RSM, , the 6th largest global network of advisory and audit services, conducted the financial due diligence for FrenchFood Capital, a private equity fund specializing in the food sector, during its acquisition of a majority stake in the capital of the Huguenin Group, a French SME offering premium meat products for fine dining restaurants.

After supporting FrenchFood Capital in the acquisition of the Chapon chocolate factory in 2022, this is the second transaction entrusted to RSM’s Transaction Services division.

This Mid Cap transaction further strengthens the advisory role of private equity funds within the Corporate Finance division during their acquisitions of French gems.

Official press release from FrenchFood Capital

A commitment to French SMEs

FrenchFood Capital continues its commitment to the development of French food SMEs by investing in the Huguenin Group, a leading distributor in the Paris region of premium meat products for the fine dining restaurant industry.

Since its creation in 2017, FrenchFood Capital has nurtured and developed 46 companies engaged in food transition, making it a reference in the sector investment field with €420 million under management. The management company aims to invest in French SMEs across the entire value chain to make food transition a wealth-building opportunity for all, and to help emerging national champions in a fragmented sector achieve the size and development pace necessary to consolidate their positions in their respective markets. By supporting these companies that preserve France’s agri-food heritage in their sustainable development, FrenchFood Capital contributes to defending French food sovereignty and participates in the transition to a more sustainable food system.
 

A first step towards the transmission of the business

Founded and managed since 1997 by Jean-Claude Huguenin, the Huguenin Group is a leading distributor of meat products for high-end restaurants. Based in Rungis and specializing in providing quality and exceptional products for restaurateurs, the Huguenin Group is known for the quality of its sourcing and tailored service. The company has achieved a current turnover of €28 million.

As part of an MBI (Management Buy-In), FrenchFood Capital takes a majority stake. Jean-Claude Huguenin, the CEO, reinvests and remains involved in the operations, with the aim of ensuring a smooth transition to a future buyer, currently being identified in collaboration with FrenchFood Capital.
 

The RSM team

The RSM team involved was composed of:

• Financial due diligence : Eric Fougedoire, Charles Tiran, Hugo Menkhoff, Antoine de Bourayne, Alpha Ba.