Puratos has acquired 100% of Diamant, one of the leading bakery ingredient producers in Central Europe, from Werhahn Group. As well as being one of the leading bakery ingredient producers in Austria, Diamant also has a strong market presence in Poland and the Czech Republic, and is available throughout Central & Eastern Europe through distributors/partners under its own brand or via private label. The acquisition price is not being disclosed, as is customary for Puratos.
“This acquisition will help us increase our presence on the Austrian market, and strengthen our already strong position in Central & Eastern Europe. An experienced team and a solid manufacturing unit in Austria itself, and the long-time presence of Diamant on the market, will allow us to further grow our sales in a region which is very influential in the rest of Central & Eastern Europe,” says Daniel Malcorps, Chief Executive Officer of Puratos.
“With the acquisition of Diamant, we are extremely pleased to double the size of our business in Poland and the Czech Republic. We believe to be able to become a true & complete business development partner for the Austrian bakers, chocolatiers & patissiers, with a strong local presence and excellent services, including the innovation center in Wels. In Poland and the Czech Republic, we will be able to offer a wider product and service range to the customers, as we will unite & build on the strengths of both Diamant & Puratos in these countries” says Piet Sanders, Markets Director for Northern & Eastern Europe at Puratos.
Sanders told FoodIngredientsFirst: “As Puratos is a relatively small player on the Austrian market, we saw this as a major opportunity to increase our presence there. Furthermore, we can double our size in the Czech Republic, and grow substantially our market share in Poland, where Diamant has a direct sales approach towards the customers, every time with a very compatible product range.”
“Diamant has been an integral part of the Werhahn group for over 20 years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the management and all employees for the passion and enthusiasm they have demonstrated for the bakery ingredients business during this time. As the Werhahn Group has now decided to focus on its three core divisions: Building Materials, Consumer Goods and Financial Services, we are very happy to have found in Puratos, a successor who shares our values as a family business. As part of a growing and dynamic worldwide business, we know they will provide Diamant with outstanding development opportunities in the future,” says Anton Werhahn, CEO of Werhahn.
With more than 50 years of expertise, Diamant is headquartered in Wels, Austria, and employs more than 150 people. Founded 175 years ago as a diversified family business, Werhahn has developed into a corporate group with a diverse array of activities, both in Germany and abroad. A close relationship with markets and customers, reliability and social responsibility are the values that the family-run business has always practiced and maintained. Werhahn continues to be one-hundred percent family- owned and resides in Neuss.
Source: Food Ingredients First
