EAT HAPPY GROUP ("EAT HAPPY"), a European specialist in fresh and healthy Asian convenience food, and the European operations of Hana Group SAS ("Hana"), a French producer and distributor of freshly prepared sushi and pan-Asian cuisine-to-go, are planning to combine and create a platform for fresh Asian convenience food in Europe, supported by a strategic investment from One Rock Capital Partners, LLC ("One Rock"). The transaction remains subject to the mandatory consultation of related works councils and customary regulatory approvals. Terms of the contemplated transaction were not disclosed.
The projected transaction is expected to accelerate EAT HAPPY's production and distribution capabilities across Europe and provide Hana with access to new capabilities and formats to advance its growth. EAT HAPPY and Hana are complementary across both operations and geography. EAT HAPPY has built an established position in European fresh food through its handcrafted sushi and healthy convenience food concepts while Hana brings a well-developed network in regions where EAT HAPPY has had limited or no presence, including the UK, France, Spain and Belgium. The combination of Hana's expertise in freshly prepared pan-Asian cuisine-to-go, with EAT HAPPY's portfolio of shop and chiller formats, is designed to create a broader, more flexible offering for retail partners. Upon completion, the combined platform would serve approximately 5,800 points of sale across 14 European countries.
Dr. Johannes Steegmann, Chief Executive Officer, EAT HAPPY GROUP, said, "This combination would bring together complementary strengths across geographies, formats and product offerings, enabling us to deliver tangible value to retail partners and their customers. A continued focus on operational excellence would further support our long-term relationships, encouraging deeper collaboration and shared growth."
Eduardo Romero, Chief Executive Officer, Hana Group SAS, said, "Partnering with EAT HAPPY and One Rock would reflect our shared commitment to quality and innovation. One Rock's experience investing in and growing businesses in the food and beverage sector, alongside EAT HAPPY's platform would strengthen our capabilities as we continue to serve our customers and partners."
"We see a compelling opportunity to support the combination of two well-established businesses in a resilient and growing end market," said Tony Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of One Rock Capital Partners. "Both EAT HAPPY and Hana's European business have built strong partnerships and operating platforms, and we look forward to working with management to support the combination and ongoing development of the business."
Funds advised by Permira, the London-based investment firm, have been the majority shareholder of Hana Group since 2019. Since then, the company has been through a period of significant expansion, broadening its European footprint, deepening its retail partnerships and scaling its operations. The contemplated transaction represents a full realization of the Permira Funds' investment in Hana's European operations. The Permira Funds will remain invested in Hana's US business.
"We are proud to have supported the growth and development of Hana's European operations and to see the business well positioned for the future," said Pedro López, Partner at Permira. "This contemplated combination with EAT HAPPY, as well as the support from One Rock, is a reflection of the strategic value that we have collectively built over the years, and we wish them the very best for the next phase of growth."
About EAT HAPPY GROUP
EAT HAPPY GROUP FCF Holding GmbH is a German producer and distributor of handcrafted, fresh Asian and healthy convenience food. Under the EAT HAPPY, YUZU, WAKAME, EAT FRESH, FRESH KITCHEN and CANDY CUISINE brands, the group offers a wide range of innovative food concepts. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cologne, the company today operates across seven European countries, serving around 4,300 points of sale across retail partners. For more information, please visit www.eathappygroup.com.
About Hana Group
Hana Group is a pan-European supplier of freshly prepared "on the go" sushi and Asian-inspired cuisines with over 1,500 points of sale in 12 countries. Hana's mission is to improve everyone's access to great-tasting, high-quality fresh food. Hana's portfolio of 20 global brands includes Sushi Gourmet, Sushi Market, Genji, Izakaya, Mai, Wok Street and Poké Lé Lé. Hana Group has been backed by the Permira funds since 2019. For more information, please visit www.hanagroup.eu/.
About One Rock Capital Partners, LLC
One Rock makes investments in companies with potential for growth and operational improvement using a rigorous approach that utilizes highly experienced Operating Partners to identify, acquire and enhance businesses in select industries. The involvement of these Operating Partners affords One Rock the ability to conduct due diligence and consummate acquisitions and investments in all types of situations, regardless of complexity. One Rock works collaboratively with company management and its Operating Partners to develop a comprehensive business plan focused on growing the enterprise and its profitability to enhance long-term value.
For more information, visit www.onerock.com.
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Contacts:
Media Contacts
Christina Gehlen
Lead Corporate Communications
T. +49 (0)221 66 99 36-303
M. +49 (0)152 24 74 51 29
c.gehlen@eathappygroup.com
www.eathappygroup.com
Christian Paul
CEO Hana Europe
cpaul@hanagroup.eu
www.hanagroup.eu
Profile Advisors (On behalf of One Rock Capital)
Pro-onerock@profileadvisors.com
