European private equity firm Investindustrial is buying a controlling stake in Eataly, with plans to push the brand’s global expansion, the Financial Times has reported.
The firm will acquire 52% of the Italian food and drink brand, with an investment of €200m and share purchases from existing shareholders.
The remaining 48% will remain in the hands of current investors, including the Farinetti family (of founder Oscar Farinetti) and Italian private equity firm Tamburi Investment Partners.
Two US investors – the Saper and Bastianich families – will sell their holdings as part of the deal.
Current CEO and founder’s son Nicola Farinetti will become company chair, with a new chief executive to be appointed.
Investindustrial said in a statement: “The investment will allow Eataly to retire net financial debt and maximise financial flexibility for the group’s global expansion plans.”
In June, MCA spoke to Eataly about the brand’s launch in the UK last year.
