Danish-based confectionery and bakery equipment and systems group, Aasted, has entered into a deal for its acquisition by the PiovanGroup, specialising in automated storage systems within the polymer and ingredients sectors, reports Neill Barston.

The agreement – which is for an undisclosed sum, comes as the machinery firm, which has gained an especially strong track record in moulding, cooling and tempering systems, recently made a key appearance at this year’s interpack event in Dusseldorf (see our exclusive review of the event, which includes commentary from its chairman Allan Aasted).

As the company noted, it marks an important milestone in Aasted’s more than 100-year history,  and creates a strong platform for its next phase of growth.

Discussing the deal, the business explained that the acquisition would in effect combine PiovanGroup’s leading capabilities in raw material handling and Aasted’s advanced processing technologies.

This enables the delivery of fully integrated, turn-key production lines, from ingredient handling through to finished product processing. Such offering is expected to resonate strongly with food producers, who are increasingly seeking a single partner to manage the full production line, particularly in fast-growing and developing markets.

Moreover, as the business observed, for generations, the Aasted and Hedstrøm families have built Aasted on innovation, entrepreneurship, customer focus and long-term thinking. Under their ownership,

Over the past decade, the company has further strengthened its position through significant focus on sustainability and energy-efficient technologies, making sustainability an important part of Aasted’s purpose and strategic ambition.

As the business noted, its ambition remains unchanged: to create value for customers by leading the transition towards more sustainable production, continuing to innovate, and strengthening its position as a preferred technology partner to the global confectionery and bakery industries.

“This is about creating even more opportunities for Aasted, our customers and our employees. We are proud of what has been built over generations, and we remain deeply committed to the culture, values and entrepreneurial spirit that define

Aasted, while continuing to build the company from its longstanding home in Farum, Denmark. At the same time, we see tremendous opportunities in joining a strong international group that shares our long-term perspective and ambition forgrowth,” said Piet H. Tæstensen, CEO of Aasted.

“The combination of complementary technologies, strong customer relationships and an expanded global footprint is expected to create a compelling global platform for accelerated growth.” said Filippo Zuppichin, Chief Executive Officer of PiovanGroup.

Nicola Piovan, Executive Chairman, welcomed the deal for the long-established equipment business, which is pending full regulatory sign-off before completion.

“The agreement with Aasted marks the beginning of a new chapter, bringing together two companies that share a deep commitment to innovation, quality and long-term customer relationships. We have great respect for the heritage and culture that Aasted has developed over generations.

“Together, we will continue to build on these strong foundations, supported by a shared vision and aligned values, with the objective of further strengthening our international growth strategy for the benefit of all customers and stakeholders.