Emmi, the largest Swiss milk processor, has long been recognized in Switzerland for its caffè latte, cheese, and yogurts. However, the company has been heavily active abroad for many years, generating almost 60 percent of its group sales abroad. Emmi’s focus on niches rather than mass business has allowed it to take a leading market position in specialized products.
In an effort to further strengthen its specialty business, Emmi plans to acquire Mademoiselle Desserts, a French dessert manufacturer that produces high-quality pastries and supplies them to bakeries, large kitchens, and supermarkets in France, England, and the Benelux countries. The acquisition is expected to increase the importance of the dessert business within the group and expand Emmi’s share of desserts in group sales.
The acquisition is set to cost 900 million euros and will be financed with cash and loans. Stock analysts have expressed positive views on the planned takeover, noting that Mademoiselle Desserts’ margins are higher than those of the Emmi Group. While the Emmi share price rose at the start of trading following news of the acquisition plan, it is still subject to conditions such as approval from competition authorities and employee representatives in France before it can be finalized in the last quarter of 2024.
