Press Release

Dr. Oetker acquires Schwan’s Europe Frozen Pizza Business. Freiberger acquires Schwan’s plant in Germany

With effect as of 2nd  December, 2008 Dr. Oetker UK Ltd has agreed terms to take over the European frozen pizza business from USA based, The Schwan Food Company (“Schwan’s“). Dr. Oetker is acquiring Schwan’s UK pizza plant, Schwan's business in 15 European countries, the "Chicago Town" trademark, and licences for the "Freschetta" and "Tony's" trademarks.

Schwan's will focus more on the continued development of their significant North American business in the future.

Dr. Oetker will integrate the UK pizza plant which has been in operation in Leyland in the north of England since 1989 into their UK division.  Dr. Oetker UK Ltd. will continue production at Leyland.

The pizza plant which Schwan’s built in Osterweddingen near Magdeburg, Germany, in 1998 is to be acquired by Freiberger Group who has finalized a supply agreement with Dr Oetker to manufacture branded pizza products to sell across Europe. Freiberger Group will continue production in Osterweddingen.