PARIS, September 25, 2019 – Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, today announces that Etienne Lecomte has been engaged as an independent Industry Advisor.

This arrival marks Advent’s keen interest in the Food sector, which offers strong opportunities in Europe.

Etienne Lecomte will work closely with Advent’s distribution and consumer goods team to identify and evaluate new investment opportunities. Previous acquisitions made in the sector include Douglas https://s17401.pcdn.co/ Nocibé, Crompton Greaves, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf company, lululemon, Noosa Yoghurt, Party City, Sovos Brands, DFS, Five Below and Stokomani.

Etienne Lecomte has more than 30 years’ experience in the food sector and until now was Executive Vice-President and General Manager Europe (West/East) of the Bel Group. At Bel Group, he was responsible for the “healthy snacking” strategy. He has also managed several major brand acquisitions.

Etienne Lecomte was also President of the Union des Marques and Vice-President of ANIA (Association Nationale des Industries Alimentaires) until this year, and a member of the Board of Directors of several European associations (ECR, European Brands Association). He has been particularly active with the government on the revaluation of food chains and industry-trade relations. He has also launched various innovative initiatives by facilitating the development of start-ups in the fields of AdTech and MarTech.

Michael Ogrinz, Partner and Head of Advent International’s Paris office said: “We are very pleased to welcome Etienne as an Industry Advisor. He joins an experienced team; his appointment is in line with the momentum of our recent $17.5 billion fundraising for our GPE-9 fund and the development of the Paris office. It also underpins our interest in the food sector and Advent International’s desire to actively pursue investment opportunities in this sector in France and Europe.”