Breville Group has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the Italian-based prosumer specialty coffee group, LELIT, effective 11 March 2022.
The transaction is expected to complete by early July 2022 following a pre-acquisition restructure of the LELIT Group.
Founded in Castegnato, Italy in 1985, LELIT designs, manufactures, and markets premium prosumer home coffee equipment in Europe and throughout the world.
The acquisition of LELIT strategically complements Breville’s award-winning coffee portfolio and brings together two companies in the design and distribution of pre-eminent home coffee equipment.
LELIT’s range of espresso machines and grinders, together with the Baratza range of grinders, creates an increasingly strong presence in the specialty coffee channel while providing LELIT with an immediate opportunity to strengthen its presence outside of Europe.
Breville Group CEO, Jim Clayton, said, “The acquisition of LELIT brings together the two great coffee cultures of the world: Italy and Australia. Both companies have a shared passion for using product innovation to improve our customers’ coffee experience at home, and we look forward to working alongside LELIT and its existing partners to further accelerate its growth and product innovation, while preserving the values that underpin its Italian identity.”
LELIT CEO, Emanuele Epis said, “Breville Group is the ideal strategic partner to support LELIT in its next stage of growth, at the same time enabling us to remain faithful to our Italian heritage and design. We look forward to leveraging Breville’s global platforms, capabilities and infrastructure to further strengthen our success on a global scale.”
Breville will acquire 100% of the LELIT group from the founders and current owners on a cash and debt free basis for a total consideration of approximately €113 million (A$169 million, subject to customary settlement adjustments.
Half of the consideration will be paid in cash and half by the issue of fully paid ordinary shares priced at A$27.64 per share which will be subject to a five-year trading lock post completion. The cash portion will be funded from existing cash reserves and debt facilities.
Key members of the LELIT Group management team, including the founders, have agreed to join the Breville Group.
Image: LELIT Bianca PL162T coffee machine.