The Riverside Company, a worldwide private equity firm, has bought San Clemente, Italy-based Optima srl and its related firms, a statement about the acquisition said. Financial details about the acquisition were not disclosed but debt financing for the purchase came from Intermediate Capital Group or ICG and GE Capital Interbanca. Lexington Partners, ICG and an unnamed large family office investor provided equity co-investment for the deal.

Optima srl and dba Mec3, its related firm, is engaged in the business of developing, making and marketing ingredients used to make gelato, pastry and other food products. Mec3's products are sold globally and has a reputation for delivering quality products, engaging in constant innovation and providing dependable customer service, the statement said.

Riverside Partner Karsten Langer said in the statement, "Iced desserts and snacks, particularly high-quality artisanal options like gelato, are becoming increasingly popular globally, and Mec3 is uniquely positioned to capture this global market. We're excited about the prospects of working with the Mec3 management team to help the company achieve even greater success."

Mec3 boasts of yearly revenues in the vicinity of €100 million and provides ice cream makers the world over with a wide product range from its outstanding production plants. It helps over 60,000 clients give the authentic Italian gelato experience to their consumers, the statement said.

Riverside also intends to give support to the company's management team and bolster its growth worldwide. In addition, the private equity firm also wants to pour funds into research and development so that Mec3 will come up with new products and continue to live up to its image as an innovative company, the statement said.

Mec3 Founder and President Giordano Emendatori said in the statement, "After 30 years of developing Mec3, I am delighted to see the company in the hands of an experienced growth-focused investor like Riverside."