21 February 2006 - Lekkerland GmbH & Co. KG has acquired all shares in the Polish wholesaler Milo S.A. with head office in Warsaw and with that is positioning itself in Polish convenience trade. „With this acquisition we are finally opening up the largest EC accession country and strengthen our positioning in the growth markets of Central- and Eastern Europe.“, says Michael Gerlif, Chief Financial Officer Lekkerland GmbH & Co. KG, to the media in Warsaw, today.
Run of success
The company profile of Milo is today already comparable to the European Lekkerland Group and thus offers a good basis for future expansion: Especially convenience businesses such as filling stations, kiosks, and small grocery markets will benefit from the unique combination of wholesale, supply logistics and a strong service expertise. “Many of our international customers are already active in Poland”, explains Michael Gerlif. “Through the expansion into Poland we are now in a position to supply them, also there, with international standards and corresponding quality.” Furthermore, Lekkerland sees growth potential in the expansion of the existing product portfolio as well as in new customer segments. In the middle term, Lekkerland is planning a double digit percentage growth in sales in Poland. Currently Milo realises a turnover of EUR 710 million.
Robert Zalewski stays MD
The current Managing Director Robert Zalewski will continue his business. “The membership in the Lekkerland Group offers new chances and perspectives for our business success’” says Robert Zalewski. With roughly 750 on staff, fourteen subsidiaries and 250 vehicles, Poland is one of the largest countries within the Lekkerland group. The company supplies primarily filling station shops, cash and carry wholesalers and retail businesses with tobacco products, prepaid products, beverages, confectionary products, OTC medicinal products and other convenience products.
Short profile Lekkerland
Lekkerland supplies 132,000 filling station shops, kiosks, convenience stores, fast-food chains, specialist tobacco goods stores, specialist beverages markets, department stores, food-stuffs markets, bakeries and canteens with a full range of sweets, beverages, snacks, convenience ranges, ice cream, deep-frozen food, fresh products, tobacco goods, telephone cards and non-food in twelve European countries. The company achieved sales of 8,4 million euros in 2004 and employs presently 7,500 persons.