Emmi to acquire J. L. Freeman

Emmi is set to acquire 100% of the shares of J. L. Freeman, Canada’s leading importer of speciality cheese, primarily from Switzerland.

The move comes as part of Emmi’s ongoing plans to strengthen its position in North America. Planned measures include making more targeted use of resources to bolster its position in the speciality cheese business, hence the acquisition of J. L. Freeman Limited Partnership Cheese Import and Distribution Operation.

J. L. Freeman generates sales of around CAD 38 million (almost CHF 35 million) and employs 18 members of staff. The company will continue to operate independently and under the leadership of its current management.

Emmi’s CEO Urs Riedener says, ‘ J. L. Freeman is an established, profitable company which has been working successfully with Emmi for almost 60 years. Its leading position in the import of speciality cheeses offers an excellent marketing opportunity for Swiss cheese varieties and specialities such as Kaltbach and Swiss Fondue.’

The acquisition is planned for the first quarter of 2015 and will enter into force once the necessary official authorisations from the Canadian government have been issued.