News
deSter and Supplair join forces – strategic acquisition in the in-flight industry
World’s premier supplier of in-flight equipment deSter announced today the acquisition of the Dutch service provider Supplair. The acquisition is a first step towards further consolidation in the equipment and catering market
In the agreement announced today, the four shareholders of Supplair, Rabo Participaties, Do & Co Catering, J. Roukens and P. Herman, will transfer their holdings to deSter for an undisclosed amount. Messrs. Roukens and Herman join deSter’s executive committee and will remain minority shareholders in the company while DO & CO will stay as a strategic partner, focusing on high quality catering solutions. The strategic acquisition of Supplair and the partnership with DO & CO is designed to provide a firm foundation for future growth.
World’s premier supplier of in-flight equipment deSter announced today the acquisition of the Dutch service provider Supplair. The acquisition is a first step towards further consolidation in the equipment and catering market.
President and CEO Lieven Cuyckens: “This acquisition is primarily aimed at growth but also at rationalization. We already have established operations in 3 market sectors – mainstream, front-cabin and amenities - and will continue to do so. The 4th sector, that of low-cost and short/long haul inflight foodservice, is a major growth sector in which we will now lead the way in Europe and the USA with clear opportunities for future expansion in Middle and Far Eastern markets. The marriage of equipment-based deSter to food and brand-based Supplair is a most logical one, particularly since Supplair’s strength is within the 4th sector. What we have as from today is a unique full-service concept that should prove attractive to even the largest of customers.” The activities of eTime will be merged and commercialized into Supplair. Supplair will be used as external trade name towards the market.
The strengthened company employs approximately 1000 people in 14 different countries over 3 continents. For 2005, it expects to realize sales figures in the region of € 220 million. That makes the combined businesses a major player in an increasingly consolidating market
Hoogstraten, October 27th 2005
For more information: L. Cuyckens, (lieven.cuyckens@dester.com)