Emmerich, Germany-based Katjes International acquired Piasten, the largest  producer of sugar-coated products in Germany on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

It will remain legally and organizationally independent, but its current management team will work with Katjes International to further develop the company.

“This acquisition ideally complements our range of production capabilities with the internationally growing sugar confectionery segment of ‘dragees,’ sugar-coated products,” says Tobias Bachmüller, managing shareholder of Katjes International. “I am pleased that the current management team, which acquired Piasten through a management buyout in 2005 from former owner Cadbury, agreed to stay on board as managing directors of Piasten for at least another five years. With this, we want to ensure a constant development of the company over the coming years.“

Piasten boasted net sales of €91.6 million ($115.6 million), driven by its Schoko Linsen and Big Ben brands, both of which represent half of the company’s volume. Nearly 400 employees work for Piasten.

Katjes International holds a number of established confectionery brands in Western Europe. According to Candy Industry Magazine's Global Top 100 ranking, the Katjes Fassin Group, which Katjes International is part of, posted revenues of $445 million and was ranked 36th.