Barry Callebaut to buy a 60%-stake in KL-Kepong Cocoa Products Sdn Bhd

Barry Callebaut AG, Zürich, and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK), a Malaysia-based multinational company involved in plantations, manufacturing, retailing and property development, announced that they have entered into an agreement whereby KLK will sell 60% of its wholly-owned subsidiary KLK Cocoa to Barry Callebaut. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Ministry of International Trade & Industry of Malaysia and is expected to close by the end of April 2008. KLK Cocoa will then change its name to Barry Callebaut Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Barry Callebaut).


KLK Cocoa is one of Asia s leading cocoa and chocolate manufacturers and has annual sales of RM 500 m (USD 150 m). Partnership will allow Barry Callebaut to tap into KLK Cocoa s strong local expertise and established cocoa business in Asia while KLK Cocoa will be able to leverage its business to a broader and global platform. The experienced management team of KLK Cocoa will transfer to Barry Callebaut, and Barry Callebaut will assume responsibility for Barry Callebaut Malaysia. The partnership will allow Barry Callebaut to benefit from KLK Cocoa s strong local expertise and to tap into its established cocoa business in Malaysia while KLK Cocoa will be able to leverage its business to a broader and global platform.