Ezdehar Management eyes regional expansion with acquisition of Egyptian snack maker Kemet
Ezdehar’s investment will support Kemet’s next phase of expansion, including capacity upgrades, product innovation, and entry into new export markets.
EGYPT – Ezdehar Management, a leading private equity firm based in Cairo, has acquired a majority stake in Kemet for Natural Food S.A.E., a prominent Egyptian snack manufacturer known for pretzels and savoury snacks, in a deal that underscores rising investor appetite for scalable FMCG brands in North Africa.
This strategic investment marks a significant milestone for both Ezdehar and Kemet, as the partnership is set to fuel the snack maker’s next phase of growth and international expansion.
The transaction, whose financial terms remain undisclosed, positions Ezdehar to accelerate Kemet’s growth across Egypt and into regional markets.
Founded in 1998, Kemet has carved out a niche in the Egyptian snack segment with its bold flavours, modern branding, including popular brands such as Pretzo, Mixy, and Munchos, and commitment to quality.
The company produces a range of chips, extruded snacks, and corn-based products, distributed through both traditional trade and modern retail channels.
The company currently exports its products to a variety of markets, including Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, showcasing its substantial international reach.
Ezdehar’s investment will support Kemet’s next phase of expansion, including capacity upgrades, product innovation, and entry into new export markets.
The firm is known for backing mid-sized Egyptian businesses with strong fundamentals and high growth potential.
Ezdehar plans to support Kemet in increasing its production capacity, enhancing product innovation, and accelerating its global brand presence to meet rising consumer demand for healthier snacking options.
“This acquisition aligns with our strategy to invest in consumer-driven businesses that combine operational excellence with brand equity,” said Amir Mishriky, Managing Director at Ezdehar.
“Kemet has demonstrated impressive agility and market responsiveness, and we’re excited to help scale its operations.”
The deal also reflects broader trends in Egypt’s food manufacturing sector, where rising demand for packaged snacks, improved logistics, and digital retail channels are creating fertile ground for investment.
Kemet’s leadership team will remain in place, with Ezdehar providing strategic and financial support to enhance governance, supply chain efficiency, and regional distribution.
Ezdehar’s Mid-Cap Fund II, which backs this acquisition, is supported by a consortium of international and regional investors, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), British International Investment (BII), and others.
This strong backing provides Ezdehar and Kemet with the financial strength and strategic expertise necessary for ambitious growth.
As Ezdehar integrates Kemet into its portfolio, the firm is expected to explore synergies with other food and retail assets, potentially creating a vertically integrated platform for snack production and distribution across North Africa and the Gulf.
Additionally, the acquisition of Kemet by Ezdehar Management not only underscores confidence in Egypt’s vibrant food and beverage sector but also sets the stage for Kemet to evolve into a leading global player in the healthier snack market segment, leveraging innovation, expanded capacity, and international distribution capabilities.
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