Belgium-based Delacre said Ferrero had completed the acquisition of the Delacre and Delichoc biscuit brands from United Biscuits. 

A Ferrero-affiliated entity has completed the acquisition of the manufacturers of Delacre and Délichoc biscuit brands, N.V. Biscuits Delacre S.A. and United Biscuits Industries SAS (together “Delacre”), from United Biscuits, which is part of the global biscuits and confectionery company owned by Yildiz, Pladis.

As part of the transaction, the Ferrero-affiliated entity will take over all production facilities as well as retain the management and the employees of the businesses.  

The Ferrero-affiliated entity had made an offer in July to acquire the two biscuit brands through a private investment vehicle of its owner, the Ferrero family. It said last month it expected to finalise the deal by mid-December.

The acquisition aims to move the Italian confectioner into the premium biscuit sector and reduce its reliance on chocolate products.

United Biscuits is controlled by Yildiz Holding, the Turkish owner of Godiva chocolate and McVitie’s biscuits, which this year set up London-based Pladis to boost its exposure to international markets and investors. 

Ferrero has appointed Jerome Gregoire, currently head of the company’s operations in Greece, Cyprus and Malta, as managing director at Delacre, the biscuit-maker it has just bought from United Biscuits.

Delacre said that a Ferrero-affiliated entity would take over all of its production facilities and retain current management and staff. Ferrero and Delacre both declined to disclose the financial details of the deal when contacted by British Baker.

Delacre’s sales were €120 million ($128m) last year, with the majority coming from Belgium and France. The Belgian group also has a presence in the US and Canada.