In a recent business development, Aksìa has divested its majority stake in Italy-based baked goods firm Casa della Piada to Wise Equity, a private-equity company. Aksìa initially acquired a controlling interest in Casa della Piada, then a family-owned business, six years ago. The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
Established in 1974, Casa della Piada specializes in producing bakery items such as piadina and tigelle, catering to large-scale retailers under its own brands, Casa della Piada and Gastone. The company’s products are widely available in major Italian food retailers. With factories in Modena and Ravenna, Casa della Piada anticipates a turnover exceeding €50m ($54.3m) in 2024. The company boasts five plants and four warehouses, offering a range of bakery products including pizza bases, baguettes, and rolls.
Wise Equity, the new majority stakeholder, aims to enhance Casa della Piada’s presence in international markets, particularly in the export markets. The demand for piadina is poised for significant growth in key European countries, presenting promising expansion opportunities for Casa della Piada both organically and through acquisitions. Stefano Ghetti, senior partner at Wise Equity, expressed optimism about the investment, emphasizing the company’s leading position in a niche market with substantial growth potential.
Wise Equity is renowned for investing in small and medium-sized businesses in Italy, managing three funds with a combined capital of €875m. The partnership between Wise Equity and Casa della Piada is poised to leverage the company’s strengths, capitalizing on growth opportunities while upholding the brand’s values and culture. The collaboration aims to propel Casa della Piada’s signature product, piadina, across Europe, marking a new chapter in the company’s history with an international focus.