FNB Solidifies Majority Stake in Azuré Holding, Bolstering its Agri-Food Portfolio

In a strategic move, FNB Private Equity has finalized the acquisition of Nestlé's Baby Food activities in France, including the NaturNes, Babicao, Babivanille brands and the P'tit franchises. This transaction marks the 13th deal carried out by FNB, further strengthening its position in the agri-food industry.

Unlocking Growth Opportunities in the Baby Food Sector

Expanding Azuré's Footprint and Reinforcing its Market Leadership

The acquisition will see FNB become the majority shareholder in Azuré Holding, a company with a turnover of around €100 million in France and a 25% market share. Azuré's strong presence in the French baby food market, coupled with FNB's expertise and investment, is poised to drive the brand's further development and solidify its position as a leading player in the industry.

Aligning with the Values of Naturalness and Transparency

FNB's strategic vision for Azuré is to accelerate the development of the Baby Food activity around the core values of naturalness and transparency. This focus on sustainable and ethical practices aligns with the growing consumer demand for more transparent and health-conscious food options, particularly in the sensitive baby food segment.

Unlocking New Growth Avenues through Product Innovation and Expansion

The acquisition will also enable the redeployment of Azuré's product offerings and the exploration of new growth opportunities. FNB's investment will support the brand's innovation efforts, ensuring that Azuré remains at the forefront of the baby food market and continues to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its customers.

Preserving Territorial Anchoring and Stakeholder Relationships

Recognizing the importance of maintaining Azuré's strong local presence and relationships, FNB has committed to preserving the company's territorial anchoring, employment, and continuity of existing operations. The fund also aims to uphold the brand's current partnerships with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, ensuring a seamless transition and continued success.

Leveraging FNB's Expertise and Investment Capabilities

As an investment fund dedicated to the agri-food industry, FNB brings a wealth of experience and resources to support Azuré's growth. The fund's investment thesis, which emphasizes continuity of social and CSR commitments, brand visibility, innovation, and the identification of new avenues for expansion, will be instrumental in driving Azuré's future success.

Strengthening FNB's Diversified Portfolio in the Agri-Food Sector

This acquisition marks the second transaction carried out by FNB's FNB Fund II, following the acquisition of Café Legal in June 2023. The addition of Azuré to FNB's portfolio further diversifies the fund's investments in the agri-food industry, solidifying its position as a key player in the sector.

Navigating the Exclusive Talks and Finalizing the Acquisition

The exclusive talks between FNB and Nestlé in France began on February 1st, culminating in the successful completion of the acquisition. While the financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the deal represents a significant milestone for both FNB and Azuré, paving the way for a new chapter of growth and innovation in the baby food market.