Credit: Crosta Mollica
Credit: Crosta Mollica

Crosta Mollica and European Pizza Group announce merger

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New entity to command €1 billion in retail sales across Europe.

Crosta Mollica and European Pizza Group have announced a merger, forming what they describe as one of Europe’s largest pizza businesses. The combined entity is projected to achieve EUR 1 billion in retail sales. This move brings together Crosta Mollica, which is described as one of Europe’s fastest-growing food brands, with European Pizza Group, known for its Wagner and Buitoni pizza brands.

David Milner, currently Chairman of Crosta Mollica, will assume the role of Group CEO for the newly merged entity. Tom Sirett will continue as CEO of Crosta Mollica, while Matthias Casanova will remain CEO of European Pizza Group. 

The companies have no immediate plans to alter their operating model and will function as standalone businesses.

Crosta Mollica intends to maintain its significant growth trajectory, which has seen its retail sales triple from EUR 90 million to EUR 270 million since January 2024, when David Milner and Tom Sirett joined the company. 

The company stated it has become the UK’s #2 pizza brand and was named 2026 Food Brand of the Year by The Grocer magazine.

European Pizza Group has also seen accelerated growth following its spin-out from Nestlé in September 2023. Its Wagner and Buitoni brands are noted for consistently gaining market share across 10 core European markets. These brands are supported by significant manufacturing operations located in Italy and Germany. 

David Milner commented on the merger, stating: “I am excited by the potential of this merger. Wagner and Buitoni are strong brands with excellent positions across Europe. Bringing them together with Crosta Mollica creates a highly complementary portfolio. Our focus will be on building on the strengths of each business while using the scale and capabilities of the combined group to accelerate growth. 
“We have outstanding brands, talented people, and a strong platform from which to take the business forward.” The merger occurs amid what the companies describe as “significantly favourable tailwinds” in the European pizza market, as the grocery retail pizza market reportedly gains share over the pizza delivery market.

The combined group will continue to be backed by the existing shareholders of both entities, including PAI, Perwyn, Nestlé, and management.

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