Henkell – the Oetker Group’s sparkling wine, wine and spirits division – has completed the acquisition of Freixenet S.A.’s shares (50.67 percent) from the Hevia and Bonet families, following the approval of the European Commission.
The remaining Freixenet shareholders are José Ferrer Sala and José Luis Bonet Ferrer. The Spanish-German cooperation creates the world’s leading sparkling wine group, allowing Henkell and Freixenet to access new markets and distribution channels.
In 2008, Freixenet S.A. purchased the Wingara Wine Group, which owns Katnook Coonawarra and Deakin Estate.
Freixenet is the number one brand in the international sparkling wine market with leading market positions and sales in more than 100 countries. The Henkell Group has a wide portfolio of sparkling wines, with market leading positions in many markets including Mionetto as the best-selling Prosecco globally.
The new board of Freixenet will be led by the two co-presidents José Luis Bonet and Dr Albert Christmann, general partner of Dr August Oetker KG. Other members will include Demetrio Carceller Arce, president of S.A. Damm, who will contribute his expertise in the beverage industry, as well as Pedro Ferrer and Dr Andreas Brokemper, spokesman of Henkell’s management, who both will become managing directors.
Enrique Hevia Ferrer, spokesman for the selling shareholders, said: “The sale of our shares is a very emotional moment for us. In Henkell we found the perfect partner for Freixenet. Our families would like to thank all employees for their hard work and loyalty over the years and wish Freixenet all the best for the future.”
José Ferrer Sala, honorary president of Freixenet, added: “The cooperation with Henkell will not only give continuity to Freixenet, a company renowned for its tradition, but will also strengthen its international leadership in the world of cava.”
Dr Albert Christmann said: “Henkell and Freixenet share a deep understanding of tradition, quality and continuity. The strategic partnership will help to develop new business opportunities, strengthening our market positions in the growing global sparkling wine market.”
Demetrio Carceller Arce said: “After many years of friendly relations between the Oetker and Carceller families at Damm, where I am on the board with Dr August Oetker, I am very happy to be part of this joint new project at the emblematic company Freixenet.”
José Luis Bonet Ferrer said: “The cooperation with a partner like Henkell, which has substantial sector expertise on a global level, will help Freixenet maintain its identity and accelerate its international expansion.”
The Henkell & Co. Group is part of the Oetker Group and consists of subsidiaries in 22 countries, exporting to more than 100 countries around the globe. It is the market leader for wine, sparkling wine, Prosecco and various categories of spirits in numerous countries.
Freixenet S.A. is a family-owned company which was founded in 1914, but has roots that date back to 1861. It is Spain’s largest exporter of beverages and the global No.1 cava producer. The company is headquartered in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, near Barcelona. Freixenet, which owns brands such as Freixenet, Mederaño, Mia, Segura Viudas and Gloria Ferrer, has subsidiaries in 19 countries, such as in the US, Argentina and Australia and exports its brands to 109 countries.
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