At the end of July, MBO & Co completed the sale of Cofigeo to the management team, led by Mathieu Thomazeau (CEO), and to historic financial sponsors (SGCP, CA NMP and GSO).

Cofigeo is the French leader of ambient prepared meals and operates under several brands Raynal & Roquelaure, William Saurin, Zapetti, Panzani and Garbit. With more than 1,500 employees and 8 manufacturing sites, Cofigeo generates c. €300 million of sales. MBO & Co’s partnership with Mathieu Thomazeau was marked by the major acquisition of William Saurin in 2017 allowing Cofigeo to more than double its size and become the undisputed market leader.

This deal, which brings to a close a remarkable transformation process, is emblematic of our strategy in many ways:
– Transforming acquisition:

• Acquisition of the market leader William Saurin

• Turnover x2,5 from €130m to €320m
• EBITDA x2.5
– Talent Management:
• HR assessment in order to ensure that organization was suitable to the new Group size (Cofigeo + William Saurin)
• Strengthening of the organization with the recruitment of 5 C-level executives

Eric Dejoie, Chairman of MBO & Co, stated “we acquired Cofigeo in December 2013 alongside the management team. Our exit marks the end of a strong and trust-based partnership of 6 years and half and we are proud of this long way together. Cofigeo has strongly reinforced its market position, thanks in particular to the successful integration of William Saurin, and is now ready to accelerate its expansion in France and abroad. We wish Mathieu Thomazeau and his management team the best for the future”.