Natra, the private-label chocolate producer backed by private equity, has successfully acquired fellow confectioner Gudrun. The acquisition, announced by Natra’s private-equity owner CapVest, was finalized for an undisclosed amount.
Gudrun is recognized for its manufacturing capabilities which cater to international retailers across various markets, as stated by CapVest. Since 2016, Gudrun has been owned by private-equity firm Down2Earth Capital and operates its main manufacturing facility in Lier, Belgium, with a packaging and distribution site located in Poland.
With a presence in the confectionery and food and beverage industry, Natra services its co-manufacturing and retail clients from six factories situated in Spain, Belgium, France, and Canada. According to Natra’s official website, the company reported a turnover of €598 million (approximately US$669.8 million) in 2023.
In a formal statement, Natra’s CEO Armando Santacesaria remarked, “This highly complementary strategic combination will significantly enhance Natra’s premium Belgian chocolate offering, while also allowing Gudrun to capitalize on Natra’s global reach and deep customer relationships.”
Sofie de Lathouwer, the CEO of Gudrun, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating that it marks “the beginning of an exciting new chapter” for her company. She highlighted Natra’s robust distribution network, emphasizing that this partnership will enable Gudrun to extend its quality Belgian chocolates to a broader customer base around the world.
London-based CapVest acquired Natra in 2022 from Investindustrial Advisors, a Luxembourg-registered firm, which had taken ownership of the Madrid-based company in 2019. Last month, the CapVest-backed UK pet-food group Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) also made headlines by acquiring local competitor Butcher’s Pet Care. Majority-owned by CapVest since 2020, IPN noted that the acquisition would result in combined sales of approximately £350 million (US$459.2 million), although the investment amount has not been disclosed.
In light of the evolving dynamics within the food and drink business, this acquisition reflects ongoing trends within the food and beverage industry. Companies are increasingly seeking strategic partnerships to enhance market reach, improve distribution capabilities, and meet the growing food and drink consumer trends.
