After receiving the necessary approval of the Ministry of International Trade & Industry of Malaysia, Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, announced today the closing of its acquisition of a 60%- stake in KLK Cocoa in Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad. 

KLK Cocoa will now change its name to Barry Callebaut Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The experienced management team of KLK Cocoa, under the leadership of BY Ng, will transfer to Barry Callebaut Malaysia.

The acquisition of a stake in KLK Cocoa gives Barry Callebaut a strong basis to further expand its footprint in Asia-Pacific, a region offering significant growth potential.

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About Barry Callebaut: 

With annual sales of more than CHF 4 billion for fiscal year 2006/07, 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 25 countries, operates about 40 production facilities and employs approximately 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. It also provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing.