Consumer Private Placement and M&A Transactions Review Week Ending September 3, 2023

FruitCast: The company raised GBP 2.8 million of venture funding from Innovate UK and Ceres Agri-Tech on August 28, 2023. The company is a developer of an AI-enabled data analytics platform that creatse accurate yield predictions up to six weeks in advance for soft fruit growers

Ash & Elm Cider Company: The company is in the process of raising venture funding on September 1, 2023. The company is a producer of hard apple cider using regionally-sourced, all-natural ingredients, and is based in Indianalopis, IN.

Just Egg: The company raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding in a deal led by The Ahimsa Foundation, a private foundation supported by VegInvest, on September 1, 2023. The company is a producer of plant-based egg products made from mung bean protein.

Aitme / Circus: The company was acquired by Circus for an undisclosed amount on August 28, 2023. The company is a developer of a robotic kitchen system designed to offer a broad variety of bowl options such as pasta, rice, quinoa and salads prepared in accordance with the robot’s abilities.

Crêperie Jarnoux / Compagnie Léa Nature: A 40% stake in the company was acquired by Compagnie Léa Nature for an undisclosed amount on August 30, 2023. The company specializes in the sales and production of galettes, crêpes and pancakes, and is based in France.

Iceland Seafood UK / A. Espersen: The company, a subsidiary of Iceland Seafood International reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by A. Espersen for an undisclosed amount on August 30, 2023. The acquisition is expected to be completed in September, 2023. The company is a producer and supplier of seafood products based out of Grimsby, England.

New England Charcuterie / Parmacotto: The company was acquired by Parmacotto for an undisclosed amount on September 1, 2023. The company is an operator of a food processing factory that offers cured meats like chops, sausages, salamis and other such foods.

Rombauer Vineyards / E & J Gallo Winery: The company was acquired by E & J Gallo Winery, a subsidiary of Gallo Family Vineyards, for an undisclosed amount on August 29, 2023. The company offers white wines and red wines, in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, the Sierra Foothills and the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Schoko Winterscheidt / Katjes Fassin: The company was acquired by Katjes Fassin for an undisclosed amount on August 30, 2023. The company offers bar, vegan chocolates, milk pretzels, caramel and salt bar chocolates.

Superior Foods / Virú: The company was acquired by Virú, via its financial sponsor DEG, through an LBO on August 28, 2023 for an undisclosed amount. The company is a producer of frozen fruits, vegetables, and value-added frozen foods and offers a broad range of in-season and counter-seasonal products.

Vitus Vitality / Biogena Group: The company was acquired by Biogena Group for an undisclosed amount on August 29, 2023. The company is a producer of edible organic mushroom ingredients that include fresh & dried mushrooms, mushroom spices and vegetarian mushroom burger patties.