Wholesale group Metro AG has announced the acquisition of Aviludo Group, the second-largest foodservice distribution player in Portugal, for an undisclosed fee.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of next year.
Aviludo Group, which is largely based in Lisbon and the tourist areas of southern Portugal, achieved sales of €152 million last year, working with independent restaurateurs, canteens and restaurant chains.
'Decisive Step'
Metro said that the acquisition marks a 'decisive step' towards becoming fully-focused on the HoReCa trade, and enables it to strengthen its position in the growing food service distribution segment.
“Following the acquisitions of Pro à Pro, Rungis Express and Classic Fine Foods in recent years, the acquisition of the Aviludo Group is a logical next step to further strengthen Metro’s expertise and reach," commented Olaf Koch, Metro chief executive.
"We are now expanding the range of services for our customers in the important Portuguese market. Thanks to Aviludo's strong position, we will strengthen our nationwide presence in Portugal and we can offer our customers real added value in products and services, hence becoming very well positioned for further growth.”
Strong Position
In 2019, Aviludo generated sales of around €152 million, and the company boasts eight logistics platforms as well as four meat processing facilities and a fleet of more than 180 trucks.
Following the acquisition, it will remain 'broadly independent', and will maintain its current brand, Metro said in a statement.
“With Metro AG we found the right partner to accelerate our growth and enhance our commercial offer while at the same time preserving Aviludo’s success formula and greatest assets, our people and culture," commented José Ressurreição, co-founder and CEO of Aviludo.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
