Sammontana Italia plans to acquire La Rocca Creative Cakes
The financial terms of the deal, announced on March 20, weren’t disclosed.
ITALY – Sammontana Italia Group, a baked desserts and gelato company, has announced its intention to acquire Canadian artisanal baker La Rocca Creative Cakes, known for its premium cakes in the in-store bakery channel.
The acquisition involves purchasing La Rocca, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, from the founding Givens family through a newly formed entity, Sammontana North America.
The transaction is expected to close in March, pending customary closing conditions. As part of the plan, Michael Givens, president and CEO of La Rocca, will continue to lead the business.
“At the beginning of the year, we set ambitious goals for growth and international expansion. The acquisition of La Rocca Creative Cakes is a significant step toward achieving these objectives,” said Alessandro Angelon, CEO of Sammontana Italia.
Sammontana believes that adding La Rocca aligns with its strategy to penetrate foreign markets through organic growth and targeted acquisitions in the baked desserts, ice cream, and frozen pastry sectors.
This acquisition will also enhance the sales channels and product assortment of Sammontana’s Bindi brand, which is already established in North America, primarily in the food service sector.
It will strengthen the company’s presence in Canada and the U.S., helping to consolidate its position in the in-store bakery market.
Sammontana’s product range includes sweet and savory baked desserts, frozen pastries, and Italian-style gelato under brands such as Sammontana Gelati all’Italiana, Tre Marie, Bindi, Il Pasticcere, Forno d’Asolo, La Donatella, Bonchef, Mongelo, and Gelpat. These products are supplied to large retailers, restaurants, and food service operators in Italy and beyond.
Overall, Sammontana Italia employs over 2,000 people across six production plants in Italy, along with one each in the United States and France. The company reported pro forma revenue exceeding €900 million (approximately US$977 million) for 2024.
Founded nearly 40 years ago by Lina Givens and Harvey Easson, along with their sons Marty and Michael, La Rocca Creative Cakes has grown to be one of Canada’s largest premium dessert manufacturers.
Michael Givens has led La Rocca through a period of significant expansion over the last 25 years, with the company generating over $70 million Canadian (approximately US$48.9 million) in revenue for 2024.
La Rocca produces an average of over 120,000 cakes weekly for leading retail stores across Canada and the United States, including round cakes, cheesecakes, take-home cakes, kosher and halal cakes, and a selection of signature cakes.
“Joining forces with Sammontana Italia marks an incredible opportunity for La Rocca. With our shared passion for premium desserts and commitment to excellence, we look forward to unlocking new growth opportunities and delivering even more exceptional products to our customers,” Givens said.
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