Reykjavik, 28 April 2008, Bakkavör Group has acquired a 45% share in Hong Kong's leading producer of premium bakery and pastry products, La Rose Noire, with a call option to acquire an additional 45% share in 2010 and a 90% share in the company's Chinese operation in 2011. The consideration price, which remains confidential, was financed by Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited. La Rose Noire specialises in supplying retailers and food service companies in Hong Kong and across China with high-quality bakery and pastry products as well as exporting a range of its products to New Zealand, Thailand, India, the USA and Dubai. The Company was founded in Hong Kong in 1991 as a retail patisserie and subsequently opened a factory in 1994. In 2004, La Rose Noire expanded its operations with the opening of a factory in southern China. Today, La Rose Noire employs approximately 250 people in Hong Kong and 220 in China. In 2007, the turnover of the Company amounted to US$12 million in Hong Kong and to US$4 million in China. La Rose Noire will be accounted for as an associate company from the acquisition date. The acquisition will not have a material effect on the Group's financial results. Ágúst Gudmundsson, CEO: “I am pleased to announce our second investment in Hong Kong this year. La Rose Noire is a strong business with an excellent management team that has over 16 years experience in the food industry in Hong Kong. This investment further strengthens our presence in the region, broadens our product portfolio and will also be an excellent platform for further growth and expansion into other Asian countries in the near future.” Further Information: Ágúst Gudmundsson, CEO Tel: +354 550 9700 Ásdís Pétursdóttir, IR Tel: +354 858 9715 About Bakkavör Group Bakkavör Group is a leading international food manufacturing company specialising in fresh prepared foods and produce. The Group operates 63 factories and employs around 20,000 people in 10 countries. The Group's Head Office is in Reykjavík, Iceland, and the business is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange in Iceland. (Ticker: BAKK). The Group's vision is to be recognised and respected as the world's leading fresh prepared foods and produce provider. Bakkavör Group has attained leading market positions in its key market areas. In total, the Group makes over 6,000 products in 18 product categories, which are developed and sold predominantly under its customers' own brands. In addition to the UK and Iceland, the Group also has business operations in France, Belgium,Italy, Spain, South Africa, China, the Czech Republic and the United States. To subscribe to Bakkavör Group's mailing list, please mail to: investor.relations@bakkavor.com
Bakkavör Group acquires a 45% share in Hong Kong's leading producer of premium bakery and pastry products
| Source: Bakkavör Group hf.