GLA & Co. is proud to announce its integral role as local GCC counsel in advising Columna Capital Group on the acquisition of a substantial 72.5% stake in the global portfolio of Zumex Group by securing the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) clearance for the transaction in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This transaction marks a significant milestone for both Columna Capital Group, a private equity investment company based in London, UK, and Zumex Group, a worldwide player in various sectors across Europe.

Columna Capital is an entrepreneurial investment firm that actively support ambitious management teams and entrepreneurs to drive organic growth and execute on consolidation opportunities by investing in profitable companies with revenue of €15-100 million.  Columna Capital Group’s investment strategy focuses on lower-mid market companies within various European countries, spanning industries such as healthcare, animal health, and other service sectors. This acquisition aligns with their vision to strategically invest in companies with substantial revenue potential across Europe.

Zumex is the global leader in the design, manufacturing and commercialisation of automatic fruit and vegetable juicing technologies. The Company sells a broad portfolio of premium juicing solutions with IoT functionalities for the foodservice and retail segments in over 100 countries worldwide. 

GLA & Co.’s involvement in securing merger control clearances highlights the firm’s commitment to assisting clients worldwide with their merger filings within the GCC and Greater MENA region. The firm’s comprehensive services extend across various sectors, enabling companies to navigate the legal landscape efficiently and effectively.

Fawaz Aldubaikhi, a Partner in the KSA office, commented, “Our firm’s extensive experience and success in navigating merger control regulations have been instrumental in facilitating Columna Capital Group’s strategic acquisition of Zumex Group. This transaction underscores our commitment to delivering top-tier legal services regionally and globally.”

Alex Saleh, Managing Partner, added, “We are immensely proud to have contributed our legal prowess to ensure the successful closure of this high-profile transaction for our client, Columna Capital Group. This accomplishment further cements GLA & Co.’s reputation as a leading legal advisor in facilitating major acquisitions across borders.”

The GLA & Co team was led by Managing Partner, Alex Saleh, Partner, Hegui Taha, Senior Associate, Asad Ahmad and Associates Shahad Alhumaidani and Khaled Al Khashab.

For more information on the deal, please see here.