maconda supports E3 Holding in its investment in a leading Franconian manufacturer of sausage and meat products
maconda News April 2023
E3 Holding has acquired a majority stake in Konrad Böhnlein, a Bamberg-based provider of sausage and meat products. Previously, maconda’s highly experienced food industry team conducted a comprehensive Commercial Due Diligence, evaluating the company’s positioning and market prospects.
The provider landscape for sausage and meat products is highly complex, ranging from large national providers to regional players who often produce local specialties alongside classics. The Commercial Due Diligence involved examining such a regional market leader from Upper Franconia. A key focus was analyzing the solutions the company offers for the existing and future challenges of this dynamic market. For instance, the study examined the future significance of pork sausage products in light of generally stagnating meat consumption, the demand for regional food, and consumers’ growing quality expectations.
Thanks to its strong regional brand and loyal customers, Konrad Böhnlein succeeds in a heterogeneous competitive environment. A key factor is the focus on Southern Germany, where sausage and meat specialties, as well as the traditional ‘Abendbrot’ (also known as ‘Brotzeit’ depending on the region), remain very popular. This emphasis on the regional factor presented a particular challenge for the Cologne-based consultants, as the due diligence had to appropriately incorporate local specificities. This was achieved through a proven combination of numerous visits to local butcher shops and supermarkets, interviews with market insiders, and the analysis of quantitative market data.
The supply chain was also examined in detail. This included, among other things, reviewing the supplier structure for any dependencies on large slaughterhouses. The maconda consultants, who are very familiar with the food and especially the meat industry, also analyzed price drivers for pork, such as animal diseases, foreign trade, and domestic demand. They completed their work by identifying and evaluating potential growth areas.
About Konrad Böhnlein
Konrad Böhnlein was founded in 1979 and is an established traditional business in its core region around Bamberg in Upper Franconia. The meat and sausage manufacturer’s diverse range includes over 800 products, including a large number of Franconian specialties. As a regional player with extensive product expertise, the brand enjoys a high level of recognition. The main customers are food retail, butcher shops, as well as the catering industry and contract catering. However, the products are also successfully offered through the company’s own factory outlet and party service.
With E3 Holding’s entry, the continued existence of Konrad Böhnlein is secured. The owners sold their shares because no successor was available within the family.
maconda further expands its expertise in the food industry
In recent years, the maconda team has dealt extensively with various topics related to meat and sausage products as well as food in general, successfully completing various projects. These include several investment checks and Commercial Due Diligences, strategy engagements, and projects to improve operational performance.
Intensive industry experience: Meat and sausage products | Casings | Butcher shops | Delicatessen | Convenience food and snacks | Bakery products | Frozen food | Food retail | Food service | Large bakeries and butcher chains | Ready meals | Branded products and private label products