Austrian private cheese company Rupp has acquired Spanish family-owned peer Juan Martinez for an undisclosed sum.
Both companies manufacture and supply cheese to the retail and foodservice channels, as well as dairy ingredients to B2B customers.
Juan Martinez operates a production facility in Siero, Asturias, for processed cheeses, creams and vegetarian and vegan offerings. The range includes Castilian blended cheeses, Edam, Gouda, mozzarella, and various blue cheeses.
In a statement on LinkedIn, Rupp said the integration of the two companies would lead to “strong synergies” in the “growing” cheese categories.
The acquisition is part of Rupp’s strategy to expand in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal.
As part of the deal, Juan Martinez will maintain its brand and workforce, handling all Rupp operations in the two markets.
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By GlobalDataSara Martinez, who will continue as managing director of Juan Martinez, said: “We’re keeping our team, our brands, our way of doing things well, and our deep commitment to our land.
“Thanks to this partnership, we are in an even better position to grow and look to the future, from right here, with even more drive and ambition.”
Rupp said it is pursuing growth through organic sales initiatives across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as through strategic investments in new production facilities, such as the one established in Boherbue, Ireland, in June this year.
The company said it is also actively exploring “external” growth opportunities. As well as Ireland and Austria, Rupp operates production sites in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and China.
According to information on Rupp’s website, the company produces 70,000 tonnes of cheese annually for 65 countries and employs over 950 individuals globally.
