Bakery fats specialist acquisition
AAK has announced plans to acquire bakery fats specialist CSM Benelux NV in Merksem. The acquired business supplies oils and fats, margarines and pumpable shortenings to the bakery markets in Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
The acquisition includes the factory in Merksem, the sales force, application specialists offering customised solutions, and a bakery innovation centre.
“The acquisition will strengthen our ability to supply Bakery solutions in western continental Europe and create mutual cross-selling opportunities for Bakery and CCF products to existing customer bases,” says Jens Wikstedt, president Europe, AAK.
“Pursuing our global growth strategy, this acquisition is an integral part of our company program AAKtion and adds important capabilities in Sales and Customer Innovation. Merksem will serve as a platform for increased sales within, Bakery and CCF. Further the well equipped factory will complement our existing European manufacturing foot print nicely”, says Arne Frank, president and CEO, AAK Group.
Merksem will start contributing to AAK’s operating profit during second half of 2015. The acquisition is subject to approval by the competition authorities and following works council procedures. It is expected to be completed within approximately three months.
