Massimo Zero has been sold to Morato Group

January 2024 — Botzen Invest EF S.p.A. has sold a majority stake in Massimo Zero S.p.A. to Morato Group.

Based in Alto Adige, Italy, Massimo Zero is specialized in gluten free-products, particularly dry pasta and baked goods, manufactured in a state-of-the-art 1,400 sqm production plant. The core business of the company is dry pasta, available in various formats and made with an exclusive blend of 100% Italian gluten-free flours, without additives. In 2018, Massimo Zero expanded its product range by introducing a line to produce gluten-free biscuits.

Morato Group is an international company with a presence in over 50 countries, ranking as the second-largest player in the industrial baking market in Italy and Spain. Its 21 production facilities contribute to an annual production exceeding 150,000 tons. Within the conventional bakery category, the company offers a diverse range, including sliced bread, sandwiches, bruschettas, sweet and savory rolls, piadinas, and crispy bread substitutes. Additionally, Morato Group has a robust presence in gluten-free baked goods, with five dedicated production facilities. The acquisition of Massimo Zero marks a significant step for Morato Group in consolidating its presence in the promising gluten-free sector.

Botzen Invest EF aims to invest in businesses primarily operating in northern Italy, especially in Alto Adige, as well as in Austria and Germany, primarily in the renewable energy, tourism, healthcare, food, manufacturing and services sectors. Botzen Invest EF will continue to stand alongside Morato Group as a financial partner in the project.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins’ team in Italy acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to the sellers in this transaction.