London, 27th October – Polestar has advised the shareholders of Italian Realfoods Limited on its sale to Certified Origins Italia, a global leader of premium private label olive oils, tomato sauces, and specialty foods sourced from across the Mediterranean.
Based in London, Italian Realfoods was established in 1995 by Peri Eagleton and David Harrison, building on their shared passion for high-quality Italian food.
Today, the Company offers a complete range of best-in-class Italian specialities, sourced from the finest artisanal suppliers, to customers worldwide. Its brands, Seggiano and Lunaio, provide high-quality products ranging from pesto, pasta sauces and extra virgin olive oil, to breadsticks and biscotti.
The Company’s 2015 expansion into the US has significantly developed the brands’ international reputation, quickly securing a channel to market through US premium supermarket, Wholefoods, and remains a substantial opportunity to capitalise on over the coming years.
Polestar secured strong interest from trade and private equity buyers across the UK, Europe and North America, ultimately receiving offers from buyers in the US, France, and Italy. Supported by introductions from across its international network, Orion International Advisors, this is the seventh deal for the team involving an international counterparty in the last two years.
Peri Eagleton & David Harrison, Co-Founders of Italian Realfoods, shared:
“Polestar’s support, skills and experience were essential to the successful outcome of our sale process. We could not be more impressed with the quality of service received, feeling nothing but gratitude to Charlie & his team.”
Gerard Jara, CEO of Certified Origins Italia, added:
“We are grateful to the team at Polestar, who contributed to building a strong relationship between Seggiano and Certified. We look forward to working with, and continuing to grow, the Seggiano brand.”
Charles Whelan of Polestar commented:
“Before our introduction to Peri and David, I started enjoying Seggiano products as part of my family’s improved lock-down ingredients. As I already loved the products, I relished the chance to help find the perfect home for this brilliant brand of delicious foods. Certified Origins share David and Peri’s values on product quality, sustainability, and traceability; the business is in excellent hands as it continues to delight consumers around the globe.”
Italian Realfoods Limited was advised by Polestar and Michelmores. Certified Origins Italia was advised by Becker & Poliakoff, Buckles Solicitors, and HMT.
