CSM and Friesland Coberco agree acquisition

Dutch-based ingredients giant CSM has reached an agreement with Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods over the acquisition of the latter's bakery operations, Friesland Madibic Food Service. The acquisition is effective as of 1 July 2003.

Friesland Madibic Food Service specialises in the development, production and sale of dairy products for the professional and food service markets, such as bakeries, fast food chains, restaurants and catering firms. It has branches in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.

In 2002 it achieved a turnover of €286 million. The brand portfolio of Friesland Madibic includes Debic, Delicia, Hollandia and Friso.

CSM believes that the acquisition will further strengthen its position in the market for artisan bakers. The deal also fits into Friesland's strategy of concentrating on the production and sale of dairy-based products for professional customers.

CSM​ is an internationally operating company active in the development, production, sale and distribution of food ingredients and sugar confectionery. Next to bakery ingredients and products, its other main product groups are sugar confectionery, sugar and lactic acid.

The group has an annual turnover of €3.8 billion and operates in Europe, the United States, Canada, Brazil and Asia. It employs approximately 14,000 staff.

Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods​ is a multinational company which develops, produces and sells a broad range of private label dairy products and fruit drinks for the consumer, professional and industrial markets. The firm is a strong player in the dairy product market, especially in Western and Central Europe, West Africa and South-East Asia.

It records a turnover of €4.7 billion and has a total workforce of 16,800, with 11,200 employed outside the Netherlands.