Royal Wessanen has acquired Abafoods Srl

Royal Wessanen, a leading company in the European market for healthy and sustainable food based in Netherlands, has acquired a 100% stake in Abafoods Srl, a European expert in organic vegetable drinks based in Italy, for US$65 million.

Royal Wessanen is focussed on organic, vegetarian and natural ingredients as these are healthier and more sustainable. The company also focusses on fair trade sourced food. Operating mainly in the Benelux, France, Germany, Italy and the UK, Royal Wessanen manages and develops well-known local brands such as Allos, Alter Eco, Bjorg, Bonneterre, Clipper, De Rit, Kallø, Tartex, Whole Earth and Zonnatura.

Abafoods produces a range of cereal drinks using rice, coconut, almond, oat, spelt and soy. The company has strong R&D capabilities delivering new concepts and innovative packaging. It operates an advanced manufacturing plant in Badia Polesine (Italy) and owns and manages around 400 hectares of organic farm land in Italy to partly grow its raw materials. The company's Isola Bio brand is the leading one in vegetable drinks in Italian health food stores and is also exported successfully to a wide range of export countries.

Oaklins' teams in Italy and the Netherlands advised the buyer in this transaction. The Italian team has advised Royal Wessanen on several transactions over the years.