Natra and Barry Callebaut Sign a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Combination of Their European Consumer Chocolate Businesses

The combination of the two businesses would create a significant private label and third-party chocolate products maker in Europe with estimated annual sales of around EUR 850 million/CHF 1,270 million, according to pro forma combined figures for 2008, a share of 2.0% of the entire European cocoa and chocolate market and a pro forma production output of around 215,000 tonnes in 2008.

03/03/09 The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby Barry Callebaut would transfer its consumer chocolate division, Stollwerck, to Natra. Natra, as a result of the transaction, would become a significant private label chocolate maker in Europe with 2008 pro forma sales of around EUR 850 million/CHF 1,270 million. Barry Callebaut would focus on its core business with industrial and artisanal customers while becoming a minority shareholder of Natra. Barry Callebaut would supply a minimum of 85,000 tonnes p.a. of liquid chocolate to Natra under a long-term outsourcing contract. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, in particular secured long-term financing.

NATRA, European reference private label chocolate player, and BARRY CALLEBAUT, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the possible integration of Barry Callebaut's European consumer chocolate business (Stollwerck) into Natra.

The combination of the two businesses would create a significant private label and third-party chocolate products maker in Europe with estimated annual sales of around EUR 850 million/CHF 1,270 million, according to pro forma combined figures for 2008, a share of 2.0% of the entire European cocoa and chocolate market and a pro forma production output of around 215,000 tonnes in 2008.