Dairy group Hochdorf is setting up a venture with infant-formula business Pharmalys Laboratories.
In a statement, the Swiss companies said they want to “accelerate” the growth of their businesses in the infant-formula sector.
Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition develops formula and baby food under brands including Bimbosan and private-label contracts.
Pharmalys, meanwhile, specialises in infant formula and has a stable of brands including Primalac, Nutrimilk and Swisslac.
There was once a shareholding relationship between the two businesses.
The new venture – called Hochdorf Laboratories – will combine Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition’s manufacturing with Pharmalys’ “brand portfolio and international distribution capabilities”, Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition told Just Food.
Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition, owned by private-equity firm AS Equity Partners, “continues its broader business activities including the infant nutrition brand Bimbosan and Babina”, the company said.
“The joint venture represents a strategic growth platform focused on infant nutrition and related activities for selected brands and geographies. Hochdorf brands Bimbosan and Babina, amongst others, are not part of the joint venture.”
The venture was described as “led” by Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition and the company declined to comment on the details of the ownership structure.
In the statement announcing the deal, AS Equity Partners managing partner Andreas Schulte said the venture “represents a decisive step forward in our vision for Hochdorf”.
He added: “AS Equity Partners remains committed to providing the strategic and financial backing necessary to ensure this venture delivers long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Pharmalys chairman Amir Mechria said: “By bridging Hochdorf’s industrial excellence with Pharmalys’ commercial strength, we are creating a high-performance platform poised for international expansion.”
