Argos Wityu, a pan-European private equity firm, has acquired Monviso, a leading Italian producer of premium baked goods, from Cerea Partners and CAPZA, two investment groups focused on European SMEs.
Founded nearly 90 years ago, Monviso specializes in premium, gourmet, and health-focused products, including rusks, biscuits, and bread substitutes. Operating from northern Italy, the company supplies private-label and contract manufacturing clients while also selling under its own brand, Monviso, which ranks as Italy’s third most popular rusk label.
Monviso’s growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions, including Biscotteria Tonon in 2015 and Grissinificio Europa in 2018, enabling the company to expand its product range and adapt to changing consumer tastes. Under the ownership of Cerea Partners and CAPZA, Monviso evolved into a multi-product, multi-channel business, driven by innovation in products and packaging. It now operates five production plants with more than 160 employees and expects to generate revenues of €60 million in 2024.
Argos Wityu’s goal is to transform Monviso into a leading platform for premium baked goods, serving retailers, industrial clients, and co-manufacturers with a diversified product portfolio and a “one-stop shop” approach. The firm also aims to maintain a strong focus on innovation as part of its growth strategy.
Francesco Pugliese, former CEO of Conad and ex-General Manager of Barilla, has been appointed chairman. “Monviso is a company with a rich history and significant potential,” Pugliese remarked. “I am eager to work with the team to enhance its strengths, explore new opportunities, and support its growth trajectory.”
CEO Manfredi Cusmano welcomed the partnership with Argos Wityu: “This new chapter will allow us to strengthen our position in the premium baked goods market and continue innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are poised to seize the opportunities ahead.”