Wiersholm advised Orkla ASA

Wiersholm advised Orkla ASA in connection with the acquisition of the Rieber family’s shares in Rieber & Søn ASA. In the transaction, the enterprise value of Rieber & Søn is estimated to more than NOK 6 billion. The family owns more than 90% of the shares in the company.

The implementation of the agreement is subject to the European Commission’s and Russian competition authorities’ approval. It is expected that the transaction may be carried out by the expiry of Q1 2013. Orkla hereby takes a big step towards becoming a company dealing in brands only.

Rieber & Søn is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company is an important supplier to the grocery business in the Nordic countries, parts of Central Europe and Russia. Well-known brands include Toro, Vitana, K-Salat, Delecta, Frödinge, Chaka and Bähncke.

Following the implementation of the transaction, the company will be delisted, and a mandatory offer will be made to the remaining shareholders, who will be subject to compulsory redemption.

Click here to read the press release from Orkla ASA.



Published August 2012