Froneri (PAI-backed) Acquires Nestlé's U.S. Ice Cream Business for $4.0B

PNC Brands Group Acquires Majority Interest in Ice Cream Factory

October 21, 2025

Food & Beverage

PNC Brands Group has acquired a majority interest in Ice Cream Factory, the family-owned ice cream company headquartered in Lebanon, Missouri. Founder Shannon Imler will remain as Chief Growth Officer while PNC's CEO Gail Kurpgeweit will serve as Ice Cream Factory CEO as the business undergoes operational upgrades, expanded co-manufacturing capacity, and job growth.

Unilever Acquires Yasso Holdings, Inc.

June 14, 2023

Food & Beverage

Unilever has agreed to acquire Yasso Holdings, Inc., a U.S. premium frozen Greek yogurt brand, to bolster the premiumisation of its Ice Cream Business Group in North America. The acquisition, announced from Unilever's Englewood Cliffs office, will add Yasso's better‑for‑you frozen dessert portfolio (sold in grocery and club stores nationwide) to Unilever's ice cream brands and is expected to close in Q3 2023 subject to approvals.

Nestlé Brasil Acquires CRM Group (Owner of Kopenhagen and Brasil Cacau)

September 6, 2023

Food & Beverage

Nestlé Brasil has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire stake held by FIP Dutch (quotaholders: funds managed by Advent International) in the CRM Group, owner of the Kopenhagen, Brasil Cacau and Kop Koffee brands. The deal — subject to CADE approval — will expand Nestlé's presence into premium chocolate retail and store-based consumer experiences; the transaction is expected to close in 2024 and financial terms were not disclosed.

Brynwood Partners' Buitoni Food Company Acquires North American Buitoni Business from Nestlé USA

June 9, 2020

Consumer Products

Brynwood Partners VIII L.P., through its newly formed portfolio company Buitoni Food Company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the North American Buitoni business from Nestlé USA. The deal (terms undisclosed) includes a 240,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Danville, Virginia with approximately 525 full-time employees and rights to the Buitoni brand in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean; Buitoni Food Company will be headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

Ferrero Group Acquires Wells Enterprises (Blue Bunny, Bomb Pop)

December 7, 2022

Food & Beverage

The Ferrero Group agreed to acquire Wells Enterprises, the family-owned maker of Blue Bunny, Bomb Pop, Halo Top and other ice cream brands, as part of Ferrero's strategic expansion into the ice cream category and North American market. Wells Enterprises will remain a stand-alone business with its Le Mars leadership and manufacturing footprint intact; terms were not disclosed and the transaction was expected to close in early 2023.

Rhône Acquires Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers from Thompson Street Capital Partners

September 4, 2025

Restaurants & Hospitality

Investment funds affiliated with Rhône have acquired Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers from Thompson Street Capital Partners. Freddy's— a fast-casual franchise with more than 550 locations and over $1 billion in system-wide sales—will keep its existing leadership as Rhône supports continued market expansion and guest-experience improvements.