SWITZERLAND/USA: Barry Callebaut to buy Brach's Confections

By just-food.com | 1 September 2003

Swiss industrial chocolate maker Barry Callebaut has said it is to buy US-based Brach's Confections from KJ Jacobs for US$16m in assumed debt.

The deal, which is due to close this month, will give Barry Callebaut a foothold in the US confectionery market, the company said.

Barry Callebaut will also provide Brach's with funding to cover the remainder of its restructuring costs to a maximum of $48m over the next four to five years.

Barry Callebaut said the acquisition would give the company access to new distribution channels and the opportunity to strengthen and to extend relationships with large retailers in the US.

"The combination of Barry Callebaut and Brach's will ultimately allow Barry Callebaut to build a global consumer business, meeting the needs of globally active retailers and food manufacturers," the company said.

Companies: Barry Callebaut