England-based R&R Ice Cream has acquired Eskigel S.r.l., Italy's leading own label ice cream manufacturer, for approximately €77 million.
R&R, which claims to be Europe's largest private label ice cream manufacturer, confirmed the purchase on 31 July, with CEO James Lambert adding that the deal gives the company "an immediate and major presence in Europe’s largest ice cream market."
The company supplies Nestlé with many of its brands, including 'Rowntree's Fruit Patilles' ice pop and the iconic 'Fab'.
Founded in 1952, Eskigel achieved net sales of €81 million in 2011 and operates from a modern facility in Terni, Umbria. Stefania de Santis and Giuseppe Listanti, chairman and CEO, respectively, will continue in their roles with the existing management team.
“Eskigel has been instrumental in growing the own label ice cream sector in Italy and we intend to build on this strong position," said Lambert. (9 Aug)
© 2012 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
