Background:
- Founded and owned by Unigrains since 2004, Céréa Partenaire is an Asset Management company focused on small, medium and mid-tier Agribusiness firms and benefiting from a solid pool of long-term investors
- Céréa Partenaire distinguishes itself from the competition thanks to a recognised Agribusiness-themed investment strategy. Its unique positioning is a key success factor, as evidenced by over 1.4 billion euros raised and 120 companies assisted since inception
- The company has grown into a front-line player, which covers the whole Agribusiness value chain and operates as an investment platform through its investments in buyout, mezzanine and senior debt financing
Process:
- DC Advisory was retained as exclusive M&A advisor to Unigrains to organise a restricted sale process in close cooperation with the management team
Outcome:
- 100% of the stock of Céréa Partenaire has been sold to its management team, associated with institutional investors, who are longstanding investors in its Funds
- The new capital structure will enable Céréa Partenaire to consolidate its position as a third-party management company, which already operates independently from Unigrains, and accelerate its growth though raising new generations of Funds; increasing its assets under management and international development
- This transaction will provide Unigrains with a greater liberty of action in its development as a long term, international, high added-value investor, supporting companies in line with the financial and economic patrimonial objectives of its grain-farmer shareholders. Unigrains will also support the acquirers' projects, be it by investing in successor Funds or in co-investment opportunities