European confectioners Colian and Gubor Schokoladen have announced a “merger”, aiming to “sustainably” power the growth of the two family-owned businesses.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Just Food has asked for further details on the ownership structure of the enlarged company.
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In a joint statement issued yesterday (6 May), Gubor Schokoladen said the combination is set to create synergies in various areas including “production, logistics, purchasing and innovation”.
The combined business will operate 12 sites, with six in Germany, five in Poland and one in Ireland, supported by a workforce of approximately 4,200.
It is expected to produce nearly 85,000 tonnes of confectionery and 140 million litres of beverages annually. Just Food has asked for details on on the respective annual sales of Colian and Gubor Schokoladen.
“The merger is based on an equal partnership in which the respective strengths and competencies of both companies are strategically bundled,” the statement read.
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By GlobalDataClaus Cersovsky, the managing director of Gubor Schokoladen, said the merger will offer “customers access to a broader, more diverse product range”.
Jan Kolański, Colian’s CEO, added: “Together we can achieve even more – the synergy of competencies will enable us to respond even more effectively to market trends and consumer needs.”
Gubor Schokoladen’s products are marketed under five brands – Riegelein, Sun Rice, Gubor, Friedel, and Eichetti – with six production facilities in Germany and Poland.
The company distributes its products to approximately 50 countries, with Germany as its core market.
In December, Gubor cancelled a plan to issue a corporate bond valued at €60m ($64m). The branded and private-label manufacturer said the decision was reached following “careful consideration” as the placement volume did not meet the “company’s expectations”.
When Gubor Schokoladen announced the decision on the bond, it said it had sales of €312m ($354.7m) in its 2023/2024 fiscal year and employed around 1,700 workers.
Meanwhile, Colian, headquartered in Poland, makes sweets, spices, drinks, nuts and ice cream. The firm exports to more than 70 countries.
It acquired Irish chocolate manufacturer Lily O’Brien’s in 2018, following the purchase of British chocolate brand Elizabeth Shaw in 2016.
In 2021, it brought together Lily O’Brien’s and Elizabeth Shaw under Colian UK.
Kolański added: “The combination of advanced processes will enable us to respond even better to the increasing needs of our customers – for whom a diverse and high-quality offering forms the basis of successful cooperation.
“The fact that both companies are guided by family values and rely on partnerships reinforces my conviction that this is a very good step for both sides.”
