The European private equity group founded more than 60 years ago in Vignola (Italy), Fabbri Group has branches in France, Germany, UK, Switzerland and recently in Russia. Fabbri is a market leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and distribution of wrapping machines and films for fresh food market. Its commercial offer is completed with a reactive and reliable service and maintenance division for its large machines installed base.
With its 500 highly qualified employees, over 170 international patents and a production based on the research and development of innovative solutions, Fabbri works closely with diversified and qualified customers throughout Europe. Fabbri Group operates with retailers and fresh food processors, with solutions covering all food sectors: meat, fruit, vegetables, dairy, fish and gastronomy. Growth will boost over the next few years, driven by the increasing of balanced diets based on vitamins and noble proteins.
Emiliano Tonelli and Mirco Dilda, Senior Manager and Partner at Argos Soditic, said: “Fabbri Group is an Italian excellence that has built an astonishing reputation in developing innovative and combined solutions. The company has a strong heritage of patents and installed machines: a leadership position in a growing market with high entry barriers, a technological leadership, a resilient and balanced revenue mix, a diversified customer base, flexible operations and a skilled and qualified management team. We look forward partnering with the company and the management team to continue to grow Fabbri’s activities, even in countries where Argos and its investors are present. We at Argos Soditic also are committed to providing additional capital aiming at supporting a resolute external growth policy in new technologies and markets. “
Elisabetta Oliveri, CEO, Fabbri Group, said: “During our partnership with IGI, Lincolnshire and Chiarva family we strengthened our company through a process of strong managerialization, increased our product portfolio, implemented operational efficiency programs and extended our geographical presence. These important results give us a solid foundation and pave the way for our ongoing development that will carry on with Argos Soditic. We are delighted to continue to develop our business with a new partner sharing our vison that the company’ strength is based on the excellence of its products and services. “
Matteo Cirla, Managing Director of IGI and Executive Manager of IGI Investimenti Quattro, added: “We would like to thank Elisabetta Oliveri and all the employees of Fabbri Vignola Group for the excellent work they have done over the years, and we wish all of them, together with the new shareholders, to carry on Fabbri’s international development.”
Equity capital for the transaction comes primarily from Argos Soditic VII fund.
The transaction has been financed by a pool of banks: Crédit Agricole Cariparma (Agent Bank), Banca IFIS, Bper Banca ed Unicredit.
Argos Soditic have been advised by: Giovannelli e Associati Studio Legale, EY, Goetzpartners, Efeso Consulting, Giovanardi Pototschnig & Associati Studio Legale, Trotter Studio Associato, Marsh e Tauw.
Lincolnshire, IGI and Stella Group have been advised by: CBA Studio Legale e Tributario, Spada Partners, KPMG e William Blair.
Banks have been advised by Studio Legale Simmons & Simmons.
The transaction has involved Claudio Caruso from Studio Caruso & Andreatini for notarial aspects.