Effective January 1st, 2015 the Krüger Group, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany took over the 25.1 % holdings in Bexbach, Germany-based Fuchs & Hoffmann GmbH still held by Wawi Schokolade AG, Pirmasens, Germany. This increases the Krüger holdings from the previous level of 74.9 % to 100 %. With this move the Krüger Group continues pursuing its strategy of securing essential raw materials by undertaking activities on its own or through strategic partnerships. The focus that the Krüger Group has shared with Fuchs & Hoffmann for the last five years on the Ivory Coast as the world’s largest producer and supplier of cocoa will be expanded further and has become even more solidified in the meantime with the establishment of an organisation owned by the two partners within the country.

The independent market position and business orientation of Fuchs & Hoffmann GmbH as a mid-sized producer of cocoa mass, chocolate and chocolate coatings will be retained in its entirety. As Krüger announced is the completion of the transaction still pending the consent of the German Federal Cartel Office.