Aksìa and Riello Investimenti Create Equipe Del Casale Snack Group

Aksìa SGR and Riello Investimenti SGR, in partnership with the Gecchele family and management, have signed binding agreements on April 13, 2026, to acquire three companies—Castelfood, Figulì, and Dolciaria Ponte Vecchio—forming the Equipe Del Casale Group. This follows their initial acquisition of Fornaio del Casale in October 2025 and marks a significant step in their buy-and-build strategy to create a leading Italian platform in the sweet and savoury snack sector.

The three add-on acquisitions expand the Group’s presence across multiple snack categories, including better-for-you, gluten-free, organic, and traditional baked goods. Castelfood specializes in cereal, rice, and vegetable-based snacks with a strong international footprint and a focus on health-conscious consumers. Figulì offers organic and natural baked goods, targeting health-oriented and gluten-free segments. Dolciaria Ponte Vecchio is known for traditional baked products such as cakes and doughnuts.

Equipe Del Casale currently generates approximately EUR 85 million in annual revenue, with a workforce of 150 employees across five production facilities. The Group exports to over 25 countries, with exports accounting for 20% of total sales. Growth of around 10% is expected in 2026, driven by portfolio expansion and international market development.

Fornaio del Casale, the industrial and commercial core of the Group, operates under the Gecchele and Antico Casale brands. The integration of the newly acquired companies aims to create a scalable, diversified platform that leverages commercial and production synergies. This includes cross-selling opportunities, procurement efficiencies, and harmonized manufacturing processes.

Filippo Anichini, Partner at Aksìa, stated, “We are pleased to have completed these acquisitions shortly after entering Fornaio del Casale, executing our external growth strategy. The integration will unlock commercial and production synergies, enhance brand strength, and expand our presence in target markets.” Nicola Riello, Chairman of Riello Investimenti SGR, added, “These acquisitions mark an important milestone in Fornaio del Casale’s growth, broadening the product range and accelerating development domestically and internationally.”

The Group’s leadership team includes Darix Gecchele as CEO, Samuele Gecchele as Export Manager, and Fiorenzo Botter as Operations Manager. Founders of the acquired companies—Gianni Rizzato (Castelfood), Filippo Albertini and Fabio Sartori (Figulì), and Andrea Puccioni (Dolciaria Ponte Vecchio)—remain actively involved in operational roles and management of their respective production sites.

Advisors supporting the transactions included EY for financial due diligence, Impacta Strategy for business due diligence, Giovannelli e Associati for tax and transaction structuring, Giliberti Triscornia e Associati for legal and labor matters, and ERM for ESG and HSE due diligence. Luigi Attardo Parrinello advised on the Castelfood acquisition. Muzinich provided financing support to Aksìa, with legal assistance from Chiomenti.

The deal consolidates a fragmented Italian snack market, creating a stronger competitor with a diversified product portfolio spanning health-oriented and traditional segments. The Group aims to accelerate international expansion and product innovation while achieving operational efficiencies through integrated supply chain and manufacturing processes.

Challenges include aligning diverse company cultures and managing a multi-brand portfolio, but the combined expertise and management continuity are expected to facilitate a smooth integration. The transaction is likely to intensify competition in the premium snack segment, prompting rivals to consider strategic responses.

Looking ahead, Equipe Del Casale Group plans to leverage its expanded scale and product breadth to capture growth opportunities in Italy and abroad, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the sweet and savoury snack industry.