Breville Group has acquired Seattle-based coffee grinding company, Baratza, effective 2 October 2020, in a deal valued at US$60 million (A$83 million) with US$43 million paid in cash and the other US$17 million issued through shares.
Established in 1999, Baratza designs and markets premium coffee grinders for North American and international markets. The company’s line-up of coffee grinders includes the Encore, Virtuoso+, Sette, Vario and Forte models with RRPs ranging from US$145 (A$200) to US$1,199 (A$1,670).
The acquisition will complement the Breville’s existing premium coffee business and brings together two leading companies in the design and global distribution of coffee products.
Breville Group CEO, Jim Clayton said it is exciting to bring Baratza into the Breville family. “Our combined experience will unlock dynamic revenue synergies for both businesses that share a passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the consumer experience.”
Baratza CEO and co-founder, Kyra Kennedy said, “As a business renowned for its excellence in leading-edge design and customer service, it is vital to us that we maintain our unique culture and global brand. In Breville Group, we are confident that we have found a partner with shared values and deep category expertise, whose vision for the future complements our own.”
In July 2019, Breville Group acquired Seattle-based food and technology company, ChefSteps to strengthen its commercial sous vide range of products.
In August 2017, Breville Group acquired the Aquaport business from Aquaport Corporation, an Australian company specialising in the distribution of water and air purification products.