QuattroR sells its stake in Casalasco Società Agricola S.p.A. to FSI

Milan/Rivarolo del Re (CR), March 31, 2025 – QuattroR SGR SpA has signed a binding agreement with FSI for the sale of its stake in Casalasco Spa, a leading group in the Italian agri-food sector specializing in the selection, cultivation, processing of tomatoes, packaging, and marketing of its derivatives, with a portfolio of brands symbolizing Made in Italy excellence, including De Rica, Pomì, and Pummarò, as well as internationally renowned brands like Pomito and Tomato al Gusto.

Following the completion of this transaction, the agricultural supply chain, through the Casalasco Tomato Consortium and its Holding company, will strengthen its stake in Casalasco S.p.A., maintaining a key role in this further development project for the Group. QuattroR will have the opportunity to reinvest in Casalasco through an option to acquire an equity stake from FSI, via the QuattroR MidCap fund, which operates in the segment of Italian SMEs present in key sectors for the country's economy.

The development strategy implemented by Casalasco in recent years, under the guidance of a top-tier management team led by CEO Costantino Vaia, is unique in the European context, distinguished by its integrated agricultural supply chain, strong focus on quality, sustainability, and the values that have always characterized its operations.

Since QuattroR's entry at the end of 2021 with a capital increase of €100 million, Casalasco has embarked on a significant growth path, both industrially and in terms of profitability. In the last three years, revenues have grown from €330 million to over €600 million, with a more than proportional increase in profitability and significant investments focused on plants, energy efficiency, water consumption reduction, and the creation of an advanced Innovation Center. Furthermore, in recent weeks, the company announced the launch of an integrated supply chain for the production of pesto and semi-finished products from fresh basil, through which the Group enters a highly attractive market with a premium and distinctive offering.

Also in the last three years, Casalasco completed four strategic acquisitions to consolidate its position: Emiliana Conserve SpA (2022), focused on strengthening its industrial and agricultural base; De Martino Srl (2023), dedicated to exporting food products to high-value markets such as Scandinavia and Japan; the premium brand Knorr Tomato al Gusto (2025), acquired from the Unilever group and a leader in the German market; and the brands Pummarò, Polpabella, and Sugo Lampo (2025), leaders in the Italian market, from the STAR group.

Costantino Vaia, CEO of Casalasco, commented: "First and foremost, I thank the QuattroR Fund and its shareholders for believing in our supply chain and for accompanying us on a highly satisfying growth journey. The support of its managers, especially in extraordinary M&A operations, allowed us to ensure the achievement of the ambitious goals we had set. We are now working for the future of Casalasco SpA and its 800 member farms, alongside another prestigious partner like FSI, with whom we have already planned a new phase of dimensional development and shared value creation."

In the transaction, the sellers were advised by Vitale & Co. Spa and Unicredit, along with Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici and Talea for legal matters.