November 5, 2024
Dossche Mills strengthens market position with acquisition of German counterpart
Deinze, November 5, 2024 – Dossche Mills has acquired German company Mühle Rüningen. The competition authorities approved the transaction today. With this important step, this Belgian family business strengthens its market position. Production sites are set to double, while the product lineup continues to grow. “The rich tradition of Mühle Rüningen is a perfect fit with our DNA,” CEO Kristof Dossche explains.
Over the past 150 years, Dossche Mill’s family business has grown steadily, both through its own expansion and through acquisitions. The addition of the German company Mühle Rüningen is the next step in the mill's expansion trajectory. Mühle Rüningen Stefan Engelke GmbH is a strong brand that may well evolve into Mühle Rüningen GmbH in the future. The takeover brings together two grain icons in their respective markets. “This move allows us to serve French, German and Benelux customers even more efficiently and provide better service,” says Kristof Dossche, CEO of Dossche Mills.
Following approval from the competition authorities, both companies have now officialised the acquisition. The management of Mühle Rüningen joins and strengthens the management of Dossche Mills. Thus, the familiar contacts and available expertise are retained. It is at once a clear illustration of the commitment and confidence with which the mills step into the future together.
A complementary offer
In addition to the family character, both companies have a horizontal structure and a lot of attention to the metier. Moreover, the specialities in their product range are complementary. While Dossche Mills has a strong track record with its bakery mixes, Mühle Rüningen owes its popularity in part to its organic products from the Ringelheim bio-mill, its expertise in spelt and rye and its retail packaging. This gives customers access to a wider range of products, through known channels and with their same regular contact person as their point of reference.
About Dossche Mills
Dossche Mills is one of the largest mills in Europe, where craftsmanship and passion for the bakery sector are passed on from generation to generation. Founded in 1875, Dossche Mills produces products from wheat, various grains and other high-quality natural raw materials. In addition to industrial bakeries and the confectionery and food industries, Dossche Mills also sells its products to artisanal bakeries. Dossche Mills is part of the Dossche family group, along with subsidiaries Gourmand Pastries and Mexma. This acquisition will increase the group turnover to 1 billion euros.
About Mühle Rüningen
Mühle Rüningen is a leading German mill, with a rich history dating back to 1312. The company operates five mills, located in Gelsenkirchen, Braunschweig, Celle, Ringelheim and Itzehoe, and processes approximately 1 million tons of grain annually. The most important of these is wheat, but Mühle Rüningen is also active in spelt, rye and organic grains. The company employs around 200 people and achieved a turnover of 350 million euros in 2023.