Houlihan Lokey Advises Valeo Foods Group

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Valeo Foods Group, a portfolio company of Bain Capital, has entered into a definitive agreement with an investor group led by Hilliard Lombard to sell Valeo Foods Ireland, the leading ambient food platform in Ireland. The closing of the transaction is expected in the coming months, subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

Formed in 2010 through the combination of Batchelors and Origin Foods, Valeo Foods Ireland was the original foundation of the wider Valeo Group. The business is now home to iconic brands such as Jacob’s (Ireland’s No. 1 biscuit brand), Batchelors, Odlums, and Chef, with operations spanning four manufacturing facilities, supported by a nationwide distribution platform.

Valeo Foods Group, one of Europe’s leading producers of quality sweets, treats and snacks, has manufacturing operations across the U.K. and Continental Europe and generates annual net sales of approximately €2 billion. Going forward, the Group plans to focus its ambition on becoming a “Sweet Treats Champion” and has deemed the Irish business non-core, leading to its carve-out and divestiture.

The investor group is an Irish food-sector investment vehicle led by Hilliard Lombard (a former CEO of Valeo Foods Ireland), with a focus on a buy-and-build strategy in the Irish and U.K. food market. The acquisition combines Hilliard’s food-sector operating expertise with Valeo Foods Ireland’s iconic brand portfolio, nationwide distribution scale, and well-invested manufacturing footprint.

Following completion, Valeo Foods Group and Valeo Foods Ireland intend to maintain a close commercial relationship, including the continued distribution of Valeo Foods’ international brands in Ireland.

Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Valeo Foods Group and Bain Capital, advising on key aspects of the preparation, structuring, and negotiation of the transaction.

This transaction underscores Houlihan Lokey’s leading position in the food and beverage sector globally, particularly in branded food, following the sales of Princes and Symington’s to Newlat Food, Purely Elizabeth to Ferrero, and Saputo Dairy UK to Lactalis.

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