BARCELONA — Europastry, a global leader in the frozen bakery sector, has reached an agreement to acquire Northbrook, Ill.-based Highland Baking Co. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1985 by Jim and Gail Rosen, Highland Baking operates two production facilities in Northbrook and Spartanburg, SC. The company makes bread, buns and rolls for the foodservice channel in the United States.
Europastry, meanwhile, is one of the largest players in the frozen bakery industry. Founded in 1987, Europastry operates in more than 90 countries, employs over 5,500 at 23 production plants and 29 sales offices, and offers a portfolio ranging from artisan bread to value-added frozen pastries.
“This transaction is much more than an acquisition: It is the coming together of two companies that share values, a long-term vision and the same approach to business,” said Jordi Galles, executive chairman of Europastry. “This is an exciting opportunity to create a broader, global bakery business, allowing Europastry and Highland Baking to both achieve their full potential. We have tremendous respect for the storied legacy that Highland Baking has built and look forward to welcoming the Highland Baking team. We are convinced that Highland is the ideal business to accelerate our growth in the United States.”
Europastry said adding Highland Baking is expected to boost its annual global revenue to more than $2.3 billion. In the United States, Europastry said it now will have the opportunity to roll out a “significant investment program” in order to expand production capacity, introduce new product categories and bring the company’s broader bakery innovation to American customers.
For Highland Baking, the merger with Europastry provides “the perfect partner” to take the next step in development while preserving its identity and corporate cultures, said Stuart Rosen, representative of the founding family and chief executive officer of Highland Baking.
“This is a truly historic combination with a compelling cultural and strategic fit,” Rosen said. “The transaction creates new and exciting opportunities for our employees, customers and suppliers. We are excited for Highland Baking’s next chapter as part of Europastry, which will bring together both companies’ world-class talent and capabilities and our shared commitment to delivering for our customers.”
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, but is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
#Europastry #expands #footprint #deal #Highland #Baking
About the Author
