Baronie acquires Chocolaterie Duc d’O

Baronie, a leading European manufacturer of chocolates, acquires Chocolaterie Duc d’O manufacturer of high quality Belgian Chocolate specialities. The acquisition provides Baronie the opportunity to further expand in the market segments of Belgian Chocolate specialities in which it is active. The Baronie Group herewith adds a unique mix of production techniques, which are complementary with regards to know-how and product portfolio. Baronie will further strengthen its position as a premier manufacturer of branded, private label and third party chocolate products in Europe. The wide assortment of products will be manufactured in its production sites across Europe and more in particular in Germany, Holland, Belgium and Switzerland.

Fons Walder, owner of the Baronie Group: "We are very pleased to be adding Duc d’O to our existing business and align our business portfolios as well as our long-term strategic objectives. Both its private label business and branded business are highly regarded in the national & international market. We welcome the employees of Duc d’O. The transaction marks the next important milestone in our group’s history. It will expand the range of products for our customers significantly and it offers opportunities to increase our distribution network and manufacturing capability for our Belgian Specialities." Parties agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction. The transaction will not affect the status of the Baronie Group as a 100% privately held independent operator.

The Belgium privately owned family company, is the parent of the Baronie - De Heer B.V. (Holland), Baronie N.V. (Belgium), Stollwerck GmbH (Germany) and Chocolate Alprose S.A. (Switzerland). Its operational base of 9 factories throughout Europe produces a wide range of chocolate products for its national and international customers. The manufacturing operations cover branded products, private label products and third party branded chocolates. The assortment ranges from everyday chocolates (Assorted Belgian Chocolates, Seashells, Dragees and Tablets) to seasonal chocolate products for Christmas and Easter. It has made Baronie a strategic partner for European major retailers.

The Belgian based (Kruibeke) chocolate manufacturer specializes in the production of truffles, mini-pralines, and liquor filled pralines. Next to the important Belgian home market, Duc d’O offers its range of branded products through a wide international distribution network in 80 countries to its customers.

www.baronie.com

www.ducdo.be