Furthermore, Henkell, the Oetker Group’s branch for sparkling wine, wine and spirits, has signed an international cooperation agreement with the remaining shareholders José Ferrer Sala and José Luis Bonet Ferrer.
The companies will become the world’s leading sparkling wine group. They say their product portfolios and respective presence in international markets complement each other. While Freixenet stands for the world’s leading cava brand, Henkell’s Mionetto Prosecco is said to be the world’s leading Prosecco and Henkell Trocken is Germany’s most exported sparkling wine.
The statement says Henkell and Freixenet share an understanding of tradition, quality and continuity. The strategic partnership will aim to open up new markets and distribution channels for both companies, enabling them to further expand their international market positions and to achieve sustainable growth.
Freixenet president José Luis Bonet Ferrer, said: “Over three generations, we have made Freixenet the world's leading producer of cava. In Henkell we have found a strong partner with a long-term strategy which will significantly strengthen Freixenet and help us to maintain our identity and tradition - with an even stronger international presence in the future.”
Dr Albert Christmann, general partner of Dr August Oetker KG, said: “The Oetker Group consequently continues the expansion of its areas of business. With the acquisition of the shares of Freixenet we will strengthen the international market position of our sparkling wine, wine and spirits division significantly while at the same time we build up a solid base for sustainable joint growth in that business.”
Henkell CEO Dr Andreas Brokemper said: “Henkell and Freixenet share a strong entrepreneurial vision. We are delighted to realise as partners the opportunities of the globally growing sparkling wine market. Together, we can offer our customers not only global expertise but also a unique range of first-class brands and specialties.”
Henkell and Freixenet will communicate details of the partnership later. The acquisition of the shares is subject to approval by the anti trust authorities.
