Valeo Foods Group accelerates European growth with acquisition of Bulgaria’s Prestige-96
The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Valeo Foods Group‘s long-term growth strategy, focused on acquiring market-leading, iconic local brands as part of its continued European expansion.
BULGARIA – Valeo Foods Group, an Ireland-based sweet baked foods and snacks maker, has struck a strategic deal to acquire Prestige-96 AD, a prominent Bulgarian manufacturer of biscuits, wafers and sweet baked treats, as part of its ongoing European expansion ambitions.
The transaction marks Valeo’s eighth acquisition since 2022, reinforcing its dominance in the competitive sweet treats and snacking sector across the continent.
Prestige-96, founded in 1996 and based in Bulgaria, specializes in biscuits, wafers, and mini-cakes under beloved local brands such as Naya, Hyper, Mirage, and Roden Kray.
Employing around 450 people, the company operates a state-of-the-art production and warehousing facility that enhances operational efficiency and export capabilities to multiple markets.
This acquisition aligns seamlessly with Valeo’s growth strategy, which emphasizes acquiring market-leading regional brands to fuel international expansion.
Valeo Foods Group CEO Ronald Kers described Prestige-96 as an “exceptional business” with strong market positioning and expert teams, poised to accelerate growth through cross-selling and new market entries.
The deal promises to leverage Prestige’s retailer relationships in Bulgaria, expand its brands into adjacent snacking categories, and leverage Valeo’s global network for broader reach.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Prestige-96 CEO Darina Stoyanova highlighted the synergy, noting that joining Valeo provides a robust platform to amplify their success, innovate products, and penetrate new territories while preserving consumer loyalty.
Backed by Bain Capital since 2021, Valeo specializes in sweet baked goods (including wafers, sponge cakes, seasonal cakes, filled croissants, tarts and muffins) and confections (including chocolate and sugar candies, chews, licorice and marzipan).
Its product portfolio also spans salty snacks (potato chips, tortilla chips, popcorn, veggie chips and meat snacks); grocery items (rice cakes, baking mixes, canned foods, cooking ingredients, sauces and spreads); and natural sweeteners (honey and syrup).
This acquisition not only cements Valeo’s leadership in Central and Eastern Europe but also unlocks export synergies and production upgrades amid rising demand for indulgent, convenient snacks.
Valeo’s most recent baked foods acquisitions include Italian cakes and croissants maker Melegatti 1894 SpA in July 2025, Italian cake maker Freddi Dolciaria SpA in May 2025, Slovakian sweet baked snacks, confections, and chocolate company I.D.C. Holding in January 2025, and Italian cake, croissant and tartufo maker Dal Colle in May 2024.
Valeo also acquired Canadian maple syrup maker Appalaches Nature in July 2024.
Valeo said the acquisition of Bulgaria-based Prestige 96 will also bring a “modern, well‑invested production and warehousing facility.”
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