Atria expands in Estonia through acquisition of two meat processing firms

OSLO - Finnish food group Atria Oyj said it is to boost its presence in Estonia through the acquisition of two meat processing companies, AS Woro Kommerts and AS Vastse-Kuuste Lihatoostus.

'The companies are well-known manufacturers of a variety of high-quality meat products and consumer-packed meat,' Atria said.

No financial details were given on the deals.

Woro Kommerts specialises in the production of meat products, including sausages and frankfurters.

Woro's total market share is 13 percent, making it Estonia's second largest meat processing company, according to Atria.

The firm is based in Ahja, near Tartu, and in 2007 posted net sales of 9.9 million euros.

The other company, Vastse-Kuuste Lihatoostus, manufactures a range of cold cuts, sausages, dried sausages and packaged meat.

The firm has a 6 percent market share, and posted net sales of 8.8 million euros in 2007.

Atria said the deal is subject to the approval of the Estonian competition authorities, which it expects to come by the end of July.

alastair.reed@thomsonreuters.com