SWEDEN – GERMANY – Mainz based wines and spirits logistics specialist J F Hillebrand have strengthened their distribution capabilities in Scandinavia by buying up Stockholm-based Lagena Distribution AB, the leading distributor of alcoholic beverages in Sweden. Since its formation in 1994, Lagena Distribution AB has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Systembolaget AB, the Swedish Alcohol Retail Monopoly. In April 2010, Systembolaget’s Board took the decision to sell Lagena Distribution, as part of an effort to increase the focus on core operations.
The acquisition underpins JF Hillebrand’s market-leading position in Sweden and across the Nordic and Baltic countries, which are seen as an evolving beverage market with high potential for growth and development. Lagena Distribution will keep its current brand and management team and will continue to focus on warehousing and distribution in Sweden. JF Hillebrand Sverige AB will focus on the existing freight forwarding business in Sweden.
Pierre Bonel, JF Hillebrand’s Global Sales and Marketing Director said of the acquisition:
“We are truly delighted to welcome Lagena to the JF Hillebrand Group. The combined expertise and organisational skills of both companies will enable us to enhance our own service offering, and in so doing, capitalise on growth opportunities in the global market for beverage logistics. The addition of Lagena Distribution’s know-how and expertise is strategically important to our organisation.”
Much feted of late Hillebrand, distributing wines, spirits and beers since 1844 was voted “Best Logistics Company” in the 2010 Drinks Business Awards and won the “Customer Care” Award at the 2010 IFW Freight Industry Awards.
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