Europe’s Lantmännen Unibake acquires French Bakery Company

European bakery group Lantmännen Unibake has expanded its presence in Norway by acquiring production assets from French Bakery Company, a Norwegian bakery located close to Drammen.

Financial details of the deal are yet to be divulged by either company.

Lantmännen Unibake CEO Werner Devinck said: “French Bakery Company is a modern bakery with high bake-off expertise and quality standards. Geographically, the bakery is well-positioned for our current Norwegian operations and fits into our strategy and ambition.

“Building on our focus on sustainability from field to fork, locally produced bakery products and short time-to-market, we believe there is a very good potential to grow the business further and continue to deliver great results.”

As part of the deal, Lantmännen Unibake acquired French Bakery’s production equipment and employees.

With this deal, Lantmännen Unibake not only aims to establish itself in the Norwegian market but also intends to offer new products for foodservice and retail segments.

Additionally, the transaction is expected to help Lantmännen Unibake’s local bakeries, supporting the group’s focus on core markets and sustainable production.

Lantmännen Unibake Norway managing director Thomas Bjarkholm said: “Lantmännen Unibake Norway sees strong growth potential for bake-off products in Norway and our focus is to meet the needs of our foodservice and retail customers.

“With increased flexibility, tailor-made and locally produced products, the acquisition will expand our current offer.

“It enables our business to strengthen our sustainability efforts through locally sourced raw materials and locally produced products, while also supporting our target to reduce the CO₂ footprint through shorter transportation distances.”

Last March, Lantmännen agreed to acquire Tate & Lyle’s Sweden-based oat ingredients business.

The companies did not disclose the financial details of the transaction.

As part of this acquisition, Lantmännen acquired an oat mill with a 55,000t capacity and an oat ingredients manufacturing facility located in Kimstad outside Norrköping.