Emmi AG
 

Media release

 

 

International presence

 

Emmi increases stake in Centrale Laitière de Mahdia

 

 

Lucerne, 10 January 2018Kaiku, an Emmi subsidiary based in San Sebastián (Spain), is increasing its stake in Centrale Laitière de Mahdia SA (Vitalait), based in Mahdia (Tunisia), from 45.4 % to 54.7 %. As a result, Emmi, which holds 73.4 % of shares in Kaiku, will have a 40.2 % stake in Centrale Laitière de Mahdia SA. In a second step in 2021, the stake will be increased by another 9.34 %.

 

 

Strengthening its international presence is part of Emmi’s strategy. Tunisia plays an important role in this as the company’s fourth-largest international market.

 

Emmi has held a stake in the Kaiku Group since 2006, with the latter holding a stake in Centrale Laitière de Mahdia SA (Vitalait) since 2012. The Tunisian company sells its products under the Vitalait brand. Kaiku’s other main markets are Spain and Chile.

 

 

Two-stage increase in stake

 

Emmi and the other shareholders of Kaiku have decided to increase the stake in Vitalait in two steps of 9.34 % each, from 45.4 % to first 54.7 % and later to 64.0 %.

 

As a result, Emmi, which holds 73.4 % of shares in Kaiku, will have a 40.2 % stake in Centrale Laitière de Mahdia SA after the first step. After the second step, due in the first half of 2021, Emmi's stake will be 47.1 %.

 

 

Strong position in Tunisia

 

Vitalait is the number 2 in dairy products in Tunisia. The company has grown steadily in recent years and has markedly improved its portfolio. Aside from drinking milk, it currently also produces yogurt, yogurt drinks and desserts.

 

The increase in stake underlines Emmi’s and Kaiku’s commitment to the growing Tunisian market. The transactions will not affect Emmi’s EBIT or sales, as Vitalait is already fully consolidated.

 

The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or any other details of the contract. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Tunisian authorities.

 

 

 

Contacts

 

Analysts: Esther Gerster, Head of Group Communications & IR, t +41 58 227 50 69, esther.gerster@emmi.com

 

Media: Sibylle Umiker, Group Communications & IR, Head of Media Relations, t +41 58 227 50 66, media@emmi.com

 

 

 

Downloads and further information

 
Website Kaiku (ES)
Facebook page Vitalait (FR)
Youtube channel Vitalait (FR)
Picture - Vitalait - building
Picture - Vitalait - production
Picture - Vitalait - product
Pictures Vitalait (production, products)
Media release participation Emmi in Kaiku (July 2012)
Article participation Kaiku in Vitalait (FR, 2012)
Media release (PDF)
General pictures Emmi
 

 

 

About Vitalait

Centrale Laitière de Mahdia is the number 2 in dairy products in Tunisia, producing milk, yogurts, yogurt drinks and desserts. It generates sales of around CHF 140 million and employs some 785 staff.

 

About Emmi

Emmi is the leading Swiss milk processor and one of the most innovative premium dairies in Europe. In Switzerland, the company focuses on the development, production and marketing of a full range of dairy and fresh products as well as the production, ageing and trade of mainly Swiss cheeses. Outside Switzerland, Emmi concentrates on brand concepts and specialities in established European and North American markets, and increasingly in emerging markets outside of Europe. The primary focus in fresh products is on lifestyle, convenience and health products. In the cheese business, Emmi positions itself as the leading company worldwide for Swiss cheese. Emmi’s customers are the retail trade, the hospitality and food service sector and the food industry. 

In Switzerland, the Emmi Group includes around 25 production sites of every size. Abroad, Emmi and its subsidiaries have a presence in 13 countries, seven of which have production facilities. Emmi exports products from Switzerland to around 60 countries. 

In 2016, Emmi posted net sales of CHF 3,259 million and a net profit of CHF 140 million. In the first half of 2017, it generated sales of CHF 1,600 million and a net profit of CHF 66 million. The company employs nearly 5,900 staff (full-time equivalents), of which 3,000 in Switzerland.