Exco Fiduciaire du Sud-Ouest supports the handover of OLHASSOUR business near Bayonne

OLHASSOUR, an emblematic artisanal food and drink SME from the Basque Country based in Itxassou, had established itself as a regional reference for the manufacture of artisanal honeys, premium jams and local delicacies. Founded in 1981 by Jean-Claude Salles and developed from 1996 by Corine Salles with the development of black cherry jam, the business had expanded its range with Amatxi gingerbread and new derivative products between 2010 and 2025, whilst maintaining 100% local production and a premium positioning.

After more than 40 years of artisanal expertise and as retirement approached, the founding leaders wished to organise a responsible business handover that respected the company's DNA: maintaining artisanal production, preserving jobs and transferring know-how. The challenge was to find successors in perfect alignment with the company's values whilst ensuring the sustainability of the business.

As OLHASSOUR's partner for nearly three decades on accounting, tax and HR matters, Exco Fiduciaire du Sud-Ouest provided comprehensive support throughout the disposal project:

- Business valuation and market positioning analysis
- Structuring of the presentation file and disposal documentation
- Organisation of complete immersion for successor candidates
- Selection and qualification of project leaders
- Financial analysis and offer structuring
- Legal security and support through to closing

The transaction took place over approximately 12 months, with closing on 30 June 2025. The choice fell on Dorothée and Nicolas Sepulchre, two professionals from the food and drink industry with solid experience in managing French SMEs and groups. Driven by the promotion of local brands and regional products, they wish to pursue their entrepreneurial project with a logic of sustainable and controlled development. This takeover will enable the business to structure its growth whilst consolidating historic brands, notably L'Apiculteur d'Itxassou and Les Confitures d'Amatxi, on their existing distribution channels and exploring new markets.

The handover was successfully completed in a climate of trust. In a competitive context, the selected solution was appealing due to the strength of the industrial project, the financial capacity of the successors and the guarantee of continuity for the teams. The transaction enabled the sellers to hand over their business to successors in perfect alignment with their values, ensuring the sustainability of the activity and the transfer of know-how.