Froneri Poised for Major Investment by Goldman Sachs

Deal News | Aug 01, 2025 | Zawya

Froneri Poised for Major Investment by Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is reportedly seeking to become the lead investor in a continuation vehicle for Froneri, a major European ice cream producer valued at $17.13 billion. This development was reported by the Financial Times and involves an arrangement with French private equity firm PAI Partners. Froneri is a collaboration between Nestle and R&R Ice Cream, a PAI unit. This joint venture was initialized in 2016, merging their European ice cream operations over 20 countries. Furthermore, in 2019, Froneri acquired Nestle's U.S. ice cream business, thus gaining control over Häagen-Dazs and associated brands. This potential deal signals Goldman Sachs' significant interest in this thriving sector.

Sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Food and Beverage

Geography

  • Europe – Froneri is a significant player in the European ice cream market, having been formed from European operations.
  • United States – Froneri owns the U.S.-based ice cream operations, including Häagen-Dazs, previously under Nestle.

Industry

  • Private Equity – Goldman Sachs, a major player in private equity, is looking to invest as the lead in a continuation fund focusing on Froneri.
  • Food and Beverage – The article focuses on Froneri, a leading ice cream manufacturer, representing the food and beverage sector.

Financials

  • 17.13 billion USD – Valuation of Froneri, including debt, in the potential Goldman Sachs investment.
  • 4 billion USD – Value of the 2019 deal where Nestle sold its U.S. ice cream business to Froneri.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
FroneriTarget companyCompanyA joint venture between Nestle and PAI unit R&R Ice Cream, with extensive operations in Europe's ice cream sector.
Goldman SachsLead InvestorCompanySeeking to lead an investment in Froneri through a continuation vehicle.
PAI PartnersCurrent InvestorCompanyFrench private equity firm involved with a continuation vehicle for Froneri.
NestleParent CompanyCompanyCo-owner of Froneri through its contributions of European and U.S. ice cream operations.