Barry Callebaut closes acquisition of Burton’s chocolate manufacturing assets

Swiss company Barry Callebaut has closed the acquisition of Burton’s Biscuit Company’s chocolate manufacturing assets in Moreton, Wirral, UK.

The acquisition was completed after receipt of regulatory approval and meeting of all the closing conditions. Financial details of the transaction have not been divulged by both companies.

In September, Barry Callebaut signed an agreement to acquire assets of Burton’s chocolate factory.

At the time of the announcement of the acquisition, Barry Callebaut Group CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “We are delighted to strengthen the collaboration with our longstanding customer Burton’s and to further support a great British brand.

“This transaction is an excellent example of the power of long-term partnerships and outsourcing. It is also a clear sign of our commitment to support the growth of our business in the UK market.”

The company expects to further expand its manufacturing capacity in the UK.

All existing employees engaged in the manufacture of chocolate at the facility will now be transferred to Barry Callebaut.

In September, Barry Callebaut agreed to supply more than 12,000t of chocolate and compound to Burton’s for a long-term period.

Barry Callebaut is on an expansion spree.

In October, Barry Callebaut expanded its presence in the Russian market with the signing an agreement to acquire business-to-business (B2B) producer of chocolate and coatings Inforum. Financial details of this deal were not disclosed by the companies.