CapVest acquired Gudrun, a confectionery manufacturer, to enhance Natra's global chocolate offerings and improve production capabilities.

Target Company Overview

In September 2024, CapVest, a private equity firm, expanded its portfolio by acquiring Gudrun, a confectioner and ingredients supplier, from Investindustrial. Gudrun operates six production plants across Europe, enhancing the manufacturing capabilities in the chocolate sector. This acquisition is intended to strengthen Natra's position in the global chocolate market, specifically its offerings of high-quality Belgian chocolate.

Industry Overview

The private equity (PE) interest in the food and beverage sector has shown notable growth, with 31 deals recorded in the latter half of the year, compared to 20 in the first half. For the entire year, private equity accounted for 28.7% of all food and drink transactions, slightly exceeding the ten-year average of 27.7%. This trend signifies a robust confidence in the food and beverage industry amid evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.

The UK food and drink industry is facing increasing demands for innovation and quality. Companies are focusing on enhancing their product offerings, particularly in response to consumer trends that e