Finland's Kesko has acquired foodservice wholesaler Heinon Tukku Oy from the family-owned company Tukkuheino Oy and private individuals.
This acquisition enables Kesko to execute its growth strategy and expand its range in the growing foodservice market.
Kesko's grocery trade division already operates the Kespro wholesale business, and provides foodservice solutions to hotels, restaurants and public sector customers across Finland.
Net Sales
Kespro employs 500 people, and the business recorded net sales of €872 million last year.
Heinon Tukku, meanwhile, has 450 employees and is one of the leading foodservice market operators in the greater Helsinki region.
In 2018, Heinon Tukku and Kalavaprikki Oy, a company which specialises in fish processing, posted combined net sales of €264 million.
Cash & Carry
Heinon Tukku will benefit from Kespro's current 14 cash and carry outlets across Finland, Kesko said.
Kesko will also assume ownership of Kalavapriiki Oy and the delivery and its cash and carry properties in Espoo, Helsinki, Kuopio and Vantaa.
“We continue to develop Kespro’s business in line with our strategy, said Ari Akseli, president of Kesko’s grocery trade division. "Kespro’s offering in the extensive foodservice market already includes, for example, fresh foods expertise alongside the more traditional wholesale selections."
"Heinon Tukku is an esteemed wholesale operator with over one hundred years of experience in excellent customer service. Heinon Tukku will notably improve Kespro’s ability to serve its customers also in the greater Helsinki region,” he added.
"Heinon Tukku is in good shape and has a good reputation," said Petri Heino, managing director of Tukkuheino.
"We considered it important that ownership of the company would remain in Finland, and we trust that Kesko will be a good owner for Heinon Tukku.
The acquisition is subject to approval by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority and the fulfilment of other terms and conditions, which is set to be completed during 2019.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Helen Galgey. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
