SecureSafeA group of investors under the leadership of Verium takes over Ceposa AG
As part of a succession solution, an investor group represented by Verium acquired a majority stake in Ceposa AG ("Ceposa"). The founder and former CEO, Hanspeter Baer, and his wife, Yvonne Baer, will continue to support the company as consultants.
Founded in 1999, Ceposa is the leading Swiss producer of high quality, fresh, Mediterranean appetizers (antipasti). At the site in Kreuzlingen, approx. eight tons of antipasti are produced per week, supplying a renowned customer base of over 500 in Switzerland and abroad. Ceposa focuses on quality (IFS certification, rigorous quality management), naturalness (no artificial flavors or flavor enhancers) and freshness (no preservatives). The company with currently 46 employees is characterized by delivery reliability and high flexibility, which allows a quick reaction to customer requests and to deliver orders within 24 hours. The product range comprises approx. 100 standard products and 250 special products in the area of antipasti, olives and sauces.
Mr. and Mrs. Baer will continue to support the company as consultants, but will gradually withdraw from the day-to-day business and hand over the operational responsibility to the existing management. This ensures a smooth transition, continuity and the knowledge transfer.
Hanspeter Baer, consultant and former owner and CEO of Ceposa:
"We are convinced that with Verium we have found a partner who shares our corporate values and who will further develop the company in our spirit and thus will guarantee the successful continuation of Ceposa.”
Verium plans to expand Ceposa´s quality leadership and its product range with new product ideas as well as to push the market penetration. The fragmented market also offers opportunities for targeted add-on acquisitions.
Marc Erni, Managing Partner and Head of Private Equity at Verium:
"Ceposa has a strong expertise in the professional processing of fresh products and we are convinced of the company´s growth potential. We are looking forward to continuing the successful growth story, organically as well as through add-on acquisitions.”
On this transaction, Verium was advised by Ernst & Young (Finance), Wenger & Vieli (Legal) and G+S Treuhand (Tax). The seller was advised by ZETRA International (M&A consultant) and Hasler Leu Casanova (Legal).
Contact
- Verium
Marc Erni, Managing Partner and Head of Private Equity Verium, marc.erni@verium.ch
Damian Stricker, President of the Board Ceposa AG, damian.stricker@verium.ch
Francis Barrier, Investment Manager Verium, francis.barrier@verium.c
George Merk, Investment Manager Verium, george.merk@verium.ch
- Ceposa
Hanspeter Baer, consultant, former owner and CEO of Ceposa, hanspeter.baer@ceposa.com