QuattroR, a private equity firm, has acquired a 50% interest in the esteemed Italian coffee conglomerate, the Massimo Zanetti Beverage (MZB) Group, renowned for its global presence across more than 110 markets and operating 20 coffee roasteries around the world.
The specifics of the financial transaction remain undisclosed but entail a substantial capital boost for the MZB Group.
This group is the custodian of over 40 coffee and tea labels, including distinguished names like Segafredo Zanetti, Boncafé, and Chock Full o’Nuts. Despite its roots in Italy, the brand’s international sales now represent in excess of 90% of its revenue.
Boasting a workforce exceeding 3,300, the group declared revenues of €1.1bn in 2023.
QuattroR’s investment is executed predominantly through a capital infusion, with the newly acquired funds designated for capitalising on predetermined growth avenues.
Francesco Conte, the CEO of QuattroR, stated, “With this operation, we confirm our commitment to supporting successful entrepreneurs in the medium-long term, focused on further developing their businesses. The investment in Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group is perfectly in line with our commitment to enhance primary Italian brands which are leaders on a global scale.”
Massimo Zanetti, the founder and chairman of MZB Group, remarked, “The partnership with QuattroR represents an opportunity and a stimulus for us, to further consolidate the group’s growth path, maximising the creation of value. Sharing our entrepreneurial values and the integration of our respective skills will facilitate the achievement of the group’s objectives.”
Massimo Zanetti will maintain his chairman position, guiding the group’s forward trajectory.
In a significant move, the MZB Group board of directors has named Pierluigi Tosato as the new CEO, who brings over 25 years of expertise in the food and beverage industry, having steered major industrial entities such as Acqua Minerale San Benedetto, Biscuits Bouvard, Bolton Food, Continental Bakeries, and Deoleo.