Frigomat Completes Ownership Transition as Cipelletti Family Secures 100% Stake
Deal News | Jan 17, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 1 Corporate M&A

The article discusses the recent transaction where the Soffientini family sold its 50% co-controlling stake in Frigomat to the Cipelletti family, granting the latter full ownership of the Lombardy-based company. This deal marks the end of the Soffientini family's 24-year investment cycle in Frigomat, during which they contributed significantly to the company's restructuring and resurgence from a crisis. Pirola Corporate Finance provided advisory support to the Soffientini family on negotiation and commercial aspects, while Pirola Pennuto Zei & Associati handled corporate and managerial transitions over the past year. Legal services for the Cipelletti family in the acquisition were provided by Studio Legale Ruscelloni. Founded in 1969 by Alberto Cipelletti, Frigomat has become an international leader in manufacturing ice cream machines and pastry equipment. The Cipelletti family anticipates future growth for Frigomat, leveraging product innovations and expanding market presence, particularly in the US.
Sectors
- Manufacturing
- Corporate Finance
- Legal Services
Geography
- Italy – Frigomat is based in Lombardy, Italy, and both the Soffientini and Cipelletti families are involved in Italian business dealings.
- United States – Frigomat has a significant market presence in the US, which is referenced as a key area of growth and innovation.
Industry
- Manufacturing – Frigomat is a company involved in the manufacturing of machines and equipment for artisanal ice cream and pastry specialties.
- Corporate Finance – Pirola Corporate Finance provided advisory services in the transaction, highlighting the role of corporate finance in M&A deals.
- Legal Services – Studio Legale Ruscelloni provided legal advisory on the acquisition, showcasing the importance of legal services in M&A transactions.
Financials
- 50% – The stake in Frigomat sold by the Soffientini family to the Cipelletti family.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Frigomat | Target Company | Company | An Italian manufacturer of machines and equipment for artisanal ice cream and pastry specialties, founded in 1969. |
Soffientini Family | Selling Company | People | The family that sold its 50% co-controlling stake in Frigomat. |
Cipelletti Family | Bidding Company | People | The family that acquired full ownership of Frigomat by purchasing the Soffientini family's stake. |
Pirola Corporate Finance | Financial Advisor | Company | Advised the Soffientini family on negotiation and commercial aspects during the transaction. |
Pirola Pennuto Zei & Associati | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal services to the Soffientini family in defining corporate transitions and contractual agreements. |
Studio Legale Ruscelloni | Legal Advisor | Company | Assisted the Cipelletti family with legal aspects of the acquisition. |