GoodLife Foods, a Dutch company specializing in vegetarian foods, is set to acquire Spain’s Audens Group Solutions.
GoodLife, known for its spicy beanburger and falafel products, has yet to disclose the financial details of its acquisition of Audens, a Barcelona-based company renowned for its frozen ready-meals and Portuguese culinary offerings.
GoodLife, headquartered in Breda and under the ownership of UK private-equity firm IK Partners since June last year, boasts major UK supermarkets as part of its customer base.
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Audens provides a range of branded and private-label products, primarily specializing in frozen snacks, appetizers, and ready meals. Its distribution spans both retail and foodservice sectors, with a primary focus on serving the Iberian markets.
The company employs over 800 staff and operates five manufacturing plants in Spain and Portugal.
Leadership Changes
Following the transaction’s finalization, David Sala Coll, CEO of Audens, will assume the role of non-executive director at GoodLife, also serving as a strategic adviser to the Spanish division. Carles Bosch will step in as Audens’ general manager, overseeing day-to-day operations in the Iberian region.
GoodLife stated that the acquisition will lead to a “highly complementary consortium,” specializing in the production and distribution of innovative frozen food snacks and meal components throughout Europe.
Dirk Van de Walle, CEO of GoodLife Foods, commented, “We have the opportunity to establish a formidable force in the food industry, poised for success. By harnessing our combined strengths, we aim to enhance customer satisfaction, elevate operational standards, and propel growth in both established and emerging markets.”
Sala Coll further remarked, “This deal brings forth thrilling prospects for our staff, clients, suppliers, and collaborators. United, we will persist in providing outstanding appetizer solutions, upholding our steadfast dedication to quality and customer contentment.”
Rebranding and Previous Acquisitions
Before its acquisition by IK Partners last year, GoodLife was under the ownership of the Dutch investment firm Egeria.
In 2019, GoodLife Foods was established through a rebranding from Izico Foods Group, reflecting Egeria’s acquisition of UK-based Goodlife Foods in 2017.
Frederik Jacobs, a partner at IK, expressed, “We are delighted to have facilitated the union of these two companies. A cornerstone of our investment strategy at GoodLife Foods is to expedite internationalization and extend our footprint into swiftly evolving frozen food segments.”
“The merger of GoodLife Foods and Audens marks a substantial step forward in our pursuit to establish a robust and continuously expanding frozen food enterprise within targeted savory segments.”
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