Equistone backs Bretèche Industrie’s acquisition of IsernHäger

Bretèche Industrie (“the Group”), a leading manufacturer of equipment for the international food and pharmaceutical industries, has strengthened its bakery business with the 100% acquisition of German-based IsernHäger. The deal has been backed by Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equsitone”), one of Europe’s leading investors in mid-market buyouts, which invested in Bretèche Industrie in 2013. 

Based in Isernhagen (near Hannover), IsernHäger specialises in liquid sourdough technologies for industrial and artisanal bakeries. The company produces equipment and ‘pre-dough’ to provide the complete dough manufacturing process. The business forecasts revenues of €8 million for 2015. 

Bretèche Industrie is a world-leading supplier of equipment for the food (bakeries, dairies, creameries), pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. With nearly 800 employees, the Group has seven production sites in France, Germany and the Czech Republic, and annual revenues of approximately €172 million. The acquisition was carried out through Bretèche Industrie’s German subsidiary Diosna, a manufacturer of mixers. 

With the integration of IsernHäger, Bretèche Industrie will significantly enlarge the offering of its bakery business. IsernHäger is highly technical and complements the Goup’s existing expertise. Bretèche Industrie will now offer solutions across the complete value chain of bread dough production. 

Didier Soumet, CEO of Bretèche Industrie, said: 

“This strategic acquisition enables Bretèche Industrie to offer the complete range of products for bread dough production, and elevates the business into a unique position in the bakery market. Equistone supported this external growth and helped successfully complete the deal before the end of 2014.” 

Guillaume Jacqueau, Managing Partner of Equistone Partners Europe, added: 

“By combining the complementary technologies, this acquisition will allow the group to strengthen its leadership in the field of baking and continue developing in new markets. The transaction illustrates Equistone’s approach: to support its portfolio companies in their growth and development, particularly internationally through providing high level industry experience and the financial wherewithal of our European fund.”