A European holding company for Ferrara Candy Company has finalized the acquisition of the French sweets maker CPK Group from investment firm Eurazeo.
In its statement, Eurazeo mentioned that the deal generated approximately €240 million ($276.4 million) in proceeds allocated to its balance sheet. This sale is integral to understanding the dynamics of food manufacturing investment in Europe.
In July, Ferrara and Eurazeo announced that they were in exclusive talks regarding the potential acquisition.
This transaction enables Ferrara to bolster its portfolio with well-known brands such as Carambar, Poulain, Lutti, and Terry’s, expanding its footprint in the food manufacturing sector.
Eurazeo explained that the sale “reaffirms its strategy of supporting ambitious and responsible transformations while creating significant value for its clients and shareholders.”
CPK was established in 2017, following Eurazeo’s acquisition of 14 brands from Mondelez International. The company subsequently acquired French confectioner Lamy Lutti in the following year, further consolidating its position in the food manufacturing market.
In a LinkedIn post, Ferrara CEO Marco Capurso stated, “The heritage and timeless appeal of these [CPK’s] brands have earned generations of loyal consumers in France and beyond. Our new colleagues share our passion for quality, building beloved brands, and delighting consumers.”
With this acquisition, Ferrara will welcome over 850 CPK employees and four factories located in Bondues, Saint-Genest, Strasbourg, and Vichy.
According to the statement, CPK will maintain its headquarters in France and will be overseen by Ferrara, led by current CEO Marc Auclair and his senior management team.
While Ferrara is not directly owned by Ferrero Group, it operates as an affiliated entity under the same ultimate control as the Italian giant. Among its well-known US brands are Brach’s, Nerds, and Trolli.
Ferrara Holding Company Completes Acquisition of French Confectioner CPK
