Henkell & Co. has signed an agreement to acquire 50.67% of the shares of Freixenet S.A. Additionally, an international cooperation agreement was concluded with existing shareholders – José Ferrer Sala and José Luis Bonet Ferrer.
Henkell & Co., a company of the Oetker Group producing sparkling wines, wines, and spirits, together with Freixenet S.A., will join forces to become the leading producer of sparkling wines in the world.
Both brands have strong market positions, are recognizable on the international stage, and offer a broad product portfolio, which makes them perfectly complementary.
Mionetto Prosecco is the world's leading brand of Prosecco wines, and Henkell Trocken is the leader of German exports in the sparkling wine category.
Both brands believe that what matters most is a deep understanding of tradition, while maintaining the highest quality and continuing the mission originally established.
Strategic Partnership
Strategic Partnership
The main reason for establishing cooperation between Henkell & Co. and Freixenet S.A. is the desire to open new markets and distribution channels for both companies, thus allowing them to further expand and strengthen their position in international markets and achieve sustainable growth.
"Over three generations, we have made Freixenet a world leader in cava production. In Henkell, we find a strong partner with a long-term strategy that will significantly strengthen Freixenet and help us preserve our identity and tradition – with an even greater presence in international markets in the future." – says José Luis Bonet Ferrer of Freixenet S.A.
Dr. Albert Christmann, General Partner at Dr. August Oetker KG, stated: "The Oetker Group is consistently continuing the development and expansion of its business area. With the acquisition of shares in Freixenet, we will significantly strengthen the position of our sparkling wine, wine, and spirits segment on the global market, while creating a solid foundation for sustainable and lasting growth in this business area."
Dr. Andreas Brokemper, CEO of the Henkell Group, also commented on the partnership: "Henkell and Freixenet share a strong entrepreneurial vision. We are very pleased that, as partners, we can seize the opportunities offered by the globally growing sparkling wine market. Together, we can offer our customers not only world-class expertise but also a unique range of leading, highest-quality product brands."
What does Henkell & Co. do?
The Henkell & Co. Group is represented by 21 subsidiaries in 21 countries (including Poland – Henkell Co. Polska), exporting its products to more than 100 countries worldwide. It is a market leader in the wine, sparkling wine, Prosecco, and various spirits categories in many countries. The building where Henkell was founded remains the headquarters of The Henkell & Co. Group, which owns brands such as Henkell, Mionetto, Champagne Alfred Gratien, Törley Sekt, I heart WINES, and Mangaroca Batida de Côco.
About Freixenet, S.A.
Freixenet is a family company founded in 1914, but its roots date back to 1861. It is Spain's largest beverage exporter and the world leader in cava production. The company is headquartered in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, near Barcelona. Freixenet, which owns brands such as Freixenet, Mederaño, Mia, Segura Viudas and Gloria Ferrer, has subsidiaries in 19 countries, including the USA, Argentina, China, and Australia, and exports its products to 109 countries.
Summary
Henkell & Co. is acquiring 50.67% of the shares of Freixenet S.A. — a world leader in cava production. The merger is intended to create the leading producer of sparkling wines in the world. The Henkell Group has 21 subsidiaries in 21 countries, while Freixenet operates in 19 countries. The investment is meant to strengthen the segment's position in international markets. The cooperation will allow both companies to take advantage of the globally growing sparkling wine market and preserve the Freixenet brand identity.
