Charterhouse Capital Partners has agreed to sell Casa Optima, a leader in gelato and pastry ingredients, to a consortium led by Terlos, with a transaction valuation of approximately €900 million, slated for completion in Q1 2026.

Target Information

Charterhouse Capital Partners has reached an agreement to sell Casa Optima, a prominent player in the gelato and pastry ingredients sector, to a consortium led by Terlos, a private equity firm with a consumer-focused strategy, as reported by Bloomberg. Anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026, this transaction is backed by limited partners, including IAG Chairman Javier Ferrán and a branch of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in northern Italy, Casa Optima has developed a strong global presence, serving over 30,000 gelato shops and 6,000 pastry outlets across 150 countries. The company owns manufacturing facilities located in Italy and Brazil, producing a diverse array of artisanal ingredients for gelato, pastries, and beverages. With a reputation for quality and innovation, Casa Optima is poised to leverage its extensive market reach and product offerings under new ownership.

Industry Overview in Italy

The gelato and pastry ingredient sector in Italy is characterized by its rich tradition and high standards of craftsmanship. Italy, often regarded as the birthplace of gelato, boasts a robust market dri