The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm, has acquired La Galvanina S.p.A (Galvanina), a fourth generation, family-owned, Italian producer of premium private label and branded mineral water and traditional and organic soft drinks. Galvanina sells its products to a global customer base comprised of leading retailers, department stores and wholesalers in more than 35 countries, with the U.S., Italy and Canada representing its largest markets in 2018.
Galvanina has more than 70 years of experience in the large-scale production of premium branded and private label mineral water and soft drinks. The company is known for its healthy, high-quality, pure organic, “Made in Italy” products with a unique, cultural heritage - Galvanina’s mineral water properties were discovered by ancient Romans nearly 2,000 years ago.
“We are grateful for the trust of the Mini family in choosing Riverside for this investment. Galvanina has an impressive range of innovative, high quality products with a fantastic heritage and an enviable market position,” said Riverside Managing Partner Karsten Langer. “During our partnership, we plan to help transition a family-run business to an elevated global company, while maintaining Galvanina’s authenticity, quality, innovation, creativity and customer-oriented culture.”
The partnership with Galvanina is another example of how Riverside invests in the consumer products channel. Through its more than 200 employees on the ground in 20 international offices, Riverside has the connections to grow consumer product companies across its footprint.
Mr. Rino Mini, who will become Galvanina’s Honorary Chairman following this transaction, commented, “Riverside’s deep food & beverage sector experience and global resources, particularly in the US, EU and Asia, make the firm an ideal choice to help our organization continue its international development. My nephew Mr. Andrea Pianini, Galvanina’s International Sales Manager, and I will reinvest alongside Riverside in this new phase and we are very excited to work together to further support our significant growth trajectory.”
“Galvanina has a large and long-lasting portfolio of blue-chip customers, comprised of top retailers in North America and globally,” said Riverside Partner Rafael Álvarez-Nóvoa. “With new capacity recently installed, we look forward to expanding the business with new product offerings to reach an even larger market.”
Working with Langer and Álvarez-Nóvoa on the deal were Senior Operating Partner Fabio Pesiri, Senior Associate Michele Volpe and Tomasz Glowacki as Originator. Goldman Sachs Private Capital provided financing for the transaction.
A&O acted as legal advisor, and EY served as financial and tax DD provider and debt advisor for Riverside. Additionally, Alix Partners advised Riverside as a commercial and operational due diligence provider. Advising the Mini Family was BLF Studio Legale, acting as legal advisor, Miranda Pironi as corporate, tax and accounting advisor and PWC acted as financial advisor.