Platinum Equity to acquire Biscuit International

Global investment firm Platinum Equity has started negotiations with French company Qualium Investissement to acquire European sweet biscuits maker Biscuit International.

Established in 2016, Biscuit International is engaged in the distribution of a wide range of biscuit products with a European or local presence. Their product portfolio includes biscuits that are organic, low-calorie and that are free from sugar, gluten and milk.

Biscuit International was created by the merger of Groupe Poult and Banketgroep and expanded its presence through acquisitions in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and the UK.

Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson said: “Biscuit International has an exceptional portfolio and a well-deserved reputation for high-quality products.

“We support the company’s plan to continue expanding its offering and its international reach, both organically and through additional add-on investments. We look forward to working with the management team to optimise the platform and maximise operational performance throughout the business.”

Completion of the acquisition is subject to works council consultation, regulatory approval and the customary closing conditions.

Qualium Investissement president Jean Eichenlaub said: “We are proud to have supported the development stages that have led Biscuit International to become a leader in the European private label biscuit market.

“We are pleased with the progress made with the group and its teams since our initial investment in March 2014 and we are confident about the opportunities ahead with the support of their new shareholder.”

Financial details of the deal have not been divulged by either of the companies.

Last May, Biscuit International announced its acquisition of Northumbrian Fine Foods (NFF), the UK-based manufacturer of gluten-free and milk-free sweet biscuits, from CriSeren Foods.