Clearwater International advises Colussi in the acquisition from Alto Capital III

Clearwater International acted as financial adviser to Colussi in the acquisition from Alto Capital III, managed by Alto Partners SGR S.p.A., of a majority stake in La Suissa, a leading Italian producer of chocolate pralines, bars and eggs. The founding family will play a relevant role in future development, keeping its relationship with the target company.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Arquata Scrivia (AL), La Suissa is specialized in the production, mainly with its own brand, of chocolate pralines, bars and eggs. Production activities are carried out in a 10,000 sqm facility based in Arquata Scrivia, Piedmont, an area with a long history and tradition of chocolate production. Revenues in 2018 achieved a double-digit growth, reaching almost € 17 million, with an export quota of 35% and an EBITDA margin more than 20%.

Colussi, founded in 1911 and headquartered in Milan, is one of the leading producers of bakery products and patisserie, pasta and rice in Europe. Its products are marketed through the brands Colussi, Misura, Agnesi, Flora, Sapori 1832 and Pastificio Plin. In 2018 Colussi group had revenues in excess of € 300 million of which more than 30% were generated abroad.

Colussi together with La Suissa will be able to embrace further growth, thanks to distribution opportunities, both nationally and abroad, and by creating new products thanks to the partnership with UNISIG, Università degli Studi di Scienza Gastronimiche di Pollenzo (Bra), which is a long-term strategic partner of Colussi.

With this acquisition and the strong efforts of the group in product innovation and R&D activities, Colussi takes a further step forward in enhancing its capability to fully address customers’ needs.