Septentrion Finance advised Aux Trois Cigognes Biscuiteries (Luc-Pierre Verquin) in the acquisition of Biscuiterie La Mère Poulard

Founded in 1998, Biscuiterie La Mère Poulard produces all-butter biscuits (shortbread, galettes, cookies, and palets), sold in France and exported to more than 60 countries worldwide. The company generates €30 million in revenue and employs nearly 100 people.

As a nod to the historic biscuit factory Aux Trois Cigognes created in 1925 by the Verquin family, the family-owned company Aux Trois Cigognes, founded by Luc-Pierre Verquin, continues its external growth strategy with the acquisition of Biscuiterie La Mère Poulard. This transaction strengthens its portfolio of traditional French biscuit-making expertise and marks a major new milestone in its development.

After leading Verquin Confiseur (brands include Têtes Brûlées, Croibleu, Pastille du Mineur…) for more than fifteen years before selling it in 2017, Luc-Pierre Verquin launched a new entrepreneurial adventure in the agri-food sector. As of February 2025, he had already acquired two historic biscuit factories in Northern France.

With this latest acquisition, Aux Trois Cigognes now brings together three complementary companies:

- Biscuiterie Tourniayre – founded in 1897, France’s leading manufacturer of waffle cones and cups for ice cream professionals.

- Biscuiterie Dutoit – founded in 1951, a specialist in puff pastry and homemade-style tart shells for culinary professionals.

- Biscuiterie La Mère Poulard – founded in 1998 near Mont-Saint-Michel, producing all-butter biscuits (shortbread, galettes, cookies, and palets) inspired by the traditional recipes of the iconic inn, marketed under its emblematic brand in France and abroad.

Luc-Pierre Verquin, President of Aux Trois Cigognes: “Integrating Biscuiterie La Mère Poulard is a great external growth opportunity, fully aligned with my passion for high-quality food, strong brands, and committed teams focused on customer satisfaction. With my experience at Verquin Confiseur and our recent acquisitions in Northern France, we will strengthen complementary expertise while preserving the teams and the soul of each company within their local territories.”
 

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Buy-side advisors:
 

• M&A: Septentrion Finance (Thibaut Bouchoir, Hugo Carlier)
• Legal: Alkyne Avocats (André Devaux, Claire Pouzenc, Benjamin Bourgeois)
• Financial due diligence: Grant Thornton (Jerôme Lesage, Camille Lecomte)
• Legal & tax due diligence: Grant Thornton (Jean-François Blaret, François Lucas)

Sell-side advisors:
 

• M&A: Spayne Lindsay (Eric Lanthiez, Nicolas Oudin)
• Legal: UGGC (Jean-Philippe Crot, Muriel Bernardin, Victor Arnould)
• Financial vendor due diligence: Mazars (Nicolas Guillo)