Houlihan Lokey Advises Vivera

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Vivera, a preeminent European plant-based business, has agreed to acquire The Vegetarian Butcher. The transaction was signed on 19 March 2025. The closing of the acquisition is subject to the usual closing conditions, regulatory requirements, and consultation processes.

Founded in 2010, The Vegetarian Butcher is a pioneering plant-based meat brand from the Netherlands, known for its innovative approach to meat alternatives and distinctive branding. Over the years, it has expanded its product range to include a variety of plant-based burgers, sausages, nuggets, and minced alternatives, catering to both retail and foodservice markets. Acquired by Unilever in 2018, The Vegetarian Butcher has since expanded globally, supporting Unilever’s strategy to grow its plant-based portfolio. The disposal is part of Unilever’s strategic plans to simplify its portfolio by divesting noncore assets.

Based in Holten, Netherlands, Vivera has been a pioneer in developing vegetarian and plant-based meal components since 1990. The company has grown to become one of the three largest producers in Europe, employing approximately 500 people. Vivera’s products are available in more than 32,000 supermarkets across 25 European countries. In 2021, Vivera became part of JBS.

The new combination of Vivera and The Vegetarian Butcher will create a strong powerhouse in the plant-based sector, ready to fuel the acceleration of the protein transition.

Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive corporate financial advisor to Vivera, guiding it throughout the acquisition.

This deal represents another successful transaction for Houlihan Lokey in the plant-based food sector, having previously advised Planted on its financing from L Catterton, Gosh! on its sale to Sonae, and Vivera on its sale to JBS.

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