Japanese confectioner Lotte is in talks to join forces with Spanish chocolate group Natra in a move to acquire Barry Callebaut’s German branded chocolate unit, Stollwerck.
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At the beginning of March, Barry Callebaut signalled its desire to focus on business-to-business chocolate with a deal to transfer its consumer chocolate division to Natra.
The Swiss firm said it wanted to concentrate on its “core” business with industrial and artisanal customers.
Lotte has now confirmed that it is negotiating with Natra to entered the buyout talks in a bid to further expand its business in Europe.
It is understood that Lotte’s proposed investment stands at tens of billions of yen.
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By GlobalDataUnder the proposed agreement, it is believed that Barry Callebaut will partly capitalise the joint company formed by Lotte and Natra.
Barry Callebaut will also continue to provide ingredients for Stollwerck.
Stollwerck produces a number of well-known brands, including Alpia, Sarotti, Schwarze Herren Schokolade, Eszet-Slices and Alprose.
Neither Barry Callebaut nor Natra could be reached for comment at time of press.
