Dutch market leader takes over Wielinga
Baarsma continues the traditions of Wijnkoperij Wielinga. From the beginning of this week, Baarsma Wine Group, of Gorredijk, is the new owner of Wijnkoperij Wielinga in Leeuwarden. Wijnkoperij Wielinga is a household name in the Netherlands. The company is well-known for its product knowledge and its extensive product range. Wielinga sells directly to the consumer through the wine shops, but also delivers to the catering industry and to the better class of wholesaler. With a turnover of 190 million euros, Baarsma Wine Group of Gorredijk is the market leader in the Netherlands. Currently, Baarsma sells its wines primarily to supermarkets, the catering industry and the professional trade. With the take-over of Wielinga, Baarsma now has a direct point of sale to the consumer. Wijnkoperij Wielinga was established in 1922 by the grandfather of the current owner, Pieter Wielinga. Husband and wife, Pieter and Hiskje Wielinga, worked for 40 years building a successful Wijnkoperij. That is why the couple set a number of conditions regarding the company's take-over. For example, the family business' quality and unique character was to be maintained as much as possible. In Baarsma, they found a suitable take-over candidate. 'To us, it was very important that Baarsma was also from Friesland. In addition to that, we wanted our staff to be able to stay. We are, therefore, now fully confident that the unique character and quality will be preserved.' Pieter Wielinga will be succeeded by Patrick Laban. He is a viticulturist who has worked as a wine consultant for many years and who is also a familiar face in the North of the Netherlands. Patrick Laban will start in Leeuwarden on July 1st. Baarsma Wine Group is the market leader in the Netherlands. With a turnover of 190 million euros, the company is also an important player on the European market. Each year, the company sells 90 million bottles of wine at home and abroad. For more information, please contact: Cees de Rade, Managing Director Baarsma Wine Group: 00 31 (0)513 469469
[Netherlands, 06-08-2006]
Cees de Rade, Managing Director Baarsma Wine Group: 00 31 (0)513 469469
Pieter Wielinga, Wijnkoperij Wielinga: 00 31 (0)58 2125806