Copaim's acquisition of Musso

(ANSA) - Florence, July 13 - A new food industry centre has emerged in Orbetello (Grosseto) thanks to Copaim's acquisition of Musso, a Turin-based brand that specializes in buffet-style and take-out meals.

    The deal was made public by Copaim execs, who recently reached an agreement to cede 30% of stock to Maurizio Romiti's investment company, Pentar.

    Copaim explained that the acquisition "marks the beginning of an industrial centre that is destined to become the Italian leader in its sector. We are talking about two very complementary companies."

    Copaim with its 147 employees and 2006 sales proceeds of approximately 27 million euros - has three locations in Tuscany dedicated to delicatessen products (Albinia, Grosseto), fresh pasta (Massa and Cozzile, Pistoia) and dairy products (Grosseto).

    The company recently made Eurispes' list of top 100 Italian businesses (only five of which were in the food industry sector).

    Musso, with sales proceeds of 15 million euros, specializes in take-out dishes, salads and appetizers made from fish, mayonnaise or gelatine.

    Eighty percent of profits come from large-scale distribution.