Clearwater International advises the shareholders of Markal on its sale to Lionel Wolberg backed by FrenchFood Capital
Clearwater International has advised the shareholders of Markal, a leading organic manufacturer and distributor of grocery products, on its sale to Lionel Wolberg backed by FrenchFood Capital.
Established in 1936 by Georges Markarian and located in the heart of Drôme, Markal is an iconic French leader in the manufacture and distribution of more than 1,000 organic dry grocery products, which has strongly contributed to the democratisation of organic products. With 70 employees in France and a production, packaging and logistics site, it generates revenue of €68m, 15% of which being export sales that come from markets across 40 countries.
The family-owned business has always been dedicated to rigorously selecting its supply chain and has built long-term and high-quality relationships with suppliers. Markal has also played an important role in the conversion of multiple farms, to support local organic production. To ensure better control of the quality and conservation of its products, Markal has invested significantly in the development of innovative processing and packaging tools. Its products are distributed in bulk or packaged by organic retailers and are also sold to the food industry, catering companies and through e-commerce in France and abroad. It follows a committed CSR and circular economy approach through energy reduction, waste-heat recycling, solar energy and food recycling.
After having significantly accelerated the growth of Markal since 2012, Franck and Olivier Markarian the grandchildren of the founder of Markal planned a desired and organised transition in order to continue the development of Markal and its mission for ever healthier certified food. The Markarian family has chosen to remain shareholders of the French company while entrusting Lionel Wolberg the leadership.
Capitalising on its previous success, Lionel Wolberg intends to preserve the 80 years of recognised know-how and pursue the development of lasting relationships with producers, based on loyalty, high standards, and solidarity. In order to meet organic market expectations in the coming years, numerous strategic initiatives will be developed on the agronomic side by the cultivation of new varieties and support for partner producers, with a fair distribution of value. The acceleration of the innovation process in new categories with high nutritional value will also be initiated. Already present in almost 100% of organic retailers directly or through regional wholesalers, the development and distribution of additional brands will be strengthened.
Lionel Wolberg will be able to rely on expert investors who have agreed to support him in this new adventure, namely: FrenchFood Capital, BPI France and Tikehau. These committed financial players will allow Markal to develop with a presence of the brand in all the specialised organic networks.
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Alexandre Forget
Emmanuel Xerri
Adviser to the shareholders of Markal on its sale to Lionel Wolberg
The know-how and values of Lionel Wolberg will allow the company and its brands to accelerate their growth while respecting its historical values and commitment towards an organic production for ever more virtuous, sustainable and fair.
Olivier & Franck Markarian, shareholders of Markal
With a lot of pride, I will continue the development of Markal family-owned business, a demanding company that constitutes a model of values. This partnership with Franck and Olivier is above all a human story and a common vision of the development of strong brands that respect their environment and are synonymous with responsible purchasing. I would like to thank them for their trust, and I am delighted to undertake this project which serves the growth of the organic market, with the support of the producers, the 70 committed employees, and the company's loyal partners.
Lionel Wolberg, CEO, Markal
We are proud to have advised Olivier and Franck Markarian on this transition. We are convinced that the team built by Lionel Wolberg will lead the group to strengthen its leading position in the organic market.
Emmanuel Xerri & Alexandre Forget, Managing Partners, Clearwater International
Alexandre Forget Managing Partner
+33 629 571 988 Email
Emmanuel Xerri Managing Partner