Nuova Castelli acquired by French group Lactalis

French multinational Lactalis, already owner of Italian brands Parmalat, Galbani, Invernizzi, Locatelli and Cademartori, has announced further expansion in Italy with the acquisition of Nuova Castelli of Reggio Emilia, one of the leading distributors of Italian PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses and the world’s largest exporter of Parmesan.

With the acquisition of the entire share capital of Nuova Castelli, 80% of which was owned by British investment fund Charterhouse Capital Partner, Lactalis has incorporated a company with 2018 revenues of €460 million and 13 production sites in Italy and three abroad.

The deal strengthens the French group’s leadership in the distribution of Italian PDO cheese in international markets, where it is already a major player with a commercial and distribution presence in more than 140 countries.