My cold email to some of the world's biggest PE Firms regarding the financing of the KitKat acquisition from Nestlé.
To whom it may concern,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to discuss a unique and exciting opportunity that I believe aligns with your investment philosophy and values.
Recently, I, along with my company, The Sprezzatura Company, made a bold move by submitting a formal proposal to Nestlé S.A. to acquire the iconic KitKat brand (see document attached).
Our proposal is rooted in a mission that extends beyond traditional business objectives. It's about showcasing the power of entrepreneurial action and our collective freedom to effect positive change in the world without excessive government intervention. However, there is also a clear business rationale why this transaction makes sense.
Sustainability Rationale
We can swap approximately 25 million kg of milk used in KitKat products annually with animal-free alternatives without compromising consumer taste. This corresponds to about 50 million CO2 emissions annually, or 20,000 cars driving for a year. By repeating this acquisition playbook with other CPG brands that also use cow milk as a secondary ingredient, we will avoid hundreds of millions, if not billions, of CO2 emissions per year. Not to forget the substantial impact on animal welfare.
Financial Rationale
Acquiring KitKat and taking it private enables us to think long-term rather than quarter-to-quarter and make the necessary investments for sustainable growth. While the transition will require supply chain investments and could temporarily compress margins due to higher ingredient costs, the transaction makes financial sense in the long term. Adopting a first-principles approach, we recognise that using cows to produce milk is highly inefficient. Leveraging the volume of the KitKat brand and future acquisitions, we anticipate achieving a better price for our animal-free substitute than cow milk within 24 months. Political factors indicating a potential increase in the cost of animal-based milk indicate that price parity could be achieved sooner. Lastly, the public aspect of The Sprezzatura Company will bring new awareness and affection to these brands, contributing to their revitalisation and resonance in the market.
To be clear, our offer to Nestlé is not merely a financial transaction; it's a statement of intent to reshape the future of capitalism. By demonstrating that private enterprise can drive meaningful change while still generating profit, we aim to inspire others to follow suit. We have made this offer public and intend to share every step of our journey transparently. The same holds true for this e-mail.
I believe your fund shares our vision for a more entrepreneurial, innovative, and sustainable future. This is why I invite you to join us in this endeavour. By partnering with us, your fund will associate its brand with a transformative mission and show the world what an important role Private Equity will play in reshaping the face of capitalism.
The KitKat acquisition is just the beginning. We are laying the groundwork for a new CPG conglomerate that champions sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility while defending the principles of entrepreneurial free-market capitalism.
This presents an unparalleled opportunity for your fund to get involved at the ground level of a potentially groundbreaking venture.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you and explore how we can collaborate to bring this vision to fruition. Please let me know a convenient time for you, and I will make myself available for a discussion.
Thank you for considering this opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of working together to drive positive change and financial success.
Kind regards,
Fabio Matticoli