Barry Callebaut disposal attracts 'brisk' interest
Barry Callebaut said that a fresh attempt to dispose of its
consumer division was receiving considerable interest as it
restated its determination to join in the round of chocolate sector
consolidation.
The world's biggest chocolate maker said inquiries for the unit,
both from private equity firms and trade buyers, had been "brisk",
raising hopes that its latest sale process would fare better than
the last.
"The business has developed well recently so a transaction can be
carried out on a good basis," Juergen Steinemann, the Swiss group's
chief executive, told newspaper Finanz und Wirtschaft.
"We plan to settle the sale in 2010."
The comments come as Cadbury, the UK chocolate giant, is being
pursued by America's Kraft and is reportedly mulling a tie-up with
Hershey.
Change of tack
Barry Callebaut attempted earlier this year to dispose of its
consumer division to Spain's Natra in exchange for a 45-49% stake
in the merged business, but the talks foundered over differences on
pricing.
The Swiss group wants to sell out of the consumer market to focus
on its business-to-business operations, which including making
chocolates for giants such as Hershey and Nestle.
Mr Steinemann said in his interview that he expected such
outsourcing deals to account for more than half of Barry
Callebaut's growth.
The other half would be provided by measures such as organic growth
in new regions and cost cutting.
Barry Callebaut shares stood 0.4% higher at SFr658.50 in morning
trade.
10:12 UK, 30th November 2009, by Agrimoney.com
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