Orkla Food Ingredients Acquires Sonneveld Group

The strong combination of Sonneveld Group and OFI companies like Odense Marcipan, Credin, Dragsbæk, Idun and Kåkå, will give possibilities for both competence and product flows.

29 Apr 2010 --- Orkla Food Ingredients (OFI) based in Oslo Norway, has acquired the shares in Sonneveld Group B.V., based in Papendrecht, the Netherlands, including all subsidiaries.

There is a strong strategic fit between the two groups. Sonneveld is an innovative company focused on bread improvers, mixes and release agents, whereas OFI has a broad range of bakery ingredients.

OFI has a decentralized business model, preferring to build competence and make decisions close to the customers. Hence Sonneveld will remain Sonneveld, where ambitions, involvement, creativity, professionalism and enthusiasm work well with innovative bakery ingredients. The existing Management Team and Managing Director will guarantee continued innovations, stable quality and a high service level that distinguish the company today.

The strong combination of Sonneveld Group and OFI companies like Odense Marcipan, Credin, Dragsbæk, Idun and Kåkå, will give possibilities for both competence and product flows. This new ownership represents new opportunities in particular in the patisserie sector, that will benefit both Sonneveld and its customer in the future, says Cees Hack, Managing Director.

OFI is among the top players in Europe in bakery supply, with subsidiaries in 17 European countries. OFI is part of the Orkla Group, one of the largest listed companies in Norway with a turnover of 7 billion Euros. Orkla operates in branded consumer goods, aluminium, materials, renewable energy and financial investments and the group is present in Europe and all over the world.

Jørn Unneberg, CEO of OFI expresses that the acquisition of Sonneveld Group will strengthen OFI. New people with passion, competence and application know how will be added in important areas for our customers. Sonneveld represents a leading edge in bread improvers and release agents and has good market positions in several new markets. Products know how, formulation expertise, top equipped and staffed application center and a modern and flexible production facility represent a strong base for further growth.

The takeover is due to approval of the Dutch Competition Authority.