Sonae SGPS : reaches agreement to acquire Go Natural

Sonae MC invests in promoting a healthy life

Operation will allow Sonae's food retail unit to strengthen its investment in solutions adapted to a healthy lifestyle and Go Natural to enjoy new growth opportunities.

Sonae has celebrated an agreement for the acquisition of a majority stake in the company that owns Go Natural, a pioneer and benchmark brand in the sector of healthy catering in Portugal. The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the Portuguese Competition Authority and the fulfilment of other conditions which require agreements with 3rd parties.

This operation, which involves the acquisition of a 51% capital stake, fits into Sonae MC strategy towards investing in the area of health and wellbeing, namely in healthy food, providing an answer to consumers' growing demand for propositions that are in balance with a healthy lifestyle and contribute to improve their quality of life.

Sonae MC is committed to fostering a democratised access to differentiating products and solutions within the healthy segment, continuing to claim its position as a specialist in wellbeing.

As part of this strategy, Sonae MC offers spaces specialised in organic and healthy food at its Continente stores, while Well's also provides a wide range of products and services specialised in health and wellbeing, besides its recently launched Well's Health Plan that seeks to provide Portuguese families with an easier access to private healthcare.

Luís Moutinho, CEO of Sonae MC, claims: 'Go Natural is recognised in the market for its distinctive offer in the area of healthy food, very much in line with our strategy of promoting healthy lifestyle habits. In partnership with our current shareholders, we will foster their strengths and promote new opportunities of growth and development.'

Joana and Diogo Martorell, the founders of Go Natural,add: 'The partnership with Sonae is a turning point in Go Natural's growth strategy, allowing not only to add value to our competencies, but also accelerate growth and create new opportunities for the brand.'

Go Natural is a Portuguese brand created in 2004. Its main values are set on pleasure, wellbeing and convenience, with currently 22 restaurants and selling points in Lisbon and Oporto across the main shopping centres, companies and most recently, at school canteens and coffee shops. Go Natural presents a wide offer of solutions in healthy food adapted to consumers' current lifestyle, including grab & go (ready-made light meals), sushibar, made to order (meals prepared on the spot) and go break (offer dedicated to breakfasts and snacks).