News on Mergers and Acquisitions

Troostwijk Auctions launches six online auctions (18 Dec–15 Jan) to sell the full industrial assets of bankrupt Dutch potato processor CêlaVíta, offering high-quality potato processing, packaging and labelling machinery from leading brands.

Mars, global leader in pet care, snacking and food and Kellanova (NYSE: K), a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods, recently announced that Mars has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova.

Snack maker Balaji Wafers, which has drawn strong interest from investors and global food companies, is reportedly set to sell a 7% stake to US-based General Atlantic for INR 2,500 crore (USD 282 million).

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.

The Simplot Company, a privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has completed its acquisition of Clarebout Potatoes, a leading European producer of frozen potato products based in Belgium.

Kiremko, Idaho Steel & Reyco name Gerardo Chiaia as CEO and Kees van der Drift as CFO, marking a new growth phase under Investindustrial. The group unites to drive global innovation and leadership in food processing systems.

In recent years, the global potato industry has entered a phase of rapid consolidation. Mergers, acquisitions, and geographic expansions are redefining who produces, who decides, and who supplies.

Produce Investments (PI) acquires Biofresh Safestore, a leader in fixed crop management. Combined with Restrain’s natural sprout suppression, the move expands PI’s tech portfolio, offering flexible, innovative storage solutions across Europe and beyond.

PepsiCo has acquired Australian seed potato business Dowling AgriTech (DAT) to strengthen seed supply, drive innovation, and support grower partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

CêlaVíta, the Dutch chilled potato processor once owned by McCain, will not restart after bankruptcy. All 171 jobs are lost as the Wezep factory is dismantled and auctioned, marking the end of a well-known name in potato processing.

Royal HZPC Group plans to acquire Ireland-based IPM Potato Group, a leading seed potato breeder and exporter, boosting HZPC’s UK and global presence.

Unites State based food giant General Mills Inc is exploring an investment in Balaji Wafers, joining a crowded field of suitors that includes PepsiCo, ITC Ltd, and several private equity funds, according to a report by The Economic Times (ET).

Gary and Alan Hafner have acquired majority ownership of Layton Systems, purchasing shares from Julia Rich. Building on the legacies of John Layton and Jerry Allen-Rich, the Hafners aim to drive growth while upholding the company’s values and mission.

Kraft Heinz will split into two tax-free, independent public companies: Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. Goal: simplify structure, boost focus, drive growth, and unlock shareholder value. Deal expected in 2026.

Royal Avebe acquires Solan, Poland’s leading potato flakes & granules producer. The move, part of Avebe’s 'Strengthen & Accelerate' strategy, expands its portfolio, adds 100+ staff & 140 farmers, and keeps SOLAN® brand under Avebe’s umbrella.

Investindustrial will acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco, leading potato processing equipment makers. The deal unites 3 family-owned firms into a global platform, aiming for growth via integration, innovation, and expansion.

Following the recent announcement of CêlaVíta's bankruptcy, several companies have expressed interest in acquiring the Dutch producer of chilled potatoes. This raises cautious hopes for a possible restart, according to bankruptcy trustee Frans Aartsen.

Chilled Potato producer CêlaVíta has gone bankrupt. The Dutch company supplied pre-cut potatoes and pre-seasoned potato products to supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants throughout Europe.