The former Swedish business unit of HKScan is now a new business unit known as Scan Sverige under the ownership of Lantmännen.
Lantmännen stated that the acquisition, which was initially announced in January, has been completed.
"It is gratifying that the transaction has now been completed. Through the acquisition, we further strengthen Lantmännen's position in the food chain, while at the same time securing Swedish ownership of Scan. This is important for Swedish agriculture and Swedish food production – and a key issue for strengthening national food preparedness," says Magnus Kagevik, Lantmännen's group president and CEO.
Scan Sverige has approximately 1,800 employees and production facilities in Kristianstad, Skara, Linköping and Halmstad and its head office in Stockholm. Included in the acquisition were the brands Scan, Pärsons and Bullens.
Also transitioning from HKScan is Lars Appelqvist, the newly named CEO of Scan Sverige. Appelqvist previously served as executive vice president of HKScan’s Swedish business unit and a member of the HKScan group executive team.
"It is with joy and optimism that we note that the transaction has now been completed. Through close cooperation with our suppliers, the Swedish farms, and responsiveness to consumer needs, we are well equipped for the future. Becoming part of Lantmännen also strengthens our capacity to maximize the benefits of Swedish and locally produced meat, which in turn benefits domestic food production," said Appelqvist.
With the acquisition completed, Lantmännen now has approximately 12,000 employees.
Lantmännen describes itself as an agricultural cooperative and Northern Europe's leader in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy and food products. It is owned 18,000 Swedish farmers and has operations in about 20 countries.
Juha Ruohola, the CEO of the Finland-based HKScan said in January that HKScan’s decision to sell its Swedish assets would strengthen the company’s balance sheet and allow the company to better focus on its remaining businesses while pursuing its strategic goal of growing into a versatile food company.
HKScan in August 2023, divested of its Baltic business unit, which included operations in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. That unit was sold to the Maag Grupp of Estonia.
HKScan in March also announced it is in talks to divest of its operations in Denmark.
