Press

procurement volumes and thus offer an optimal supply of goods and improved purchasing and delivery conditions: Under this premise, the Karlsberg Getränke Verbund and the Haus Cramer Group decided to join forces. "Following approval by the antitrust authorities and the founding of EBSA GmbH & Co. KG, the course has now been set for joint purchasing with the appointment of a cross-industry purchasing expert as Managing Director," explains Markus Meyer, CEO Germany of the Karlsberg Beverage Group.

Frank Schönrath, born in 1967, will take over the management of the newly founded company EBSA GmbH & Co. KG (short for European Beverage Sourcing Alliance). Most recently, the business administration graduate was responsible for purchasing and logistics at a healthcare provider based in Zurich. During his seven years there, he also acted as founder and managing director of a purchasing company, which was responsible for managing all logistical, operational and strategic purchasing activities.

From June, Frank Schönrath will be responsible for all activities within the purchasing company and thus, in the long term, together with potential additional shareholders, a purchasing volume of almost one billion euros. "With EBSA GmbH & Co. KG, together with other future shareholders, we want to position ourselves as the purchasing specialist in the beverage industry," explains Helmut Hörz, CEO & CFO and Chairman of the Management Board of the Haus Cramer Group, adding: "With Mr. Schönrath, we have an extremely experienced managing director on board who, in addition to a wide range of purchasing areas, also has the necessary expertise in company structure and development." The two medium-sized family businesses see themselves as founding members of the company, whose doors are open to other beverage manufacturers.