Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s leading manufacturer of cocoa and chocolate products, is in negotiations with Imhoff Industrie-Holding AG about the possible acquisition of Stollwerck AG, headquartered in Cologne, one of the leading German chocolate manufacturers.

Barry Callebaut will communicate comprehensively at the given point in time. For the time being, it is not possible to give any further information.

About Barry Callebaut:
Annual sales of CHF 2.5 billion in fiscal year 2000/01 make Barry Callebaut the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products. The company processes 14% of the global cocoa harvest, operates 24 production facilities in 17 countries and employs about 5,000 people. The company is divided into the four strategic business areas Risk Management, Sourcing & Semi-Finished Products (Cocoa & Sourcing), Food Manufacturers (Chocolate for Industrial Clients), Food Service (Gourmet & Specialties) and Consumer Products in select niches and distribution channels.