Vincent Guerlais Gains Majority Investment from Cerea Partners to Boost Growth
Deal News | Mar 18, 2025 | Cerea Partners SASU
Cerea Partners, an investment firm specialized in the agri-food sector, has announced its majority stake acquisition in Vincent Guerlais, an esteemed chocolatier and patisserie. Founded in Nantes in 1997, Vincent Guerlais is known for its high-quality premium chocolates and creative pastries, including the signature chocolate reinterpretation of the Petit Beurre. The company operates a network of boutiques in the Nantes area and one in Japan, generating an annual revenue of approximately €15 million and employing around 100 staff members. This investment, supported by UNEXO and regional financiers, marks the seventh investment of the Cerea Capital III fund. The collaboration aims to expand Vincent Guerlais' presence in the Grand Ouest region of France through the opening of new boutiques. Both founders, Vincent and Karen Guerlais, believe this partnership will help focus on brand development and sourcing the finest cacao directly from growers.
Sectors
- Food and Beverage
- Private Equity
Geography
- France – Vincent Guerlais is a chocolatier and patisserie based in the Nantes region of France, and the expansion discussed involves growing in the 'Grand Ouest' area of France.
- Japan – Mentioned as one of the current locations of Vincent Guerlais' boutiques, indicating international presence.
Industry
- Food and Beverage – The article discusses the involvement of Cerea Partners, an investment firm in the agro-food sector, and Vincent Guerlais, a premium chocolatier and patisserie.
- Private Equity – The article focuses on Cerea Partners' use of capital to acquire a majority stake in Vincent Guerlais for expansion purposes.
Financials
- €15 million – Vincent Guerlais' annual revenue.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vincent Guerlais | Target Company | Company | A premium chocolatier and patisserie founded in 1997, known for high-quality chocolates and pastries. |
| Cerea Partners SASU | Bidding Company/Buyer | Company | An investment firm specializing in the agri-food sector acquiring a majority stake in Vincent Guerlais. |
| UNEXO | Co-Investor | Company | A regional investor supporting the investment round along with Cerea Partners. |
| CIC Ouest | Financial Advisor | Company | Co-arranged financing for the acquisition. |
| Caisse Régionale Crédit Mutuel Loire-Atlantique Centre Ouest | Financial Advisor | Company | Participated in arranging financing for the deal. |