AWP acquired by Dalma Mangimi S.p.A.: the strategic role of Gruppo AQ in the successful operation

An extraordinary sale transaction has marked an important milestone in the Italian economic landscape: AWP S.p.A., a reference company in the animal health sector, was acquired 100% by Dalma Mangimi S.p.A. (brand “Regardia”), a company in the portfolio of the “Nextalia Private Equity” fund, managed by Nextalia SGR S.p.A. This operation, which lasted several months and involved multiple stakeholders, represents a great success for the parties involved. We at Gruppo AQ, through the financial advisory team of AQ Transaction Service, a Group company, are proud to have assisted AWP in this decisive phase, contributing to the achievement of a highly significant objective.

AWP: an Italian excellence in animal welfare

Founded in 2002 by Paolo Cristofori and based in Castelnuovo Rangone (Modena), AWP has established itself as a reference player in the development and production of phytomolecules and essential oil-based additives. Its mission is clear: to improve animal health by reducing the use of antibiotics and promoting sustainable welfare for livestock. This innovative approach and long-term vision have allowed AWP to stand out as an entity of excellence.

The key to AWP’s success lies in several distinctive factors:

• Proprietary know-how: a wealth of specialized knowledge that guarantees state-of-the-art products.
• Continuous research and development activity: a constant collaboration with international universities and research centers for continuous innovation.
• Long-term entrepreneurial vision: a strategic approach that has allowed sustainable growth over time.
• Ability to operate internationally: thanks to solid commercial relationships and a global presence.

These elements have made AWP an attractive company for investors, positioning it as an excellence in its market segment and an example of how innovation and sustainability can create lasting value.

Operation structure: a strategic partnership for the future

The operation involves the acquisition by Regardia of the entire share capital of AWP. A particularly significant aspect of this transaction is the reinvestment of Paolo Cristofori, founder and CEO of AWP, who will maintain a minority stake in the new Group. This reinvestment is not just a technical detail, but a strong signal of the solidity of the project and the deep trust in the development prospects deriving from this new synergy between AWP, Dalma Mangimi and Nextalia.

This strategic integration aims to consolidate leadership in the animal welfare sector, combining AWP’s innovation and know-how with the industrial strength and growth vision of Dalma Mangimi, supported by a private equity fund of the caliber of Nextalia. The common goal is ambitious: to further expand market presence, accelerate the development of new solutions and strengthen the commitment to sustainability and animal health globally.

The decisive role of Gruppo AQ: strategic advisor and due diligence guarantee

In the context of such a complex and strategic operation, the role of advisors was fundamental to ensure maximum transparency and completeness. In particular, AQ Transaction Service, a Gruppo AQ company, assisted AWP as financial advisor. This involved an all-round commitment, from the financial structuring of the transaction to the company valuation, ensuring that all economic aspects were managed with the utmost expertise.

But our contribution was not limited to this. The team, led by Gruppo AQ CEO, Pietro Ungari, carried out a decisive Due Diligence phase, analyzing different areas in depth:

• Tax Due Diligence: to verify regulatory compliance and identify potential tax risks or opportunities.
• Accounting and Financial Due Diligence: to analyze the economic and financial health of the company, validating accounting data and financial projections.
• Legal Due Diligence: to examine all legal aspects, including contracts, licenses and disputes.

The Gruppo AQ team, committed from the beginning until the completion of the operation, was composed of high-level professionals such as Francesco Brunacci, Thomas Carmine, Flavio Staffa, Carlo Facchinello, Melissa Jukic and Luca De Rosa. Their multidisciplinary experience was crucial to address the complexities of the operation, ensuring rigorous analysis and constant support.

“I am very enthusiastic about this journey together with AWP – commented Pietro Ungari, CEO of Gruppo AQ – and I am grateful to Paolo Cristofori for the trust placed in our work team in a financial and industrial operation of significance in the Italian economic landscape. We have reached a great milestone together – continues Pietro Ungari – just as happy to support him in this new development and growth challenge together with Dalma and Nextalia.” His words underline the importance of collaboration and Gruppo AQ’s long-term vision in supporting businesses towards new successes.

Conclusions: a successful partnership for the future

The acquisition of AWP by Dalma Mangimi S.p.A. represents an exemplary operation that testifies to the vibrancy of the Italian market and the ability of companies to attract significant investments. The role of qualified advisors such as Gruppo AQ is essential in these complex operations, providing not only specialized technical skills, but also strategic support that makes the difference.

The commitment and professionalism of the AQ Transaction Service team ensured that every phase of the process was managed with the utmost care and attention, from financial support to rigorous due diligence. This operation is not only a success for AWP and Dalma Mangimi, but also for Gruppo AQ, which confirms itself as a reliable and competent partner in the panorama of extraordinary operations.

If your company is considering merger, acquisition or search for new investor operations, Gruppo AQ can offer you the experience and professionalism necessary to face these challenges successfully. Discover how our financial consulting and due diligence services can support the growth and development of your business.

Did you know that…?

1. AWP Spa is a reference player in the development and production of phytomolecules and essential oil-based additives, focused on improving animal health.
2. Dalma Mangimi S.p.A. operates under the brand “Regardia” and is a company in the portfolio of the “Nextalia Private Equity” fund.
3. Paolo Cristofori, founder and CEO of AWP, reinvested in the Group, maintaining a minority stake, confirming the trust in the project.
4. AQ Transaction Service, a Gruppo AQ company, acted as financial advisor for AWP.
5. The Gruppo AQ team, led by Pietro Ungari (CEO), managed the tax, accounting, financial and legal Due Diligence.
6. Regardia utilized several other advisors, including Deloitte for financial and tax due diligence and Bonelli Erede for legal and tax aspects, demonstrating the complexity and multidisciplinarity of the operation.

FAQ on the AWP – Dalma Mangimi acquisition

• What was the main operation described in the article? 
  The acquisition of 100% of AWP S.p.A. by Dalma Mangimi S.p.A. (brand “Regardia”).
• What is AWP’s sector of activity? 
  AWP operates in the animal health sector, developing and producing phytomolecules and additives to improve the welfare of livestock.
• What was the role of Gruppo AQ in the operation? 
  AQ Transaction Service of Gruppo AQ assisted AWP as financial advisor and conducted the tax, accounting, financial and legal Due Diligence.
• Did Pietro Ungari have a role in this operation? 
  Yes, Pietro Ungari, CEO of Gruppo AQ, led the AQ Transaction Service team involved in the operation.
• Did Paolo Cristofori, founder of AWP, exit the company completely? 
  No, Paolo Cristofori reinvested in the new Group, maintaining a minority stake.
• What other types of due diligence were conducted for the acquisition? 
  In addition to those managed by Gruppo AQ, commercial due diligence (OC&C Strategy Consultants), financial and tax (Deloitte), EHS / ESG (Ramboll) were conducted.