Lucerne, August 28 - Emmi and the Italian cheese specialist Ambrosi SpA will join forces in France to form Ambrosi Emmi France SA as of 1 January 2008. The move will strengthen the market position of both companies for further growth in France.
Emmi took over a 25 percent stake in the Italian cheese specialist Ambrosi SpA, Italy as of 1 July 2007. Emmi and Ambrosi intend to offer their customers a comprehensive, high-quality range of traditional Swiss and Italian cheeses and jointly drive forward their international growth.
With the integration of Emmi France SAS into Ambrosi France SA, the new Ambrosi Emmi France SA will exploit initial synergies and considerably strengthen their market position in France as of 1 January 2008. Ambrosi Emmi France SA will employ 30 people and market cheese from Italy and Switzerland as well as Emmi's fresh products in France under the current management of Ambrosi France SA.
The Emmi Group is taking a minority stake in the new subsidiary in France, and will sit on the Board of Directors.
About Ambrosi
Ambrosi SpA is a leading Italian cheese specialist and produces, matures and markets mainly Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano, as well as other classics such as mozzarella and gorgonzola. Ambrosi employs approximately 180 people at its headquarters in Brescia (Lombardy) and at four further locations in the Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano AOC regions. Ambrosi France SA has been present in France for more than 25 years.
About Emmi
Emmi is the leading Swiss company for cheese and fresh products. Innovations, gains in market share and acquisitions have contributed to several years of sustained growth both in Switzerland and in international markets. In 2006, Emmi posted net sales (operating income) of CHF 2,335 million and employed a total of 3,300 people (full-time equivalents) in Switzerland, Europe and North America.