Houlihan Lokey Advises Vivera

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Vivera, the fast-growing European plant-based business, has been acquired by JBS S.A. from Gilde Buy Out Partners for €341 million.

Vivera has been a pioneer in the development of vegetarian and plant-based meal components since 1990. The company, with almost 400 employees with headquarters and three production sites in the Netherlands, has since grown into one of the three largest producers in Europe. Vivera Foodgroup is only active in the vegetable products market, and its mission is to stimulate the consumption of vegetable proteins. Vivera is committed to supporting consumers with the tastiest plant-based products. Vivera has an extensive and growing range of more than 50 tasty products. Vivera products are available in more than 27,000 supermarkets in 25 European countries.

JBS is the world’s second-largest food company and the largest in animal protein. With a global platform diversified by geography and type of product (poultry, pork, beef, and lamb), the company has over 245,000 employees in production units and offices on all continents in countries like Brazil, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China, among others.

The acquisition of Vivera strengthens and boosts JBS’s global plant-based products platform. Strong growth is expected in this category throughout global markets. The deal will add a brand to JBS’s portfolio that is well established in consumer preference, strengthening the company’s focus on value-added products.

Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor to Vivera and its shareholders, advising them on all aspects of the transaction. This deal is another example of Houlihan Lokey’s expertise in the exciting plant-based food sector and further strengthens Houlihan Lokey’s market-leading position advising fast-growing consumer companies.