Ali Group Acquires BUNN, Adding Legacy Coffee Brand to Welbilt Portfolio

Ali Group, the Italian foodservice equipment conglomerate that claims the title of world's largest foodservice equipment group by sales, completed its acquisition of Bunn Commercial LP, formerly known as Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, with the Springfield, Illinois-headquartered brewer now operating under Ali Group's Welbilt portfolio in North America. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The deal, announced via Ali Group's corporate press release dated March 12, 2026, brings one of the most recognizable names in commercial coffee equipment into a portfolio that already spans more than 115 global brands, roughly 17,000 employees across 30 countries, and 80 manufacturing facilities in 16 countries. BUNN's product lineup, which covers drip coffee and iced tea brewers, superautomatic espresso machines, grinding systems, beverage dispensers, and water systems, serves both commercial and home markets, with facilities and operations extending to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, and the UK beyond its U.S. base.

"The acquisition of BUNN marks an important step in strengthening Ali Group's leadership in the global coffee and beverage equipment sector and advancing our long-term growth strategy," said Filippo Berti, Ali Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "BUNN brings a strong heritage, a culture of innovation and a highly complementary portfolio that expands our global capabilities. Together, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to our customers and accelerate growth across key markets."

This is not Ali Group's first move into the coffee equipment space. The conglomerate acquired Rancilio Group in 2013, a deal that brought in both the Rancilio espresso equipment line and the Swiss-made Egro superautomatic brand. The Welbilt portfolio itself was assembled after Ali Group merged with Welbilt, Inc. in the summer of 2021, and BUNN now joins that growing North American stable.

The acquisition lands at a complicated moment for drip-focused equipment makers. A recent Toast report tracking restaurant beverage trends shows drip coffee demand in that channel slipping while lattes and specialty drinks continue to gain ground. Whether that shift in consumption patterns influenced the decision to sell isn't confirmed, but BUNN's product portfolio, which includes superautomatic espresso machines alongside its traditional drip brewers, positions it squarely in both segments of that conversation.

No operational changes have been announced, including any decisions about BUNN's Springfield headquarters or its U.S. manufacturing footprint. Ali Group's track record with acquired brands suggests a maintenance-and-development approach rather than consolidation, a pattern the company has followed consistently since its Rancilio acquisition over a decade ago. The company's beverage business dates to 1957, with incorporation in 1963, and Refreshmentmag traces the broader Bunn enterprise back to 1840.