JBT makes second acquisition in the liquid foods sector

JBT Corporation, a global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries will purchase the shares of Stork Food & Dairy Systems B.V. (SFDS) for €47 million before customary post-closing adjustments. The move will fortify JBT’s business in the liquid food sector.

Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, SFDS provides integrated aseptic processing/sterilization and filling systems to the beverage and food processing industries. The company develops, produces and supplies these systems for dairy, ready-to-drink coffee, desserts, fruit juices, soups and sauces.  Its large installed base also generates a significant level of recurring income.

"We are very excited to add complementary aseptic and thermal processing and filling technologies to JBT's Liquid Foods product portfolio," stated Steve Smith, executive vice president and president of JBT FoodTech.  "This acquisition will significantly strengthen our ability to provide complete solutions to our customers in the global liquid foods industry.  We also are very pleased to welcome the Company's employees to the JBT family."

The acquisition will secure the future of SFDS, according to Marc Renne, managing partner at Nimbus, the private equity firm that was the previous owner of Stork Food & Dairy Systems B.V.

Tom Giacomini, JBT's chairman, president and CEO added, "Stork Food & Dairy Systems B.V. will be our second acquisition in the liquid foods sector, following the purchase of ICS Solutions in 2014.  These two acquisitions, along with our purchase of Formcook AB and Wolf-tec, Inc., in 2014, support our Next Level strategy of acquiring leading companies that strengthen our protein processing and liquid foods portfolios."

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2015.