Ardian invests in Celli, a leading beverage solutions group

Founded in Rimini in 1974, the company specializes in the design, manufacturing, testing and installation of innovative beverage dispensing solutions for breweries (including Heineken, Carlsberg, Asahi, Molson Coors, Budweiser) and soft drinks companies (including Coca-Cola and Pepsi). The Group is also involved in the manufacturing of water dispensers, developing solutions that are more sustainable than bottled beverage consumption.

During its 45 years of activity, Celli has evolved from a company focused on the product and its components to a leading operator in the supply of end-to-end solutions in the cold drink dispensing equipment market, distinguishing itself for its product innovation and the excellence of the service offered. Thanks to a widespread network of technical assistance centers and exclusive distributors, Celli offers its services on a global scale, which include installation, function testing, and ordinary and extraordinary maintenance. 

Celli has recently launched an internally developed IT platform, which remotely coordinates the overall management of the dispensers installed, on behalf of its customers. This is a unique initiative in the sector, aimed at bringing Internet of Things technology to the beverage dispensing sector.
 
With five manufacturing plants located in Italy and the UK, the Group employs over 400 people and generated a turnover in the region of €110 million in 2018.

The Celli Group has grown both organically and through the acquisition of several major companies in the beverage sector, achieving a leadership position in the beverage solutions sector.

Ardian’s investment will further accelerate Celli’s growth, in particular strengthening the Group’s international reach, which, to date, already exports its products to more than 100 countries.
Yann Chareton, Managing Director of Ardian, said: “We chose Celli as it is already a solid and highly competitive company, thanks to the good work done by its experienced senior management team. With a strong international network and distinctive skills, we are confident that we can contribute to a new phase of growth and success for Celli, supporting its management in this next challenge.”

Mauro Gallavotti, Chairman and CEO of Celli Group, added: “Celli’s Italian excellence is internationally recognized. The path taken with Consilium has been to provide the company with a manager-led approach and exceed the €100 million turnover threshold. Ardian will be the ideal partner for the coming years. We have the opportunity to become the global leader in the industry, at a time when the world is looking for sustainable solutions for beverage consumption.”