Exclusive: Probat Group strikes major deal to acquire Royal Duyvis Wiener
pic: Probat
Probat has confirmed a major industry acquisition in buying Netherlands-based equipment business Royal Duyvis Wiener, as it moves to expand its specialisms in cocoa and chocolate processing, reports Neill Barston.
The German-based global coffee roasting machinery business has continued an ambitious programme of expansion in its recent history, with the company recently marking the 10th anniversary of purchasing firms within the HDM group including MacIntyre, Bauermeister and Petzholdt-Heidenauer, the industrial outfit has now further enhanced its portfolio. Financial details surrounding the value of the sale have not been released by the company, though it is anticipated the deal will conclude as soon as regulatory administration is cleared.
Duyvis, located in the Zaan region of the Netherlands, traces its history back to 1885, and started out as a mechanical engineering enterprise that was to gradually expand over the decades, and developed its first cocoa butter presses in 1975. Notably the business released its latest five-roll refiner at last year’s Interpack event, which had been heralded as a major breakthrough for the business.
Confectionery Production has previously visited the company’s HQ at Koog aan de Zaan, which have in recent years seen heightened activity, as the business has sought to expand its chocolate processing capabilities (see our exclusive previous feature here).
Probat issued a statement on the move, as it explained that Duyvis had experienced structural company challenges in recent years that would be resolved under new ownership. The company said; “Following the recent integration of AC Horn Manufacturing, we now announce the acquisition of Royal Duyvis Wiener, one of the world’s leading manufacturers within the global cocoa, chocolate, and nuts & seeds processing industry.
“With the integration of Royal Duyvis Wiener, we strengthen our position in product and process innovation and expand our technological lead in the food processing sector. To exploit synergies and create integrated solutions for cross-segment projects, the technology transfer between the individual group members will now be significantly intensified. The aim is to further increase market share in the global cocoa and chocolate sector. The acquisition process has also been challenging in terms of time and content. We are grateful to have FAI as a partner who supported us with their expertise.”
Probat CEO Wim Abbing added: “After the recent integration of AC Horn, the acquisition of Royal Duyvis Wiener with its unique product portfolio is another milestone on our way to becoming a dominant force in the coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and nut processing industries. Probat is the undisputed world market leader in plant and machinery for coffee refinement with more than two centuries of process engineering expertise.
Together with Duyvis Wiener, we will create synergies that will shape the future of the cocoa and chocolate industry. The acquisition process has also been challenging in terms of time and content. We are grateful to have FAI as a partner who supported us with their expertise.”
