NPM enters an agreement to acquire Elbfrost from Bencis and secures related acquisition financing
We have advised NPM Capital N.V. (NPM) on the envisaged acquisition of Elbfrost GmbH (Elbfrost), a leading German food distributor and logistics provider specialising in frozen and dairy products, from Bencis Capital Partners (Bencis) and related acquisition financing. The closing of this transaction is still subject to customary closing conditions.
Founded in 1990, Elbfrost has developed from a local business into a leading regional player in the frozen food and dairy sector, employing over 210 people. Headquartered in Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia, the company operates four strategically located distribution centres across western and eastern Germany. Elbfrost supplies a portfolio of around 1,400 primarily frozen products, including meat, fish, poultry, game, fruit, vegetables, vegetarian options, as well as potato and dough-based items. This broad assortment is complemented by a comprehensive range of convenience foods and dairy products. The company focuses on institutional community catering clients, serving universities, schools, catering companies, staff canteens, government agencies, hospitals, and nursing homes across Germany.
NPM is an independent investment firm that helps medium-sized and large companies in the Benelux region and Germany, achieving their ambitions and building the businesses of the future. With offices in Ghent, Munich, and Amsterdam, NPM focuses on family businesses and companies with strong management teams. The firm’s current portfolio includes 24 investments, both majority and minority stakes, within themes of shaping the future, such as Sustainable Future, Digital & Technology, Feeding the World, and Healthy Life & Learning.
Bencis is an independent investment company that supports business owners and management teams in achieving their growth ambitions. With offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Düsseldorf, Bencis has been investing in strong and successful businesses in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany since 1999.
With the acquisition of Elbfrost, NPM aims to support the company in its next phase of growth, becoming a nationwide leader in food services across Germany. Furthermore, the investment aligns with one of NPM’s themes, Feeding the World, focusing on sustainability and innovation within the global food supply chain.
This investment marks a great first step in NPM’s expansion into the German market. We are excited to support Elbfrost as it continues to scale its business. With its optimised product portfolio, lean operations, and diverse customer base, the company is well-positioned to capture the growth opportunities in Germany’s food service sector. The successful outcome of this acquisition, including the essential financing, owes much to the diligent work and excellent collaboration with Clearwater’s M&A and debt advisory specialists.
We are delighted to have successfully supported NPM on this significant transaction, marking its first investment in Germany. It was a privilege to advise NPM on both the M&A and debt advisory aspects of this strategic acquisition, and we look forward to seeing Elbfrost thrive under NPM’s ownership.