Univeg, the Belgium-based fresh produce supplier, and US group Chiquita have confirmed the sale of Atlanta AG to Univeg following the receipt of European competition authority approval.
Current supervisory board members from Atlanta have been released from their duties with immediate effect, and have been replaced by Univeg CEO Hein Deprez, Erik Vanderhaegen (representative of the Univeg group) and Mark Hoenike (partner at Allen & Overy).
'The acquisition of this leading German fruit and vegetable trading company proves Univeg's continued commitment to delivering added value to our customers,' said Mr Deprez. 'Moreover, we can optimise our infrastructure and benefit from the customer service capabilities and quality assurance system of Atlanta in Germany and Austria.'
Chiquita confirmed that the €65m (US$92m) deal included a long-term agreement whereby Atlanta will continue to serve as Chiquita's preferred supplier of banana ripening and distribution services in Germany, Austria and Denmark.
