Netherlands-based wholesaler Sligro Food Group has announced that it is proceeding with its acquisition of Heineken's Dutch wholesale operations, following approval from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).
In May, the company said that it had reached a 'strategic partnership' with the drinks firm, which would see Heineken sell the wholesale operations of its other food and non-food ranges, including soft drinks, waters, spirits, wines, tea and coffee, to Sligro – a move that will boost the latter's sales by around €150 million.
In return, Sligro will process, store and deliver Heineken's beer and cider orders placed by the Dutch hospitality sector.
Strategic Step
“It’s fantastic that two leading players in the foodservice market are willing to reach out to one another in this way," said Koen Slippens, Sligro Food Group's chief executive.
"This is a significant, strategic step for both organisations, and one in which we are clearly opting for quality and maximum service to our customers."
Sligro says that the ACM approval is 'an important step towards finalising the transaction', which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
