Posted Friday 15th January 2021
Joelson, the leading London law firm, has advised the Founders and shareholders of Pasta Evangelists, a UK-based specialist in fresh, artisan pasta & sauces on the sale of a majority stake to Barilla, one of the world’s largest food companies and the global leader in pasta. Joelson also advised the management team on their ongoing participation with Barilla as the new majority shareholder.
The sale demonstrates the rising demand for fresh, premium food, as well as the boom in e-commerce and subscription-based consumer products. The deal is an addition to a succession of M&A deals that Joelson has advised on in the consumer and food & drink sectors.
This transaction will see Barilla grow the Pasta Evangelist brand in the UK and in time, expand internationally to become a global leader in fresh pasta and sauces.
Joelson’s Corporate team was led by Partner, Phil Hails-Smith.
Alessandro Savelli, CEO & Founder of Pasta Evangelists, said:
“We have enjoyed working with Joelson over the past four years since our inception, they have been with us since the start, supporting us every step of the way. Their understanding of our business and values have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth delivery of this deal. The sale is an exciting step for us and we are glad to have had Phil and his team to advise us throughout. Their in-depth sector experience, commitment and pro-active approach has been so valuable in getting this deal completed in these challenging times. We look forward to working with Joelson in the future – I would highly recommend them to any consumer business.”
Phil Hails-Smith, Partner at Joelson, added:
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with Alex, his team and the shareholders of Pasta Evangelists on this deal. We have worked with them from their initial seed round and it’s amazing to have helped them develop and grow over the years. This is a really encouraging start to 2021. We look forward to seeing the brand grow and develop under the ownership of Barilla in the UK and in time, globally. This transaction illustrates Joelson’s commitment to the consumer sector supporting early stage companies and helping them grow and scale. Joelson’s reputation as the go-to law firm in the consumer sector when it comes to representing founders and entrepreneurs on this type of deal continues to be enhanced by transactions of this nature.”
This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.
We have advised the Founders of Eat Natural on its sale to the Ferrero Group, the global confectionary company.
