Emmi to acquire cheese firm Käserei Studer

Switzerland-based dairy processor Emmi has entered into an agreement to acquire Käserei Studer, a cheese producer based in Amriswil, eastern Switzerland, for an undisclosed amount.

The acquisition is part of Emmi’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading provider of Swiss cheese in Switzerland and internationally.

The transaction, which is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities, is expected to allow Emmi to expand its offering in the speciality cheese segment.

Käserei Studer, established in 1929, produces and distributes a selected range of semi-hard and hard cheese specialities, which are sold primarily in Switzerland and Germany.

The company, which has been run by the same family for three generations, reported sales of approximately CHF20m ($21.45m) in 2012.

Käserei Studer’s leading product is ‘Der Scharfe Maxx’, a tangy semi-hard cheese matured over a period of six months, which is popular in Switzerland and Germany.

Its other products include Wälle Chäs, a semi-hard cheese matured over five months; Le Baron, a semi-hard cheese matured over 12 months; Alter Schweizer, a hard cheese matured over ten months; Maxx 365, a hard cheese matured over 365 days; and Appenzeller.

Commenting on the deal, Emmi chief executive officer Urs Riedener said that Käserei Studer has excellent know-how in the production of speciality cheeses.

"Emmi can help the company expand sales internationally. This is a win-win situation for both parties," Riedener added.

Emmi noted that it can use its distribution infrastructure and client network in over 60 countries to help Käserei Studer secure further growth.

Käserei Studer will also be able to take advantage Emmi’s know-how in pre-packaging and the manufacture of additional formats, the company said.

The acquisition includes Käserei Studer’s staff of over 30 (24 on a full-time-equivalent basis).

Following the acquisition, Käserei Studer will continue to operate independently in the market and produce its cheeses in eastern Switzerland.

Käserei Studer CEO Daniel Studer and the executive management team will remain with the company.

Emmi, headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, is engaged in the production and marketing of dairy products such as cheese, including hard, semi-hard, soft cheese, fondue, raclette, fresh cheese, mozzarella, and processed cheese.

It serves customers in the retail, wholesale, catering, hospitality and food industries, and has annual revenues of CHF2.7bn ($2.9bn).