The Valora Group's Services division currently owns a Sales & Services Switzerland (wholesale goods) business unit, which is engaged in wholesale distribution to third-party retailers. This unit's function has been to provide classical distribution services to retailers outside the Valora Group. It currently supplies some 650 third-party retail outlets with tobacco, food, beverage and non-food products. In the 2012 financial year, this unit generated some CHF 100 million in turnover, principally through tobacco-product sales.
Valora decision to withdraw from goods wholesale activities, which was announced in December 2012, will enable division Valora Services to focus more closely on its strategic core business of press wholesaling.
Lekkerland, the unit's new owner, has agreed to take on its existing staff and distribution contracts. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Valora and Lekkerland are confident that they will successfully complete this transaction by the second quarter of this year, subject to agreement from Switzerland's Competition Commission.
On March 26, 2013, Valora Holding AG will present its definitive results for 2012 and will provide information on its ongoing strategic development.