STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The process of integration between the two former competitors Aarhus United and Karlshamns AB has been accelerating since the new company AarhusKarlshamn AB was established at the turn of the month. During the past months, the company's management groups have worked intensively to be able to establish the new company as quickly as possible.
The company's board has decided on the organisational structure. The two companies were organised in different structures, and the new organisation combines the best of the two merged companies.
-- We now have the opportunity to combine deep knowledge of vegetable oils with extensive knowledge of the markets in Europe, Nafta, South America and Asia, says Jerker Hartwall, Managing Director in AarhusKarlshamn AB. -- We can meet the demands of the customers with production in seven countries. I see a very strong company emerge.
Products based on vegetable oils can be found in a wide range of everyday products. AarhusKarlshamn's most important business area lies within the food industry, accounting for 60 percent of the company's turnover. Speciality fats for the chocolate and confectionery industry account for almost 30 percent, while technical products account for 10 percent. Oils for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is the smallest business area, but it is characterised by strong growth. AarhusKarlshamn AB has a turnover of approx. SEK 10 billion and has 2,500 employees.
Targeting customers within these segments, an organisation based on six business areas has been created. Regional differences cause the Food Ingredients business areas to be split into three geographical areas that are similar in size.
As coordination functions outside the business areas, resources for technical development and sourcing are established.
Group management will consist of 12 persons. Managing Director and CEO will be Jerker Hartwall. The company, which is currently listed on the Swedish list New Markets, will apply for listing on the O list of the Stockholm stock exchange next year, and intends to subsequently apply for a secondary listing on the Copenhagen stock exchange.
Group management Jerker Hartwall CEO Bo Svensson Communication/IR Jan-Ove Aspeblad Finance/IT (temporarily) Jorgen Balle Chocolate and Confectionery Fats, CCF Jan Gunnerdal Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals Hakan Christensson Food Ingredients Continental Europe Ian McIntosh Food Ingredients UK Josipa Paska Food Ingredients, Nafta (US) Jan Astrup Food Ingredients, Nafta (Mexico) Magnus Jorsmo Food Tech/Feed Benny Jakobsen Operations Gunnar Bystedt Operations
The main office will be established in Copenhagen manned by the CEO plus 3-5 persons. The main office will also function as a meeting facility for the organisation in general.
For further information, please contact Managing Director Jerker Hartwall, on + 46 454 82603.
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