Snellman purchases Wikholm Food and expands at the HoReCa market

Snellman has also founded a new affiliated company in the Snellman group, Snellman Trading Oy. Managing director of Wikholm Food Heikki Huotari is new appointed managing director and starts working Sept 1st 2008. Wikholm Food's operations are fully incorporated with Snellman Trading at the point when Snellman redeems the rest of the stocks in Wikholm Foods according to the stipulations in the purchase deed. Operations in Wikholm Food continue as before during the transition period. Wikholm Food's staff continues its work as normal. With these arrangements Snellman supports its goal to be a prominent supplier in the HoReCa market.

'Wikholm Food has grown fast in the HoReCa sector through its high class products and know-how in foreign trade and distribution handling. Snellman continues with the known retail business strategy as a supplier of premium class food to the HoReCa sector as well. With this strategy, Wikholm Food and Snellman's meat processing and convenience food will offer an excellent supply to institutional kitchens. Wikholm Food is a suitable complement to Snellman considering the products and the new distribution channels', Snellman's managing director Martti Vähäkangas comments the purchase.

Wikholm Food Trade Ltd was founded in 1993 and has functional units in Ulvila and Helsinki. The company owns a production unit in Ulvila. The company's turnover is about 8 M€ and it employs 35 persons. Wikholm Food is known for its Panini concept, bake off products and its many imported frozen products. Wikholm Food's products are used and sold at service stations, restaurants and institutional kitchens in Finland.

'From Wikholm Food's point of view the purchase means that the company is incorporated with a company with a strong brand and high quality thinking. It opens new possibilities to Wikholm Food's established and rapidly growing operations. By combining the supply with Snellman's we can offer a more extensive supply and reach new target groups' says Wikholm Food's founder Ilkka Wikholm .

Additional information:

Managing director Martti Vähäkangas, Snellman, phone. +358 44 796 6210, +358 6 786 6210
Chairman of the board Ilkka Wikholm, Wikholm Food, phone +358 500 722 427