Röko AB Acquires Fri-Jado, Global Leader in Food Display Solutions

Röko AB, a perpetual owner of European small- and medium-sized businesses, has completed the acquisition of 93% of the shares of Fri-Jado, a Netherlands-based manufacturer specialising in professional rotisseries and hot and cold food display solutions. This transaction represents a full exit for Torqx Capital Partners, which acquired a majority stake in Fri-Jado in 2018. The acquisition marks Röko’s fifth platform acquisition in the Netherlands and its 40th overall since 2019 — reflecting the firm’s continued commitment to building a diversified portfolio of European SMEs under its perpetual ownership model.

Fri-Jado is the global market leader for chicken rotisseries, with annual net sales of €64 million and approximately 220 employees. The company will be consolidated in Röko’s B2B business segment in May 2026. Since Torqx’s initial investment, Fri-Jado has doubled in size by expanding its product portfolio, entering new customer segments, and growing internationally. The company now serves top-tier clients in food retail, food-to-go, and fast casual dining, supported by local teams and warehouses in the Netherlands (headquarters), the USA, the UK, and France.

Laurens Engbers, CEO of Fri-Jado, said, “This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Fri-Jado. We are grateful for the partnership and support provided by Torqx over the past years, which has been instrumental in helping us grow and further strengthen the business. Together, we have built a strong foundation for the future, and we look forward to continuing our growth journey alongside Röko.”

Katherine de Kruiff, Investment Manager at Torqx, added, “We are very proud of what Fri-Jado has accomplished during our partnership. Over the past years, the company has delivered an impressive growth trajectory by investing in product innovation, expanding internationally, entering new end markets, and further professionalising the organisation. We are confident that Fri-Jado is well-positioned for continued growth under Röko’s ownership.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Torqx was advised by Lincoln International on corporate finance matters and Loyens & Loeff on legal issues. Deloitte conducted financial and tax vendor due diligence, while Strategy& provided commercial due diligence support.

Röko’s acquisition of Fri-Jado strengthens its position in the professional food equipment market by adding a globally recognised brand with a diversified customer base. The deal offers multiple synergies, including cross-selling Fri-Jado’s products to Röko’s existing SME clients and leveraging Fri-Jado’s international footprint to accelerate geographic expansion.

Operational efficiencies are expected through consolidation of supply chain and procurement functions, shared warehousing and distribution networks across Europe and the US, and streamlined administrative operations. Additionally, integrating product innovation capabilities and harmonising sales and marketing strategies will enhance the combined entity’s competitive edge.

Fri-Jado’s established presence in key markets such as the Netherlands, USA, UK, and France complements Röko’s strategic growth ambitions. The company’s broad product portfolio — covering advanced rotisserie and food display solutions for hot and cold food — aligns with evolving customer demands in food retail, food-to-go, and fast casual segments.

Challenges ahead include aligning corporate cultures between a private equity-backed company and a perpetual owner, integrating international operations, and maintaining customer service levels during the transition. Retaining key management and technical talent will be critical to realising projected synergies and sustaining growth momentum.

Industry observers note that competitors may face increased pressure as Röko leverages Fri-Jado’s market leadership and expanded product range to capture greater market share. This could prompt accelerated innovation, strategic partnerships, or acquisitions among rivals seeking to defend their positions.

Looking forward, Röko aims to capitalise on Fri-Jado’s strong foundation and invest in product innovation to meet evolving market needs. The acquisition is expected to drive long-term sustainable growth by combining Röko’s SME ownership model with Fri-Jado’s established customer relationships and international reach.