Malta-based food company Foster Clark Products (FCP) has acquired a 100% stake in Italian chips and savoury snacks producer Preziosi Food.
Preziosi, based in Melfi, Italy, is a leading manufacturer of both branded (Salati Preziosi) and private-label chips and savoury snacks. The company was originally founded in 1999 as Mitica.
Foster Clark Products, headquartered in Malta, is known for its range of products, including powdered beverages, desserts, and baking aids.
The acquisition marks Foster Clark Products’ entry into the Italian savoury snacks market.
The financial terms of the transaction, which closed on 31 July, were not disclosed.
In a statement, Houlihan Lokey—adviser on the deal—stated that the transaction is part of Foster Clark Products’ “broader external growth strategy aimed at expanding its footprint in Europe.”
The deal provides Foster Clark Products with a “key operational base” in Italy across the savoury snacks, confectionery, and sweet goods categories, Houlihan Lokey added.
In a separate statement on LinkedIn, Vertis SGR said Preziosi Food has “consolidated its leadership in the private-label sector and relaunched the historic Salati Preziosi brand.” In 2024, Preziosi Food’s revenues exceeded €86 million ($100 million).
Vertis SGR added: “The divestment has enabled investors from the private-equity funds of Vertis SGR and Hat SGR to obtain an attractive financial return.”
It further stated that Foster Clark Products will “ensure continuity” and “further international development” at the company.
Foster Clark Products already has an international presence in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Preziosi Food has established a strong position in the savoury snack market, becoming a key supplier to major retailers. The company has a workforce of approximately 200 employees and produces over 130 million packs of snacks annually.
Preziosi Food, with 2024 revenues exceeding €86 million and an EBITDA margin of 13%, is majority-owned by investment funds Vertis SGR and HAT Sicaf, with minority stakes held by Grani & Partners and other investors.
FCP, part of Francis Busuttil & Sons Ltd., is a well-known food company behind the Foster Clark’s brand, recognised for its diverse product range, including powdered beverages, desserts, and baking aids. FCP exports to over 70 countries, particularly across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
This acquisition marks FCP’s entry into the Italian market and forms part of its broader strategy to expand its European footprint.
It provides FCP with a modern industrial platform and a strategic operational base in Italy, positioning the company strongly in the savoury snacks, confectionery, and sweet goods sectors.
Lorenzo Caporaletti will remain as CEO of Preziosi Food, ensuring operational and managerial continuity.
‘An Important Strategic Step’
Joseph Busuttil, President and CEO of Foster Clark Products, commented: “This acquisition represents an important strategic step for our expansion in Europe and allows us to enter the Italian market through a leading industrial player.
“We recognise in Preziosi Food an entrepreneurial culture and a capacity for innovation that we fully share, and we are excited to embark on this new journey together.”
Lorenzo Caporaletti, CEO of Preziosi Food, added: “Joining FCP represents an opportunity to further accelerate our growth, combining industrial expertise, strategic vision, and international presence. Operational and managerial continuity will ensure stability and new prospects for both our customers and our people.”
Houlihan Lokey, PwC, and Giliberti Triscornia e Associati advised Preziosi Food, while Foster Clark Products was advised by Deloitte Malta and Grimaldi Alliance.
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