Fazer: increases shareholding in Svenska Försvarsrestauranger

Helsinki / FI. (fg) Finnish Fazer Group has increased its holding in Svenska Försvarsrestauranger AB (SFAB) to 25 percent. 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 1,5 million SEK, 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 200 million SEK. 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 (source).