Investment & Fund Management

Nutricia Deva, a baby food producer located in Nove Mesto nad Metuji, Czech Republic, faced significant challenges after being acquired by Arx Equity Partners in 2017. Previously a subsidiary of Danone, the company lacked an independent management structure, which posed a risk to its operations and future growth. The absence of key roles, including General Manager, CFO, and various departmental positions, meant that there was no strategic function in place to guide the company forward.

To address these issues, Arx Equity Partners prioritized the recruitment of capable staff to fill the vacant roles and establish the necessary departments. This investment was crucial for the company's survival; without it, Nutricia Deva would likely have faced closure, resulting in the loss of over one hundred jobs. With the new management team in place, the company successfully launched its own brand, Deva, while continuing to supply private-label products.

As a result of these strategic changes, Nutricia Deva has expanded its market reach, exporting to 16 countries and exploring opportunities to sell to retailers outside Europe, including regions like South America, Asia, and Africa. The company is also innovating by developing new product lines, such as pouches, and enhancing its packaging capabilities beyond glass jars. The support from the European Investment Fund (EIF) through COSME EFG and Risk Capital Resources (RCR) has been instrumental in facilitating this transformation and growth.