Vitale advised QuattroR in the disposal of Casalasco Società Agricola S.p.A. (“Casalasco”), a leading group in the Italian agri-food sector specializing in the selection, cultivation, processing, packaging, and marketing of tomato products and their derivatives, to FSI, a leading private equity firm focused on fostering the growth of mid-market Italian companies.

The transaction will be executed through the creation of a new company, Filiera Casalasco S.r.l. (“Bidco”), following which the agricultural supply chain, through Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro (“CCdP”) and its holding company, will strengthen its stake in Casalasco S.p.A., maintaining a key role in this next phase of the Group’s development.
Simultaneously with the closing of the transaction, QuattroR will reinvest in Casalasco via its mid-cap fund, through an option to acquire an equity stake from FSI, resulting in a minority shareholding.

Founded in 1977 in Rivarolo del Re, in the province of Cremona, as an organisation of tomato producers, Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro is today the leading integrated supply chain in Italy for the cultivation and processing of industrial tomatoes. It currently brings together approximately 800 contributing farms, cultivating 12,000 hectares across the provinces of Piacenza, Cremona, and Parma. In addition to its co-packing activities for major global food groups, CCdP owns iconic Made in Italy brands such as Pomì, Victoria, and De Rica, as well as internationally recognized brands like Pomito and Tomato al Gusto.

Casalasco’s development strategy in recent years, led by a top-tier management team under the leadership of CEO Costantino Vaia, stands out in the European landscape as a unique case, characterised by its integrated agricultural supply chain, strong focus on quality and sustainability, and commitment to long-standing core values.

Since QuattroR’s entry at the end of 2021 through a €100 million capital increase, Casalasco has embarked on a path of significant growth, both industrially and financially. Over the past three years, revenues have grown from €330 million to over €600 million, while EBITDA has nearly doubled from €34 million in 2021. Major investments have been made in production facilities, energy efficiency, water consumption reduction, and the creation of an advanced Innovation Center. In recent weeks, the Group also announced the launch of an integrated supply chain for the production of pesto and semi-finished products from fresh basil, marking its entry into a highly attractive market with a distinctive premium offering.

Also in the past three years, Casalasco completed four strategic acquisitions to strengthen its market position: Emiliana Conserve S.p.A. (2022), to reinforce its industrial and agricultural base; De Martino S.r.l. (2023), focused on exporting food products to high-value markets such as Scandinavia and Japan; The premium brand Knorr Tomato al Gusto (2025), acquired from Unilever and a market leader in Germany; The brands Pummarò, Polpabella, and Sugo Lampo (2025), Italian market leaders acquired from the STAR Group.

Vitale acted as financial advisor to the sellers, offering support in the structuring of the transaction, in the negotiation phases and in the coordination of due diligence activities.
 

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