Fazer increases its shareholding in Svenska Försvarsrestauranger

Fazer Group has increased its holding in Svenska Försvarsrestauranger AB (SFAB) to 25 per cent. This additional acquisition is a step in the company’s strategy to extend its offering of catering services to the public sector.

‘We see great potential in the public sector, and this acquisition further strengthens our competence in the area in which we now want to expand,’ says Teija Andersen, Managing Director of Fazer Amica division.

Expansion within the public sector

Fazer Amica Sweden is currently operating staff restaurants, catering services within the education and care sectors, public cafeterias and restaurants as well as conference catering services. The company has an annual turnover of SEK 1.5 million, and it has more than 2,000 employees. Last year, the company expanded its operations within the public sector and acquired, among others, the municipal catering operations in Kalix and Upplands Väsby.

‘With Fazer Group as a shareholder, SFAB gains access to solid competence in the field as well as financial strength to achieve its growth targets’, says Thomas Dahlstedt, Managing Director of SFAB.

Personnel restaurants show phenomenal growth

SFAB was established in 2005, and it operates in three market areas — catering services for the defence forces and the elderly, as well as catering services for select customers. The company’s business idea is to be a leading niche supplier within public sector catering services. Growth has been rapid, and annual turnover is currently at SEK 200 million. The company has over 150 employees in 23 units around Sweden.

’We see that Fazer being our shareholder clearly opens up business and co-operation opportunities,’ says Anders Westerholm, Executive Chairman of the Board of SFAB. So far we have expanded strongly, and this closer partnership with Fazer Amica is a totally logical step in line with our growth strategy.

SFAB is a profitable and successful company that has managed to recruit good employees with successful track records in large and small companies as well as the public sector. The strength of the company lies in its entrepreneurial spirit and ability to find cost-effective solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations.

For further information, please contact:

Fazer Amica, Teija Andersen, Managing Director, tel. +358 20 729 6200
Fazer Group, SVP Communications Ulrika Romantschuk, tel. +358 40 566 4246

Svenska Försvarsrestauranger AB: Anders Westerholm, Chairman of the Board, tel. +46 733 80 54 17
Thomas Dahlstedt, Managing Director, tel. +46 707 537 530

Fazer Group

Fazer Group originates from a family business founded in 1891. Today the Group offers meals and bakery products and operates in a total of eight countries. Its operations are based on passion for customer, quality excellence and team spirit. The Group operates in three divisions, which are all committed to offering taste sensations: Fazer Amica, Fazer Bakeries and Fazer Russia. Fazer Amica is a leading contract catering company in the Nordic and the Baltic countries, offering customers delicious food and tailor-made service solutions. The company operates in the Nordic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Russia. Fazer Bakeries offers fresh and tasty bakery products and operates in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Fazer Russia is responsible for Fazer’s bakery operations in Russia and is one of the leading bakery companies in Russia. Fazer’s most important associated company is Cloetta Fazer AB, which is the leading confectionery company in the Nordic countries. Fazer Group‘s turnover for 2007 was around 1.2 billion euros. The Group employs ca. 15,000 people.