United Biscuits gains first Saudi Arabia factory
The company has acquired all assets of Rana Confectionery Products. It clinched the acquisition jointly with UB’s longstanding partner in Saudi Arabia, Ali Zaid Al-Quraishi & Brothers. UB will have a majority stake and will manage the factory.
Yousef Al Quraishi, md of Ali Zaid Al-Quraishi & Brothers, said the deal was an “immense opportunity” to get UB brands to more Saudi and Middle East consumers.
‘Faster and fresher’
“By shortening the shipping lead times, the products are in the hands of our customers faster and fresher.”
Jeff van der Eems, UB ceo for international business, said: “UB has been working hard over the last five years alongside our strategic partners … to establish McVitie’s as a leading brand in the Middle East.
“Acquiring a Saudi-based manufacturer of branded sweet snacks furthers our ability to serve consumers and customers in the Middle East with a range of preferred snacks.”
UB claims international markets are its largest source of growth, with 15% of sales generated outside the UK and northern Europe.
