Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, said today it closed the acquisition of Spanish chocolate maker Chocovic from the Nederland Group after receiving the respective approval from the Spanish competition authorities.

The two parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction.

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Barry Callebaut:
With annual sales of about CHF 4.9 billion / EUR 3.2 billion for fiscal year 2008/09, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate – from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the store shelf. Barry Callebaut is present in 26 countries, operates about 40 production facilities and employs about 7,500 people. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), to global retailers. Barry Callebaut is the global leader in cocoa and chocolate innovations and provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing. The company is actively engaged in initiatives and projects that contribute to a more sustainable cocoa supply chain.