Barry Callebaut AG has been informed that Jacobs Holding AG has successfully sold 156,658 shares (2.85%) in Barry Callebaut AG in a private placement to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and another 393,342 shares (7.17%) by way of an accelerated bookbuilding process at a price of CHF 1,915 per share.

After the completion of these transactions, Jacobs Holding AG retains 2,199,986 shares, representing 40.08% in Barry Callebaut’s share capital. As a result, Barry Callebaut’s free float at SIX Swiss Exchange will increase from 42.5% to 54.9%. 

Jacobs Holding has stated that it would remain committed to Barry Callebaut as reference shareholder, with no intention of a further sell down.

In their announcement, Philippe Jacobs, Co-Chairman of Jacobs Holding AG said:

Barry Callebaut is and will remain in every respect the most important investment for us and this transaction does not change our relationship to the company our father founded. We are deeply convinced of its continued growth prospects and support the management team in the implementation of its strategy. We will remain involved and fully committed to Barry Callebaut as reference shareholder in the long run.

Jacobs Holding AG has agreed to a two-year lock-up. Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan has agreed to a one-year lock-up.

About Barry Callebaut Group
With annual sales of about CHF 7.3 billion (EUR 6.5 billion / USD 7.4 billion) in fiscal year 2018/19, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs more than 60 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 12,000 people.
The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The two global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut^® and Cacao Barry^®.
The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025 to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.