After nearly 80 years as a successful family business, Rudolf Wild GmbH & Co KG will begin a new phase. The owner, Dr Hans-Peter Wild, has now taken the first step on the way to becoming a public company, a decision initially taken in 2008.
As of 1 January 2010, he sold shares of the German flavours and ingredients business to KKR, including the subsidiaries in a total of 11 countries.
It has been agreed that the currently successful operational business will continue to be managed by the Wild management. There will be no changes in the top management.
This strategic partnership will allow Wild to tap into the capital markets and financing sources that have previously been unavailable, thereby driving more rapid growth of its business.
“KKR is a strong partner with extensive global expertise, and will assist Wild in its focused expansion and strengthening of our businesses going forward,” said Dr Hans-Peter Wild.
“The strategic partnership between KKR and Wild is an innovative type of private equity transaction that will facilitate significant growth opportunities worldwide,” said Johannes Huth, European head of KKR. “We’re excited to be Wild’s partner of choice during this exciting growth stage.”
The fruit preparation businesses of Rudolf Wild GmbH & Co KG in Germany, France and Poland will not be affected by the announced transaction. Deutsche SiSi Werke with its leading brand Capri-Sonne/Capri-Sun and Indag (the technology centre of Wild) will continue to be fully owned by Dr Wild.
Source: Wild
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024