Eat Happy Group and the European operations of Hana Group have completed their merger.
The two companies announced in April they were in talks over a deal to be backed by a “strategic” undisclosed investment from One Rock Capital Partners.
In a statement yesterday (27 July), the private-equity investor said the new company – to be called Eat Happy Hana Group – “brings together two businesses with complementary geographic footprints, concepts and capabilities to form a pan-European platform for ultra-fresh Asian and convenience food”.
The transaction combines Eat Happy’s network of about 4,300 points of sale across seven European markets with Hana’s more than 1,500 locations in 12 countries.
When the tie-up was unveiled, the companies said Hana has a “well-developed” network in markets where Eat Happy has had limited or no presence, including the UK, France, Spain and Belgium.
One Rock managing partner Scott Spielvogel said the investor had been drawn to the segment’s “resilience and growth potential”, as well as the companies’ retail relationships and management teams.
“Eat Happy Hana Group enters the One Rock portfolio with a strong foundation, and we look forward to working closely with management to support the next phase of growth for the business,” Spielvogel said.
Hana Group supplies sushi and Asian-inspired food across Europe, with more than 1,500 points of sale in 12 countries. Its portfolio includes 20 brands such as Sushi Gourmet, Sushi Market, Genji, Izakaya, Mai, Wok Street and Poké Lé Lé.
Founded in 2013, Eat Happy produces and distributes handcrafted “fresh” Asian convenience food. Its brands include Eat Happy, Yuzu, Wakame, Eat Fresh, Fresh Kitchen and Candy Cuisine.
At the time of the announcement, the companies said the merger would broaden Eat Happy’s production and distribution footprint while giving Hana access to new capabilities and formats to support further growth.
Dr. Johannes Steegmann, who was appointed Eat Happy CEO in 2024 and now leads the combined group, said the merger would speed up the sharing of ideas and operating models across markets.
“The merger gives us a compelling opportunity to combine ideas, expertise and successful formats from across Europe,” Steegmann said.
“By accelerating the exchange of innovative concepts and best practices, we believe we can bring new and exciting fresh convenience solutions to our customers and retail partners more quickly than ever before.”
Luca Mammola, Eat Happy Hana Group CFO, said Eat Happy and Hana shared “a common passion for quality, freshness and customer focus”.
