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CVC agrees to buy Irca from Advent

The buyout firm makes its second large food-ingredients deal of the year, after agreeing to buy IFF's food ingredients arm in May.

M&A News deals deskConsumer / Food ingredients · Italy, Europe29 Jun 2026

CVC Capital Partners agreed on 29 June to acquire Irca, the Italian supplier of dessert and bakery ingredients, from Advent through its ninth flagship fund.

Irca website: ircagroup.com

Why CVC Capital Partners is buying Irca

CVC plans operational improvements in manufacturing and the supply chain, selective add-on acquisitions and expansion in the US and EMEA. Managing partner Giampiero Mazza pointed to Irca's strong market position and resilient business model.

“When we invested in Irca four years ago, we saw a strong Italian heritage brand”Francesco Casiraghi, Managing Director, Advent

Deal terms and financing

Financial terms were not disclosed. Sources told Reuters before the deal that a sale could fetch €2.5bn–3bn; Advent bought Irca from Carlyle in 2022 at a valuation reported at about €1bn.

Regulatory approvals and timing

Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Market context

Founded in 1919 near Varese, Irca employs more than 2,200 people and supplies local bakeries, gelato shops, foodservice chains and multinational food manufacturers. Its revenue has quadrupled since 2021 under Advent.

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