DRACHTEN and OOSTERWOLDE, The Netherlands, January 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

The European Candy Group, holding company (established by Bencis Capital Partners and management) of Continental Candy Industries (CCI) with facilities in Drachten and Hoorn, has reached an agreement on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Kraepelien & Holm (K&H) located in Oosterwolde.

K&H is a specialized private label manufacturer of mainly liquorice and is well known for outstanding quality, high level of flexibility and a strong market approach. The acquisition is expected to be completed per end of January 2014.

The European Candy Group is interested in Kraepelien & Holm’s activities because the portfolio is a valuable addition to the existing private label activities of Continental Candy Industries.

TECG’s ambition is to obtain a leading position in production and sales of private label sugar confectionery. The acquisition will have no impact on employment.

W. Dolman (Managing Director of Kraepelien & Holm): “This transaction provides a secure future for the company and we are happy to become part of TECG, especially in view of the economies of scale required in this competitive market.”

E. Waijenberg (CEO of The European Candy Group): “The acquisition of Kraepelien & Holm is a valuable addition to CCI’s existing assortment and offers room for further growth. This transaction fits our strategy to become a leading player in the market of private label sugar confectionery.”

SOURCE The European Candy Group B.V.