Baarsma Wine Group announces acquisition in Switzerland

Baarsma Wine Group Holding, one of the leading wine distribution companies in Europe, announces to buy a vast majority in Rutishauser Wienkellerei.

Rutishauser, the leading wine distribution and bottling company is based in Scherzingen, Switzerland. Rutishauser's management team will also participate in this acquisition. With this initiative, they support the ambition of Baarsma Wine Group, with regard to Switzerland.

Rutishauser Wienkellerei is a leading wine merchant, celebrating 122 years of operation in Switzerland, with activities in the in the retail segment, horeca and direct to consumer business. Combined with its bottling activities, Rutishauser approaches a turnover of 34 million CHF (22 million Euro).

With this acquisition, Baarsma Wine Group takes her first big step in Switzerland and has the intention to grow organically and by acquisitions in Switzerland, with Rutishauser as its Swiss platform. The acquisition is a logical step within the Buy and Build strategy of Baarsma Wine Group to become the market leader of North Western Europe.

Cees de Rade (C.O.O. Baarsma Wine Group) said:

'We are very pleased with this acquisition. We regard Rutishauser as a very stable and well managed company and we are proud to continue the 122 years of family heritage, together with the Management Team. Furthermore this company offers a very strong position in the several segments of the Swiss market and many synergy possibilities with Baarsma Wine Group.'

Reto Grubenmann (Chief Executive Rutishauser) said:

'We wish Rutishauser to lead the developments in the Swiss wine business. Therefore, we are very proud of this alignment with such a leading and innovative wine distribution company as Baarsma Wine Group. This will enable the company to realize its growth plans, with preservation of our heritage.'

SOURCE Baarsma Wine Group Holding