Luther Advises the Theo Müller Group on the Acquisition of Berief Food

With the acquisition of the family-owned company Berief Food from Beckum, the Theo Müller Group, with Luther’s assistance, is strengthening its position in the dynamically growing market for plant-based foods. Berief Food has been active in the plant-based food sector for more than 40 years and produces, among other things, plant-based beverages made from soy, almonds, and oats, as well as tofu products. The company employs approximately 350 people. The closing of the transaction is subject to approval under merger control law by the relevant antitrust authorities.

A cross-office Luther team led by Dr. Stephan Rippert provided legal counsel to the Theo Müller Group on the transaction. “With the acquisition of Berief, we are strengthening our position in the fast-growing market for plant-based foods and laying the foundation for further growth—particularly in the private-label business,” says Stefan Müller of the Theo Müller Group.

About the Theo Müller Group:

In the dairy segment, the Theo Müller Group manages the operations of subsidiaries in continental Europe and the United Kingdom with strong, independent brands: Müller, Landliebe, Weihenstephan, Elinas, Sachsenmilch, Käserei Loose, and Biotiful.

Private-label products and basic dairy products such as butter, UHT milk, lactose powder, and whey protein round out the portfolio. In addition to the dairy-processing subsidiaries, the group includes the packaging company Optipack and Müller Naturfarm, one of the largest fruit-processing companies in Germany.

The group also includes operations in the convenience food sector. The product range thus also encompasses well-known brands in the fish & deli, sauces, and dressings segments.

The CULINA Group is the market leader in refrigerated and ambient logistics services for the British food and beverage industry. In Germany, CULINA Deutschland rounds out the logistics portfolio.

The companies in the group employ 35,000 people and generate annual revenue of 10.4 billion euros (preliminary annual financial statements for fiscal year 2025). www.muellergroup.com

About Berief Food GmbH:

Berief Food GmbH is a family-owned company founded in 1985 and headquartered in Beckum (Münsterland); it is one of the established providers of plant-based foods. At its Beckum site, where all production takes place, the company employs approximately 350 people. The company produces a range of plant-based foods made from oats, soy, and almonds and is considered a pioneer in tofu production. Since 2006, production has been carried out to organic standards, using primarily regional raw materials from Germany and the EU.

For the Theo Müller Group:

Luther, Corporate/M&A: Dr. Stephan Rippert, LL.M. (Lead, Partner); Maximilian Issels, LL.M. (Senior Associate); Dr. Anne-Sophie Fischer (Associate); Ashlee Pitts, LL.M. (Consultant)

Luther, Real Estate: Ruth-Maria Thomsen (Partner); Niklas R. Roth (Associate)

Luther, Tax: Nicole Fröhlich (Partner); Viktoria Kremer (Counsel)

Luther, Finance: Dr. Guido Hoffmann, LL.M. (Partner); Christina Tsitiridis (Senior Associate); Dr. Melina Brune (Associate)

Luther, Antitrust Law: Anne Caroline Wegner, LL.M. (Partner); Samira Altdorf, LL.M. (Counsel)

Employment Law/Pension Law: Christian Dworschak (Partner); Jan Hansen (Senior Associate); Sara Zeck (Paralegal, Occupational Pension Specialist)

Food Law: Elisabeth Kohoutek (Partner)