Swedish Oat Fiber, a specialized Swedish manufacturer of oat dietary fibers, oat oils and oat proteins, is acquired by French ingredients group Naturex
Livingstone’s Consumer team advised Swedish Oat Fiber in its sale to Naturex. The transaction is the result of a broad competitive sales process where Livingstone identified and evaluated a large number of international buyers.
Swedish Oat Fiber is a Swedish manufacturer with a key international position as a producer of oat beta-glucans dietary fibers, oat oils and oat proteins addressing food industry, nutraceutical, cosmetic and animal feed applications. The company’s head office and manufacturing site are located near Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden.
Naturex sources, manufactures, and markets, natural specialty ingredients for the food, health, and cosmetic industries. Naturex is listed on Euronenext Paris and headquartered in Avignon, France, employing 1,700 people worldwide. In 2016, the Group had a revenue of EUR 404.4 million.
“Livingstone’s team with Christopher, Fredrik and Gustav did an amazing job during the sales process. I’m convinced we would not reach the same result without their enthusiasm, determination and high ambitions,” said Peo Crona, CEO at Swedish Oat Fiber.
Naturex has acquired 100% of the shares of Swedish Oat Fiber. The acquisition is in line with Naturex’ strategy to accelerate the development of its specialty product portfolio and will offer substantial synergies with its business development model. Swedish Oat Fiber will also contribute to strengthening Naturex’s market positions in the natural nutrition segment.
“We are very pleased to join Naturex Group, a company that shares the same passion for our business and common values of entrepreneurship, creativity, and integrity. We are convinced Naturex will know how to provide a new strategic impetus to Swedish Oat Fiber and support its development and future projects through its international commercial network, R&D support and the expertise of its network of application laboratories,” said Peo Crona.
“Our team knew from the start that Swedish Oat Fiber would be a highly attractive acquisition target; it’s not only a business for the future but also a well-managed company with passionate owners and management. We got to use our strength as truly global advisors, coordinating interested parties from multiple geographies in a competitive sales process,” said Christopher Fägerskiöld, Partner at Livingstone.
This is Livingstone’s 10th consumer sector transaction in the last 12 months, following deals like Swedish floor and bathroom retailer Golvpoolen’s sale to Nordic online DIY retailer Bygghemma, and German eyewear brand Ic! Berlin’s investment from Premium Equity Partners.
Livingstone was the exclusive financial advisor and Advokatfirman Vinge was the legal advisor to Swedish Oat Fiber in the sales process.