RSM, the 6^th largest global network of audit and consulting services, carried out the financial due diligence for Notus Technologies, the investment company of Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, in the acquisition of Benoit Chocolats, a family-owned SME based in Angers.

This acquisition aims to create synergies between Benoit Chocolats and Fondant Baulois®️, local players renowned for their artisanal expertise.

Through this transaction, RSM’s Corporate Finance division strengthens its positioning in advising family-owned holding companies in the development of their sectoral portfolios, particularly in specialised B2C distribution.

Notus Technologies, the investment company of Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, announces the majority acquisition of Benoit Chocolats, a historic chocolatier based in Angers, best known for its Caramandes®️, which have become a benchmark in the world of chocolate in France and beyond.

These iconic products from Anjou now join a family-owned group investing primarily in premium food businesses with strong potential, with the ambition to support their long-term growth both in France and internationally.
 

A historic expertise

The story of Benoit Chocolats began in 1975, in a small shop on Rue des Lices in Angers. At that time, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Benoit decided to open a chocolate and confectionery workshop. Twenty-two years later, their daughter took over the business and became one of the few women in the profession. In 2004, she opened a boutique and tearoom on Rue Saint-Aubin, followed a few years later by a second boutique in Paris. To meet growing demand, a 300 m² production facility was established in 2007 in Ponts-de-Cé. In November 2014, Anne Benoit’s dedication was rewarded with the award for Best Chocolatier.

New synergies

Benoit Chocolats now enriches the chocolate portfolio of Notus Technologies, which already includes “Fondant Baulois®️,” based in La Baule. The goal is to become a leading chocolate company in Western France with national and international reach in the pastry and chocolate sectors. 

This acquisition presents an opportunity to expand product offerings, share artisanal expertise, and create synergies between the two companies across procurement, operations, sales, and management. The latter is led by Guillaume Corbin, who has also been CEO of Fondant Baulois®️ since March 2021.

This merger will enable Benoit Chocolats to take a significant step forward in its development, particularly through the wider distribution of Caramandes®️ products to resellers. It also ensures the long-term continuity of the business by preserving the artisanal craftsmanship of Anne-Françoise Benoit, who continues to produce the chocolates and guarantee their quality.
 

The RSM team

The RSM team was composed of : Eric Fougedoire, Charles Tiran, Hugo Menkhoff, Antoine de Bourayne.