Belgian family company Univeg has announced the acquisition of Katopé International, dependent on a favourable decision from competition authorities.
The takeover of Katopé will enable Univeg to increase its average annual turnover of €1.8 billion (£1.2bn) to €2bn, and make it Europe’s second-largest player in the fruit and veg sector.
“The directors of Katopé International will remain at the helm of the company, and there will be no impact on jobs, as both groups are complementary in their activities,” said a statement from the two firms.
Univeg, which bought Italian firm Bocchi in April 2006, has a presence in 22 countries on all continents and is involved in fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants, as well as high-care products and logistical operations. Univeg currently has an average turnover of €1.8 billion (£1.2 bn).
Katopé started life as Malet, a French firm specialising in fruit and veg wholesale, which in 1981 became Malet-Azoulay and changed its focus to imports and distribution. In 2001, the company became known as Katopé International, and since then has made numerous acquisitions itself, including French firm Agrisol and Costa Rican business Royal Coast Tropical Fruit Company. Katopé has a presence in South Africa, Brazil, the UK and Spain, and in 2006-07 generated a turnover of €220m.
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