Italy’s QuattroR acquires 50% stake in Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group

Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy | Photo credit: Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group 

Milan-based private equity firm QuattroR has acquired a 50% stake in Massimo Zanetti Beverage (MZB) Group S.p.A. 
 

In a press release, MZB Group said QuattroR’s investment strengthen its presence in the European coffee market and generate new growth opportunities globally. The sum of the transaction was not disclosed, however, MZB Group said QuattroR acquired the stake ‘primarily through a sizeable capital increase’. 

Founded in 1973, MZB Group manages a portfolio of over 40 coffee and tea brands, including Segafredo Zanetti, Boncafé and Chock full o’Nuts brands. The business has a presence in more than 110 markets, operates 20 coffee roasteries globally and achieved €1.1bn ($1.2bn) in sales in 2023. 

“The partnership with QuattroR represents an opportunity and a stimulus for us, to further consolidate the group’s growth path, maximising the creation of value. Sharing our entrepreneurial values and the integration of our respective skills will facilitate the achievement of the group’s objectives,” said Massimo Zanetti, Founder and Chairman, MZB Group.  

MZB Group has also appointed former Biscuit Bouvard CEO Pierluigi Tosato as its new CEO. Zanetti, who held both CEO and Chairman roles until the acquisition, will continue to ‘contribute with his experience and entrepreneurial ability’ to the development of the group as Chairman. 
 

“I am truly honored to lead MZB Group in this stimulating phase of growth and consolidation. I see significant strategic and commercial upside in this Group which operates in a very interesting sector,” he said. 

Founded in 2016, QuattroR primarily invests in Italian businesses and specialises in rebalancing and reinforcing capital structure, as well as reorganising operating and business models.