BlueGem Gains New Strategic Partner in Lagfin
Deal News | Jun 19, 2025 | BlueGem Capital Partners
BlueGem Capital Partners, a pan-European private equity firm with a focus on consumer staples, has announced that Lagfin S.C.A., the controlling entity of the Campari Group, will acquire a minority stake in BlueGem. Lagfin's investment will also anchor BlueGem's forthcoming funds, and the transaction is currently pending customary regulatory approvals. This partnership underscores BlueGem's distinctive investment strategy in a structurally attractive sector, characterized by downside protection, preference for B2B/B2B2C solid businesses, and returns acceleration through active portfolio management. The partnership coincides with a leadership transition at BlueGem, with Emilio Di Spiezio Sardo stepping into the role of CEO. The investment by Lagfin is seen as a strategic commitment and will provide BlueGem with access to a broad network of global relationships while maintaining its existing management structure. BlueGem was advised by Latham & Watkins for legal aspects and by Chiomenti for tax aspects, whereas Lagfin was advised by PedersoliGattai.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Consumer Staples
Geography
- Europe – BlueGem operates across Europe focusing on consumer staples businesses.
- Luxembourg – Lagfin S.C.A., located in Luxembourg, takes a strategic stake in BlueGem.
Industry
- Private Equity – The investment by Lagfin into BlueGem Capital Partners signifies critical activities within the private equity sector.
- Consumer Staples – BlueGem is focused on the consumer staples sector, which is defined by non-discretionary products and services.
Financials
- c.1bn – Amount raised and managed by Bluegem Capital Partners to date.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegem Capital Partners | Target Company | Company | A pan-European private equity firm focused on consumer staples. |
| Lagfin S.C.A. | Bidding Company | Company | A Luxembourg-based company and controlling entity of the Campari Group. |
| Campari Group | Related Company | Company | A major player in the spirits industry, controlled by Lagfin. |
| Latham & Watkins | Legal Advisor for BlueGem | Company | Provided legal advice to BlueGem for the transaction. |
| Chiomenti | Tax Advisor for BlueGem | Company | Provided tax advice to BlueGem. |
| PedersoliGattai | Legal Advisor for Lagfin | Company | Provided legal advice to Lagfin for the transaction. |
| Emilio Di Spiezio Sardo | Chief Executive Officer | Person | Newly transitioned CEO of BlueGem Capital Partners. |
| Marco Capello | Founding Partner | Person | Former Founding Partner of BlueGem stepping back from future investments. |