Nestlé to Acquire Majority Participation in Malher Group in Guatemala

Malher’s extensive product portfolio, combined with its excellent product distribution all over Guatemala, fits perfectly with Nestlé’s strategy to expand in emerging markets.

Aug 10 2010 --- Nestlé and Malher announced an agreement for Nestlé to become the majority shareholder of the Guatemalan group. Malher manufactures, markets and distributes culinary products and powdered beverages under leading brands such as Malher, Yus and Toki. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Financial details of the agreement are not disclosed.

Malher – which owns two factories and four distribution centres has more than 50 years successful commercial presence in Guatemala and is also present in other Central American countries, the Caribbean and North America. Malher currently employs over 1,300 people who, together with the Nestlé team, will further develop the business in the region.

Thanks to this participation, Nestlé will strengthen its position in the culinary business in Guatemala and enter the powdered beverages sector. Malher’s extensive product portfolio, combined with its excellent product distribution all over Guatemala, fits perfectly with Nestlé’s strategy to expand in emerging markets.

Luis Cantarell, Executive Vice President of Nestlé’s Zone Americas, said: “Malher Group and its prestigious brands will consolidate Nestlé’s leadership in the culinary category in the Central American Region. This association will be very positive as it will complement Nestlé’s research and development expertise with Malher’s best in class product distribution in the region, allowing us to be closer to our consumers”.

Malher´s Board of Directors said: “For Malher this is an important step as the combination of Mahler’s and Nestlé’s talent will strengthen our company. This association will allow our brands to play in major leagues. Together with Nestlé, we will continue working to satisfy the needs of our consumers to bring them the best quality products”.

The CEO of Nestlé Central America, Leo Leiman said: “With over 50 years manufacturing and marketing culinary products in Guatemala and Central America, the traditional and strong Malher brands will join Nestlé, the worldwide leader in nutrition, health and wellness. This agreement shows the trust Nestlé has in the Guatemalan market where we expect an important growth in the coming years”.

With more than 70 years presence in Central America, Nestlé has an extensive portfolio of leading brands, recognized for their nutritional value and innovation. Nestlé Central American Region employs over 3,500 people and counts 6 factories, several distribution centers and offices throughout the countries of this region.