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Swiss herbal confectionery company Ricola Group is set to expand its production capabilities by acquiring a manufacturing plant in Lenzburg from Hero Group.

This move aims to address production limitations at Ricola's facility in Laufen and meet increasing global demand for its products.

The acquisition includes part of the existing production infrastructure, offices and a staff restaurant. Ricola will take over the entire plant due to similarities in production technologies with Hero. However, Hero will retain ownership of its round office building, and both companies will share the staff restaurant.

According to the company, Ricola, known for its herbal cough drops, has seen significant growth, particularly in the USA, where it leads the market. The company also reports strong performance in Europe and Asia, with the latter experiencing double-digit growth rates. All Ricola products are manufactured in Switzerland and exported to 50 countries worldwide.

Thomas P Meier, CEO of Ricola Group, said: “We are very pleased to be able to expand our capacities in Switzerland with the production plant in Lenzburg, allowing us to continue meeting the rapidly growing international demand for our products into the future."

Despite the new acquisition, Laufen will remain Ricola's headquarters and primary production site.

Rob Versloot, CEO of Hero Group, added: "We are proud to have found in Ricola the perfect buyer for our production plant in Lenzburg. Hero's headquarters will, of course, remain at the birthplace of our company and we look forward to having Ricola as neighbours."

Ricola plans to begin operations at the Lenzburg site in early 2026, creating up to 40 new jobs and potentially employing specialists from Hero.

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