Italian food company Barilla has strengthened its presence in North America by completing the acquisition of Canada’s Catelli dry pasta business.

The Catelli dry pasta business includes brands such as Catelli, Lancia and Splendor and a plant in Montreal (Quebec).

Barilla Group CEO Claudio Colzani said: “In Barilla, we’re leading the charge in transforming the pasta category, and as a category leader worldwide, it’s our mission to be an architect of growth.

“Given the synergies between our business strategies, commitments and values, Catelli dry pasta is a natural fit for the expansion of our business.

“This acquisition will help underscore the importance of our responsibility to not only serve and satisfy the ever-changing needs of consumers through innovation but also to anticipate them.”

The two companies also agreed to work together to pursue a vision of promoting healthy food.

Besides, the two parties will focus on the transition services agreements to ensure that important information and services are shared between them.

Barilla Americas president Jean-Pierre Comte said: “Barilla is a family company that has always put people first – starting with caring for our employees. We’re thrilled to expand our North American operations, and we welcome the Catelli team to the Barilla family.”

The Catelli transaction marks Barilla’s second deal in less than a month.

In the middle of last month, Barilla acquired a majority stake in Pasta Evangelists, a specialist in direct-to-consumer (D2C) fresh pasta and sauces.

The investment in Pasta Evangelists was made by Barilla through its venture firm BLU1877.

The acquisition is in line with Barilla’s international growth plan, especially in the UK, and the company intends to invest in new marketing and sales approaches, with a preferred digital platform to interact with consumers.