Lantmännen Cerealia: becomes Norway’s pasta leader

Stockholm / SE. (lc) Lantmännen Cerealia AB, one of the food companies that make up Lantmännen, is acquiring the Norwegian pasta brand Sopps from Rieber + Son ASA, making Lantmännen the market leader in pasta in Norway. The Sopps acquisition will make Lantmännen Cerealia AB, which is the Swedish market leader in pasta through its Kungsörnen brand, the market leader in pasta in Norway as well. Sopps is a strong brand with 60 million NOK in annual revenue. «This deal will make us the market leader in one more market in the Nordic countries, and will provide us with a larger portfolio as well as a stronger offering for the retail market in Norway. There are also future synergies to be found, connected to our own production and product development. Lantmännen Cerealia is the leading producer of pasta in the Nordic countries», said Business Area Manager Magnus Johansson. The Norwegian food company Rieber + Son ASA is selling off Sopps in order to focus on its core business. The purchase includes the brand and current inventory. The deal is expected to become effective at the beginning of 2010, provided that it is approved by the Norwegian Competition Authority.