PAI Partners (“PAI”), a pre-eminent private equity firm, today announces the successful completion of a €3.6 billion equity transaction and the establishment of a new ownership structure for its c. 50% stake in Froneri (the “Company”), the global pure-play leader in ice cream.
As part of establishing the new ownership structure, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”) will become a significant minority co-investor in Froneri, alongside PAI and a new single-asset continuation vehicle (the “CV”). The CV constitutes one of the largest single asset CV transactions in Europe to date, led by Vintage Strategies at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
The CV was oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from both existing and new investors, and confidence in Froneri’s long-term growth prospects. This follows the Company’s successful debt financing earlier this year, further strengthening its balance sheet and supporting its future expansion.
Froneri was formed in 2016 through a 50:50 joint venture to combine PAI’s R&R Ice Cream with Nestlé’s European ice cream business. Since then, it has been transformed from a predominantly European, private-label producer into a brand-led, global business with €5.5 billion in revenue.
Today, Froneri is a leader in each of its core markets, combining a portfolio of iconic ice cream brands with strong innovation capabilities and operational expertise. It also holds leading positions in the fast-growing snacking and premium segments, supported by trusted brand partnerships and a well-invested supply chain.
Going forward, Froneri has an opportunity to further build on this performance by leveraging its established value-creation playbook, focusing on robust organic growth, operational efficiency and strategic market consolidation.
Frédéric Stévenin, Co-Managing Partner at PAI Partners, said: “Froneri is a clear example of PAI’s ability to create and grow global champions in the consumer sector. Since we first partnered with Nestlé in 2016, the business has successfully expanded into new markets, strengthened its branded portfolio and established itself as a global leader. This success is also a testament to the strength and commitment of Froneri’s management team. We are proud to continue our journey with Froneri and Nestlé, and to welcome ADIA and other leading global institutions as shareholders for Froneri’s next phase of growth.”
Phil Griffin, CEO of Froneri, said: “Froneri has grown into one of the world’s leading ice cream companies since its formation in 2016. The renewed commitment of our partners, combined with the addition of new investors and capital, reflects confidence in our business and reinforces the strong partnership that underpins our growth. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said: “Froneri is a leading global consumer business with strong prospects for the future. This transaction offers a compelling opportunity to support the Company for its next phase of growth alongside experienced and proven partners.”
Gabriel Mollerberg, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “We are excited to continue the journey with Froneri and partnership with PAI as the lead investor in the new continuation vehicle. Froneri’s market positioning, attractive financial characteristics, exceptional operational execution and strong alignment with all key shareholders made it a strong continuation vehicle candidate. We look forward to this next chapter alongside PAI and management.”
Evercore acted as the sole financial adviser to PAI on the CV transaction. Rothschild acted as corporate finance advisers to Froneri. Deutsche Bank acted as an exclusive financial adviser to ADIA.
