Valeo to acquire sweet baked foods maker Prestige 96. 03.20.2026 DUBLIN, IRELAND - European sweet baked foods and snacks maker Valeo Foods Group plans to acquire Prestige 96 AD, a Bulgaria-based manufacturer of biscuits, wafers and sweet baked treats. With headquarters in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, Prestige 96 has 450 employees and fields a brand roster that includes Prestige (biscuits, cocoa rings, cookies and cake bars); Prestige Oh La La and Prestige Müsli (biscuits); Prestige Wellness (no-added-sugar biscuits and wafers); Naya, Hyper, Mirage and Waffi (wafers); and Maxi and Roden Kray (biscuits). Dublin-based Valeo said the addition of Prestige 96 will "unlock significant strategic value" by spurring growth in Bulgaria via more cross-selling opportunities and Prestige's strong retailer relationships. The company noted the acquisition also will foster expansion into adjacent snacking categories and broaden Valeo's international footprint in current and new markets through the combined export capabilities of both organizations. "Prestige is an exceptional business with outstanding brands, a strong market position and a highly capable team," said Ronald Kers, chief executive officer of Valeo Foods Group. "By combining Prestige's category expertise with the scale of the Valeo Foods network, we see significant opportunities to accelerate growth, expand into new markets and bring even more loved products to consumers across Europe. This acquisition is a clear investment in long-term, sustainable growth, adding capabilities that naturally enhance our core business. We look forward to welcoming the Prestige team as we grow together." Prestige 96 also will bring a "modern, well-invested production and warehousing facility" that will enhance the group's capacity, operational flexibility and efficiency, Valeo added. "Prestige has grown into one of Bulgaria's leading sweet snacking companies, thanks to the dedication of our people and the trust of our consumers," said Darina Stoyanova, CEO of Prestige 96, which was founded in 1996. "Joining Valeo Foods gives us an even stronger platform to build on that success. By combining Prestige's much-loved brands with Valeo Foods' international scale and capabilities, we see tremendous potential to grow our business, reach new markets and continue delivering the products consumers love." Valeo said the acquisition of Bulgaria-based Prestige 96 also will bring a "modern, well-invested production and warehousing facility." | Photo: Prestige 96 Financial terms of the transaction weren't disclosed. Valeo didn't give a timetable for closing the Prestige 96 acquisition but said the deal's completion is pending customary regulatory approvals in Bulgaria. The purchase marks Valeo's eighth acquisition since 2022 under its long-term growth strategy, which the company said focuses on adding "market-leading, iconic, local brands" to drive European expansion. Valeo's most recent baked foods acquisitions include Italian cakes and croissants maker Melegatti 1894 SpA in July 2025, Italian cake maker Freddi Dolciaria SpA in May 2025; Slovakian sweet baked snacks, confections and chocolate company I.D.C. Holding in January 2025; and Italian cake, croissant and tartufo maker Dal Colle in May 2024. Valeo also acquired Canadian maple syrup maker Appalaches Nature in July 2024. Owned by Bain Capital, Valeo specializes in sweet baked foods (including wafers, sponge cakes, seasonal cakes, filled croissants, tarts and muffins) and confections (including chocolate and sugar candies, chews, licorice and marzipan). Its product portfolio also spans salty snacks (potato chips, tortilla chips, popcorn, veggie chips and meat snacks); grocery items (rice cakes, baking mixes, canned foods, cooking ingredients, sauces and spreads); and natural sweeteners (honey and syrup). Get better food industry search results. Adding us tells Google to prioritize Food Business News stories.

Valeo Foods Group, one of Europe's leading producers of quality sweets, treats and snacks has been awarded a Platinum Medal, the highest recognition level, in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment. Valeo Foods now ranks among the top one percent of companies evaluated. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251020547491/en/ Valeo Foods Group recognised for sustainability leadership with EcoVadis Platinum Medal. Ronald Kers, Valeo Foods Group CEO said " Achieving EcoVadis Platinum rating is a proud moment for our business. It reflects the dedication of our people and our determination to integrate sustainability into everything we do - from how we source and produce, to how we support communities and protect the planet." Dr Grainne O'Halloran, Head of Sustainability at Valeo Foods added: " We are incredibly proud to have achieved EcoVadis Platinum Medal this year. Our increased score reflects our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, sustainable practices and ethical operations across our business." In the last 12 months, Valeo Foods has advanced its sustainability agenda through initiatives such as reduction of carbon emissions, water and food waste, increased renewable energy usage and responsible sourcing. We have also developed healthier alternative products and more sustainable packaging. These efforts remain central to its long-term strategy and ambition to deliver lasting value for all stakeholders. Valeo Foods' latest Platinum EcoVadis rating, together with previous Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval of its near-term and net-zero targets, highlight the company's progress and commitment to reducing environmental impact, upholding ethical labour practices, and fostering a transparent, responsible business environment. For more information about Valeo Foods' approach and progress across key sustainability priorities, read Valeo Foods' 2025 Sustainability Report. Valeo Foods Group is one of Europe's fastest-growing food companies, specialising in sweets, snacks, and treats. Home to almost 90 brands including Balconi cakes and wafers, Pedro confectionery, Mila, Lina and Horalky wafers, Rowse Honey, Bernard maple syrup, Barratt's sweets, Fox's mints and Kettle Chips. We operate in over 100 countries serving major retailers, discounters, e-commerce, convenience stores, wholesalers, and foodservice operators. With revenues exceeding €1.8 billion, we employ nearly 5,500 people across almost 30 facilities in the UK, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovakia, Czech, and Canada. Valeo Foods Group is owned by Bain Capital. EcoVadis is a globally trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Its evidence-based ratings cover a broad range of non-financial themes across environmental, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251020547491/en/

Investor-backed Valeo Foods Group has strengthened its Italian foothold through the acquisition of local sweet bakery products business Freddi Dolciaria.