Son en Breugel, 11 September 2007 - Food concern VION is to acquire Oerlemans Foods; agreement has been reached on this by the two parties.
Oerlemans Foods is a Dutch company specialising in fresh frozen vegetables, potato products and fruit for the food service, retail and industrial markets. The acquisition of Oerlemans Foods contributes to the realisation of the VION food strategy. The works councils involved have been requested to give their advice. The proposed acquisition has been submitted to the competition authorities. The board of management of Oerlemans Foods will continue to work for the company. The planned completion date of the transaction is in October 2007.
The Convenience division of VION focuses on the development, production and marketing of convenience foods based on meat, fish and vegetarian products. The convenience market in Europe is developing fast. The demand for suppliers offering a deep and broad range of fresh frozen products is increasing. With the acquisition of Oerlemans Foods, VION Convenience is able to provide the best possible service to the market sectors retail and food service with a total package of fresh frozen meat, potatoes, vegetables and fruit.
Synergy
The markets in which Oerlemans Foods is active fit in well with those of VION. The company achieves 50% of its turnover in the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. In addition, Oerlemans foods has a strong position in the fast growing East European market. Retail, food service and industry are the primary market sectors. The markets and sectors in which both companies are active and the possibilities for combining meat, potatoes, vegetables and fruit offer potential for synergy. The two companies can reinforce each other in the field of product development, logistics, marketing and sales. Oerlemans Foods will become part of the VION Convenience division, for which COO Ton Christiaanse is responsible. The entire management of Oerlemans Foods will continue to work for the company and will be responsible for its integration into the Convenience division.