Quantum Partners advises the shareholders of BIG DRUM Engineering GmbH on the sale to Tetra Laval

At about €50 billion, the global market for industrially produced ice cream is very large and is growing continuously. Ice cream suppliers are faced with the challenge of significant regional (taste) differences among consumers as well as new trends and changing consumer behavior. As a result, machines for producing and filling ice cream are technically extremely sophisticated. The systems must also be fail-safe, efficient and flexible.

BIG DRUM Engineering GmbH is the world’s leading supplier of special machines in the segment of premium ice cream filling and packaging. All globally operating manufacturers as well as many of the leading regional ice cream companies are part of BIG DRUM’s customer base. During more than 30 years on the market, BIG DRUM has been able to acquire unique engineering know-how, which encompasses mechanical engineering, automation and robotics as well as individual special solutions.

A few years ago, BIG DRUM was taken over by a family office, which wanted to sell the majority of its shares. Together with the management, a broad and internationally oriented sell-side process was set up, in which Tetra Laval was identified as the best buyer and partner.