On 17 February 2014, Louis Dreyfus Commodities announced the acquisition of Ilomar Holding N.V., the parent company of Belgium based Molenbergnatie. Ilomar is a leading commodities warehouse group specialized in the coffee and cocoa trade with branches in Belgium (Antwerp), Spain (Barcelona), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) and the US (New York).
“This acquisition is consistent with the ambition of Louis Dreyfus Commodities to grow its fixed asset base and provide customers globally with integrated supply chain management solutions, from origin to final destination”, said Jean-Marc Foucher, CEO of Louis Dreyfus Commodities for Europe and the Black Sea. “Ilomar Group companies will retain their full commercial and managerial autonomy. Louis Dreyfus Commodities will participate as an investor and as a customer of the group. The existing structure will continue to operate normally and expand its commodities portfolio and geographic reach.”
Cor Boonstra, departing shareholder of the Ilomar Group, commented “This transaction paves the way for further geographical expansion and product portfolio growth, and creates new opportunities for employees.”
ABN AMRO acted as sole financial adviser to the buyer.