Wine logistics specialist makes Swedish acquisition

JF Hillebrand has added muscle in Sweden with the acquisition of Stockholm-based Lagena Distribution AB, a specialist 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.
“Lagena is an important strategic acquisition for our expansion in the Nordic countries,” said Gérard Desbois, CEO JF Hillebrand Group. “The sales process has taken just under six months and attracted the attention of numerous potential purchasers, so naturally we are delighted to have reached an agreement.”