Metro Group has acquired premium food supplier Rungis Express as part of its efforts to expand its wholesale business and reposition itself as a multichannel retail company.
The deal, which is subject to approval from antitrust authorities and supervisory bodies, will see Metro acquire not only Rungis Express’s business in six countries, but also its logistics activities.
Metro described Rungis Express as a leader in the field of foodservice distribution, and said that it would retain its independence after the takeover.
Pieter C. Boone, a member of Metro AG’s management board and CEO of Metro Cash & Carry, commented, "The acquisition of Rungis Express represents an important step for Metro Cash & Carry on its way towards becoming the leading multichannel foodservice provider in Germany."
He added that the collaboration would allow Metro to further drive its expansion in the foodservice distribution sector in Germany.
"By combining the strengths of both partners, we are developing Metro Cash & Carry Germany into an increasingly important partner and service provider for numerous customers from the hospitality sector, who expect competent delivery and advice from a modern wholesale company," he said.
Christian Helms, member of the board and CEO of Rungis Express, added, "Metro Group is the ideal partner for Rungis Express because our organisational independence is retained and because we see good opportunities for mutual growth in the future."
Both parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the transaction.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jenny Whelan. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
