Sophie Lebreuilly Bakeries has received the support of committed investors to accelerate their development

December 2024 — Sophie Lebreuilly Bakeries is embarking on a new phase of ambitious development, driven by a capital restructuring led by Cerea Partners as the new investor and FrenchFood Capital, a historical shareholder since 2020. Together, they become the majority reference shareholders. Sofiprotéol, Epopée Gestion, IRD, NextStage and Finorpa are also participating in this investment to support the strong expansion of the network.

Cerea Partners is a French private equity fund specializing in the food and beverage sector. With US$1.7 billion (€1.5 billion) in assets under management, Cerea Partners supports the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies, driven by the mission of “better eating, better producing and better living”. It provides a range of financial solutions, including equity, mezzanine, unitranche and senior debt.

FrenchFood Capital is a French private equity fund specializing in the food and beverage sector. With US$462 million (€420 million) in assets under management, it invests in SMEs and mid-sized companies across the entire value chain of the sector, including agriculture, distribution and trade, industrial services and consumer goods.

Since its founding by Sophie and Olivier Lebreuilly in 2014 in Étaples-sur-Mer, Sophie Lebreuilly has become a major player in the new-generation branded bakery and pastry sector, characterized by its suburban locations and extended opening hours from early morning to late evening. Initially established in Hauts-de-France, the brand has since expanded nationwide, offering a unique concept that combines bakery, pastry, snacking, tearoom and grocery services in warm, inviting spaces. Its high-quality products include homemade pastries produced in two dedicated workshops. With the support of FrenchFood Capital, the company has experienced significant growth over the past four years, increasing the number of stores and boosting its revenue fivefold. This expansion has been driven by both external growth, notably through the acquisition of fellow bakery chains Boulangeries Fred and Emile Bec, and a strategic shift towards franchising. Since 2022, approximately 20 of its 80 stores have been operating under the franchising model, compared to just six in 2020.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins’ team in France identified Cerea Partners as the best candidate and supported them in acquiring Sophie Lebreuilly, alongside FrenchFood Capital and other minority shareholders.