Bolster sells Marfo Food Group to Fleury Michon

Bolster Investment Partners has, along with the other shareholders, sold Marfo Food Group to the French listed company Fleury Michon. This strategic acquisition has created the market leader in Europe and America in fresh-frozen meal concepts for airlines.

Van Lanschot Participaties, Bolster’s predecessor, acquired a significant minority stake in Marfo in 2011 to further accelerate growth and professionalization and to support the upcoming retirement of the former director and major shareholder.

The developments at Marfo have gained momentum in the past eight years. Their position in existing markets has been considerably strengthened by continuous innovation and specialization in tailor-made solutions. In addition, several adjacent markets have been successfully entered, where the core qualities of Marfo flourish. An appealing example is the established market leadership in the hospital world, where under the Chef Martin label, dishes are served tailored to the taste and dietary needs of the patient.

In 2016 Marfo and the Belgian Frigilunch have joined forces. In addition to economies of scale, this bundling led to an accelerated expansion in certain market segments.

The sale of Marfo after eight years of partnership, is in line with Bolster’s long-term investment horizon based on sustainable value creation, in which the company is actively supported in its growth strategy. During our involvement in Marfo, the company has significantly grown to more than € 80 million turnover and over 400 employees.

For more information please contact:
Bolster Investment Partners
Mark van Rijn +31 20 226 3088

About Marfo
Since its founding in 1971, Marfo has specialized in the preparation of fresh-frozen meal solutions for customers active in among others airline, healthcare, retail and defense. Marfo works together with airline and food service caterers to develop tailor-made meal solutions based on the specific requirements and wishes of the customer. In doing so, Marfo has a lot of experience in collaboration with leading star chefs from all over the world who underline the distinctive preparation qualities in authentic ethnic cuisines. Marfo is able to guarantee consistent quality and food safety throughout the entire process. Meals are delivered all over the world from Lelystad (NL) and Veurne (BE).

About Bolster
Bolster Investment Partners is a long-term investor specializing in minority interests. Bolster invests in exceptional Dutch companies with a keen focus and a proven business model. Bolster helps entrepreneurs realize their company’s full potential. By acting as equal partners to make the difference.

Bolster has a proven track record. As an investment firm we have collaborated successfully with over 100 companies since 1982. Having previously operated under the flag of Van Lanschot Participaties, in late 2017 the entire team became an independent unit operating under the name Bolster Investment Partners.