HEUKING Advises Gebr. Kruse + Co oHG on Majority Acquisition by the Zertus Group

A Hamburg-based HEUKING team led by Patrick Narr provided legal counsel to the sole shareholder of Gebr. Kruse + Co oHG (Kruse Fleisch) on the entry of the Zertus Group as majority shareholder, guiding the client through the entire transaction process. For Zertus, a Hamburg-based investment holding company, the acquisition marks its entry into the international meat trade — a new area alongside its existing focus on confectionery, snacks, and functional nutrition.

The history of Kruse Fleisch dates back to 1868, making it one of the oldest meat importers in Germany. The Hamburg-based company imports premium beef, primarily from Argentina and Uruguay, as well as lamb from New Zealand, and supplies customers worldwide.

Also headquartered in Hamburg, Zertus GmbH (Zuckerraffinerie Tangermünde Fr. Meyers Sohn Holding) was founded in 1826. It is an investment holding company that builds and develops premium food brands in select growth niches. Its portfolio includes brands such as Dextro Energy, Pulmoll, and Bio-Zentrale, as well as a snacking and chocolate production business in the UK and Ireland. With the acquisition of Kruse Fleisch, Zertus is continuing to pursue its growth strategy driven by targeted acquisitions.

Counsel to Gebr. Kruse + Co oHG
HEUKING:
Patrick Narr (Lead, Corporate/M&A),
Dr. Frederik Wiemer (Antitrust),
Malte Meyer, LL.M. (Cape Town), (Corporate/M&A), both Hamburg