Alantra advised young founder and serial entrepreneur on sale of Ape Snacks

Nov 2018

Sell-side advisory

Alantra has advised the founder of Ape Snacks, the UK-based coconut snacks brand, on its sale to Nurture Brands.

Ape Snacks was launched in 2016 by university dropout Zack Nathan (now 23), who recognised the lack of appetising healthy snacks on the market and left university to launch the business. Tapping into consumer demand for a “delicious and satisfying snack that doesn’t compromise on health”, Ape produces a range of natural coconut based snacks that are sold through Tesco, Ocado, Sainsbury’s Asda, Holland & Barrett, The Cooperative, Whole Foods Market, Boots, WHSmith and Planet Organic. The business has started to expand its distribution into Europe and has seen revenues grow by more than 600% in the last two years.

Sales of coconut-based products have soared in recent years on account of consumer demand for products that offer genuine health benefits, particularly as an alternative to dairy and sugar.

The transaction is expected to accelerate distribution of Ape’s products in the UK and overseas, whilst providing further support to focus on market leading innovation, with products such as its vegan cheese flavour coconut puffs.

Charles Lanceley, Director at Alantra, who advised on the deal, said: “Ape Snacks is a great example of a UK food brand that has responded to increasing consumer demand for healthy ingredients and, as a result, has grown rapidly over the last three years. We are delighted to have advised on the sale which will realise significant value for its founder and provide strong backing for the business as it grows.”

He added: “Investment in healthy products is one of the key trends underpinning food and drink M&A this year. While there is no shortage of healthy options available to consumers, the successful brands like Ape all share the crucial trait of combining a clean nutritional profile with amazing taste.”

Zack Nathan, founder of Ape Snacks commented: “Ape has been a fantastic journey with incredibly rapid growth.” Following the sale, Zack will transition into running his medical technology start-up full time; he founded the business, which is currently in stealth mode, in early 2018. Alantra’s international Food & Beverage sector team comprises over 25 senior M&A practitioners based around the globe that work closely to bring together strategic trade acquirers and investors with business owners looking to realise value.