselva and diversified its portfolio beyond baby food into sports nutrition and adult snacking.

Groupe SAVEL has opened its capital for the first time to a consortium composed of UNEXO and Unigrains. This minority investment allows the company's President, Marc Léon, to strengthen his position while the family shareholders retain a broad majority. The transaction was supported by a pool of regional banks led by Crédit Agricole du Finistère. The strategic rationale for the partnership is to accelerate the group's development through both organic and inorganic growth. Key focus areas include consolidating its leadership in niche poultry species, diversifying into processed food products, and optimizing logistics. The influx of capital will also support further acquisitions to complement the group’s product range and gain access to new client segments in the catering and retail sectors.

One Rock Capital Partners signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Europe Snacks from Seven2 (formerly Apax Partners), which had held the company since 2013. This exit concludes a decade of transformation under Seven2, during which revenue grew from EUR90 million to EUR700 million through three major build-ups. The financing is secured by a banking pool led by Barclays and Goldman Sachs.

AS Equity Partners has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition (HSN), the core manufacturing subsidiary of the Hochdorf Group. The strategic rationale for the transaction is to preserve HSN’s operational business and its role in the Swiss dairy industry while separating it from the "legacy financial burdens" of its parent holding company, which has entered a debt restructuring moratorium. This carve-out allows HSN to continue its operational turnaround, which achieved positive EBITDA in 2023 for the first time in years, without being constrained by the over-indebtedness of Hochdorf Holding. AS Equity Partners intends to expand the infant nutrition business internationally, leveraging the brand's Swiss quality standards. The existing management team will remain in place to lead the company’s 129-year tradition into a new phase of sustainable profitability and international market penetration.

Valeo Foods Group has agreed to acquire I.D.C. Holding, a major Central European confectionery producer, from its owner Pavol Jakubec. This "transformative" acquisition establishes a strategic cornerstone for Valeo in Eastern Europe, complementing its existing CandyPlus operations in the Czech Republic and Balconi in Italy. The deal adds a portfolio of heritage brands with strong consumer loyalty in the region.

The acquisition of Vitamin Well by Cinven is a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for healthier and more active lifestyles. The deal is driven by the attractive characteristics of the health, wellbeing, and fitness sector, which is underpinned by a structural shift away from less healthy snacks and drinks. Vitamin Well's well-established position in the market, its portfolio of high-quality brands, and its track record of profitable organic growth make it an attractive investment opportunity for Cinven. The firm's experience in investing in the Consumer sector and its knowledge of the Nordic region will be leveraged to support Vitamin Well's management team in delivering their ambitious targets. The deal is expected to drive growth and expansion for Vitamin Well, both in its existing markets and through international expansion. The partnership between Cinven, Bridgepoint, and Vitamin Well's management team is expected to create a strong platform for the company's future success, with a focus on driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and increasing profitability.

IK Partners (holding 86% of the capital) has agreed to sell Mademoiselle Desserts to the Swiss industrial group Emmi. This transaction marks a remarkable exit for IK, which had acquired the company for EUR330 million in 2018. For Emmi, the goal is strategic: increasing the share of "Desserts" in its total revenue from 9% to 17%. The CEO of the target will take over the leadership of the new combined "Desserts Powerhouse" division within Emmi.