Corporate | 22 July 2008 15:35
AURELIUS AG / Acquisition
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• Acquisition of 75.1 % of the ordinary shares of Berentzen-Gruppe AG
• Traditional brands such as Puschkin, Doornkaat and Bommerlunder with
new dynamics
• Official takeover bid fort he acquisition of all shares
• With the largest transaction in company history AURELIUS breaks the
billion euro barrier in sales revenues
Munich, 22 July 2008. The Munich-based industrial holding AURELIUS today
agreed with the families Berentzen, Wolff, Pabst und Richarz on the
acquisition of 75.1 % of the ordinary shares of the heritage company
Berentzen. As premium beverage producer Berentzen Group is well-established
in the German market with numerous brands like Puschkin Vodka, Doornkaat,
Bommerlunder and the core brand Berentzen. Moreover, the company markets
international license brands such as Licor 43 and Linie Aquavit. As biggest
German licensee of Pepsi Cola and producer of wellness and refreshment
drinks Berentzen is also successful in the market for non-alcoholic
beverages.
In fiscal year 2007 Berentzen Group generated gross revenues of EUR 432.7
million and a negative operating income. Reasons for the negative
development in the past were strategic differences. After the realignment
of the strategy AURELIUS aims for quick return to profitable growth at
Berentzen.
Family member Friedrich Berentzen senior comments on the takeover, 'We have
been struggling hard finding the optimal solution. With AURELIUS we have
finally found a partner who is building up on our 250 years of tradition
and offers a good home for employees, customers and suppliers.'
Donatus Albrecht, member of the managing board of AURELIUS, welcomes the
new member in the AURELIUS family, 'Berentzen has a very strong brand
portfolio. We are planning to give new life especially to the old classics
and to reposition them as trend-setting lifestyle brands with high
awareness in the market. We want Berentzen to grow abroad as well.
Especially in the market for premium spirits long-established German brands
have regained cult status in this country through a successful market entry
in the USA for example.'
To all shareholders of Berentzen-Gruppe AG AURELIUS is making an official
takeover bid for their shares. The company published further information on
the internet at www.aureliusinvest.de/angebot.
With this largest transaction in company history AURELIUS breaks the
billion euro barrier in annualized sales revenues. Due to an unbroken
dynamic in acquisition efforts the managing board aims for further
acquisitions as well as first sales ('exits') in the second half of the
year.
In the course of the transaction the investment bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. &
Cie. acted as an advisor to AURELIUS.
For further information on AURELIUS please contact:
Ingo Middelmenne
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Phone +49 (89) 544799 - 56
Fax +49 (89) 544799 - 55
ingo.middelmenne@aureliusinvest.de
About AURELIUS AG
Munich-based AURELIUS AG acquires medium-sized companies and subsidiaries,
which no longer conform to the core business of its previous owner.
AURELIUS also buys companies in case of initially complex structures and
actively develops them. With a specialized task force it fully taps the
potentials for value added in its subsidiaries for the benefit of all
parties involved, always keeping in mind the social responsibility aligned.
The shares of AURELIUS AG are listed in the Open Market of Frankfurt Stock
Exchange (ISIN: DE000A0JK2A8).
22.07.2008 Financial News transmitted by DGAP
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