Austria: Schoenherr advises AGRANA on acquisition of remaining shares in AUSTRIA JUICE from RWA

Schoenherr advised AGRANA on all legal aspects of the transaction, including M&A and competition law. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, marks a strategic milestone for AGRANA by strengthening its newly formed "Food & Beverage Solutions" business unit and positioning the company for further expansion in the global beverage market.

Headquartered in Kröllendorf, Lower Austria, AUSTRIA JUICE is a globally active manufacturer of apple and berry juice concentrates, natural flavours, beverage bases, direct juices and ready-to-use fruit wine and cider. AUSTRIA JUICE operates 13 production sites across Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and China. The company employs around 1,000 people and generates annual revenue of approximately EUR 330m.

Established in 1988, AGRANA is the global market leader in fruit preparations and the world’s leading producer and vendor of apple and berry juice concentrates. Its starch segment is a major manufacturer of custom starch products (made from potato, corn and wheat) and bioethanol. AGRANA is the leading sugar producer in Central and Eastern Europe, employing 9,000 people across 50 locations worldwide and generating annual revenue of approximately EUR 3.5bln.

The Schoenherr team advising AGRANA on this transaction was led by Markus Piuk (partner) and Daniel Wadl (attorney at law), and further included Hanno Wollmann (partner), Volker Weiss (partner), Evelin Hlina (counsel) and Helene Ecker (associate).

RWA was advised by bpv Hügel.