Wessanen to buy organic food firm France Alter Eco

Dutch food firm Wessanen has entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire organic and fair-trade food manufacturer France Alter Eco from a group of private investors for an undisclosed amount.

France Alter Eco is involved in the manufacture of organic and fair trade products such as chocolate, coffee, tea and juices.

The company’s products are marketed in the grocery, independent stores and out-of-home channels under its Alter Eco brand.

Headquartered in Paris, France Alter Eco generated revenues of €16.5m in 2012.

The acquisition, which is subject to certain closing conditions, is expected to be completed in early June and does not include France Alter Eco’s activities in North America.

Following the acquisition, France Alter Eco will become part of Distriborg, the French operations of Wessanen, the leading organic food firm that owns well-known brands such as Bjorg, Bonneterre, Evernat and Gayelord Hauser.

Wessanen stated that Alter Eco is a welcome addition to its existing brands and the acquisition is part of the company’s commitment to providing organic foods.

Wessanen chief executive officer Piet Hein Merckens said that France Alter Eco’s brands complement the brands of Wessanen’s French business.

"After having taken Clipper on board early 2012, this acquisition will be another milestone in the execution of our strategy of strengthening our European leadership in organic food," Merckens added.

Wessanen has reported a 1.1% increase in revenues to €172.5m for the first quarter of 2013, while EBIT increased to €9.3m, compared with €2.9m in 2012.

Royal Wessanen, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, produces and markets organic foods, frozen snacks, cocktail mixers and fruit drinks in France, the Benelux, the UK, Germany, Italy, and internationally.

It offers a range of products such as biscuits, bread replacers, cereals, spreads, sweet spreads, juices, condiments, bouillon, meal components and ready meals, among others.

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Image: Wessanen stated that France Alter Eco will complement its existing brands, which include Bjorg, Bonneterre, Evernat and Gayelord Hauser. Photo courtesy of Royal Wessanen nv.