Naturacare Expands with Cerea Partners' Financial Backing
Deal News | Feb 27, 2025 | Cerea Partners SASU
Cerea Partners, in conjunction with BNP Paribas Asset Management, has structured a unitranche debt financing for Naturacare to acquire Sochim International, an Italian specialist in softgels — a move that strengthens Naturacare’s position as a leading European Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in dietary supplements. This acquisition, finalized on February 12th, builds on Naturacare's growth trajectory, further consolidating its capabilities and expanding its european operational footprint. The group, acquired by the investment holding Dentressangle in October 2023, now boasts annual revenues nearing €100 million supported by over 350 employees across key facilities in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. Key players in this multi-faceted transaction include Unexo, Caisse d’Epargne Bretagne-Pays de la Loire, and funds recently raised by Cerea Partners. The integration of Sochim International's expertise in softgel formulation enhances Naturacare’s product offering in the complementary health industry, aligning with its strategic priorities under the leadership of Carlo Eigenmann and Carolina Eigenmann.
Sectors
- Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMO)
- Private Equity & Asset Management
Geography
- France – Naturacare is based in Montaigu-Vendée, and Cerea Partners is a French private equity firm.
- Italy – The acquisition of Sochim International, an Italian company, is a key focus of the article.
- Europe – The article situates the acquisition within the broader context of expanding Naturacare's European presence.
Industry
- Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMO) – The article discusses Naturacare's strategic growth in the dietary supplement market, categorizing the company as one of the top European CDMOs.
- Private Equity & Asset Management – Cerea Partners and other financial institutions like BNP Paribas and Unexo being involved in the financing indicate significant activity within the Private Equity and Asset Management sectors.
Financials
- €100 million – Approximate annual revenue of Naturacare, post-acquisition.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerea Partners SASU | Debt Arranger | Company | A private equity firm facilitating the unitranche debt for Naturacare's acquisition. |
| Naturacare | Target Company | Company | A leading European CDMO for dietary supplements, acquiring Sochim International. |
| Sochim International | Acquired Company | Company | Italian specialist in the production of softgels, now part of Naturacare. |
| Dentressangle | Investment Holder | Company | The family investment holding company that acquired Naturacare. |
| BNP Paribas Asset Management | Financial Partner | Company | Partnered with Cerea Partners to structure the unitranche debt. |
| Carlo Eigenmann | Investor / Executive | Person | Founder of Sochim International who reinvested in Naturacare. |
| Carolina Eigenmann | Executive | Person | Executive at Sochim International maintaining a leadership role post-acquisition. |
| Unexo | Financial Partner | Company | Re-participated in the financing of the operation. |