Italy-based De’Longhi Group has significantly bolstered its ownership in the prestigious professional coffee equipment division housing La Marzocco and Eversys, acquiring an additional 26.46% stake for €62.5 million (approximately US$74.4 million). This strategic move, finalized on October 16th, escalates De’Longhi Group’s control from roughly 61% to a commanding 88.02% of the combined entity. The transaction, which involved the purchase of the stake from DLI Limited, a related entity within De’Longhi’s ownership structure, underscores the Italian conglomerate’s deep commitment to the high-end espresso machine market. This increase in ownership comes at a time of substantial growth for the professional division, with revenues reportedly surging by over 50% since the initial consolidation was announced in 2023.
A Deepening Partnership: The Evolution of De’Longhi’s Professional Coffee Division
The latest acquisition is not an entirely new entry into the La Marzocco or Eversys businesses but rather a consolidation of existing stakes. De’Longhi Group’s journey into the professional espresso machine arena began with its acquisition of a 40% share in the Swiss super-automatic machine manufacturer Eversys in 2017. This initial investment was followed by the complete acquisition of the remaining 60% of Eversys in 2021, solidifying De’Longhi’s presence in the high-volume, technologically advanced segment of the market.
La Marzocco, a revered name synonymous with artisanal espresso craftsmanship and innovation, followed a different trajectory. Prior to the recent developments, DLI Limited, an investment company that also holds controlling interest in De’Longhi Group itself, had established majority ownership of the Florence-based manufacturer. This intricate ownership structure set the stage for a more integrated approach.
In late 2023, De’Longhi Group unveiled plans to unite La Marzocco and Eversys under a singular corporate umbrella, a move designed to leverage synergies while preserving the distinct brand identities and market positions of each company. This consolidation was officially realized in February 2024. In that transaction, De’Longhi Group contributed its ownership of Eversys and injected additional capital, thereby securing an effective stake of 61.6% in the newly formed professional coffee division. DLI Limited retained approximately 26.5% of the stake, with the remaining shares held by long-standing La Marzocco shareholders.
The recent €62.5 million transaction effectively dissolves DLI Limited’s holdings within this professional division. By acquiring DLI Limited’s entire 26.46% interest, De’Longhi Group has substantially concentrated its ownership, bringing its effective share to 88.02%. The remaining 11.98% is now held by a group of existing minority shareholders, as confirmed by De’Longhi Group’s recent announcements. This consolidation of ownership is a clear indicator of De’Longhi’s strategic vision for its professional coffee arm, aiming for greater operational efficiency and unified strategic direction.
Financial Performance and Valuation Surge
The timing of this increased ownership stake is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with a period of robust financial performance for the professional coffee division. De’Longhi Group reported that for the twelve months concluding on June 30th, La Marzocco and Eversys collectively generated €569 million (approximately US$639 million) in revenue. This figure represents a substantial 38% increase year-over-year. Furthermore, the division achieved an adjusted EBITDA of €172 million (approximately US$193 million).
Looking at the broader trend, since the initial announcement of the combination in 2023, revenues for the professional division have climbed by more than 50%. This impressive growth trajectory is further amplified by the fact that adjusted EBITDA has doubled during the same period, signaling not only top-line expansion but also enhanced profitability and operational leverage.
This surge in performance has led to a significant revaluation of the professional coffee business. De’Longhi Group now places the equity value of this division at approximately €2.5 billion (US$2.81 billion). This valuation is nearly double the approximately €1.28 billion (US$1.44 billion) valuation that was attributed to the division in late 2023, reflecting the market’s positive reception to the integration and the division’s strong financial results. The company projects that the division will exceed €600 million (US$674 million) in revenue by 2026, a testament to its ambitious growth targets.
Strategic Implications and Market Position
The increased ownership by De’Longhi Group signifies a deepening strategic alignment and a potential for further integration of operations, research and development, and market strategies between La Marzocco and Eversys. While both brands will continue to operate independently in the market, catering to different segments with their distinct product philosophies – La Marzocco for high-end cafes and specialty coffee shops prioritizing manual control and craftsmanship, and Eversys for high-volume environments demanding automation and consistency – the consolidated ownership allows for more cohesive long-term planning and resource allocation.
This move solidifies De’Longhi Group’s position as a dominant player in the professional espresso machine sector, a market characterized by high barriers to entry, technological sophistication, and brand loyalty. By controlling a larger share of two highly respected and innovative brands, De’Longhi is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for high-quality coffee experiences in both commercial and increasingly sophisticated home settings. The company’s diversified portfolio, spanning from high-end consumer appliances to professional coffee solutions, provides a unique advantage in understanding and serving the entire coffee ecosystem.
Management Structure and Future Outlook
This ownership evolution follows a significant management restructuring in 2025. Guido Bernardinelli, a seasoned executive with extensive experience at La Marzocco, was appointed to lead the entire professional division. Under his leadership, Lorenzo Carboni took the helm as CEO of La Marzocco, and Stefano Barato assumed the role of General Manager for Eversys. This leadership team is tasked with navigating the integrated structure and driving future growth, ensuring that the individual strengths of each brand are maximized within the De’Longhi Group framework.
The transaction also underwent a thorough review process due to the related-party nature of the deal. De Longhi Industrial S.A. remains the ultimate controlling shareholder of De’Longhi Group, holding approximately 53.5% of De’Longhi shares and 69.5% of the voting rights. The careful scrutiny ensures compliance with regulations governing transactions between entities with overlapping ownership structures.
As De’Longhi Group continues to consolidate its influence in the professional coffee equipment market, the sustained growth and increasing valuation of the La Marzocco and Eversys division point towards a promising future. The company’s strategic investments and management focus are clearly aimed at further cementing its leadership and innovation within the global coffee industry, driven by a commitment to quality, technology, and the evolving demands of coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike. The continued success of these two iconic brands under De’Longhi’s enhanced stewardship is anticipated to shape the landscape of professional espresso preparation for years to come.
