The Swiss retail company Valora specialises in meeting the needs of an increasingly mobile society – previously above all with kiosks or cafés at heavily frequented locations such as railway stations, shopping centres or popular shopping streets in cities. So taking over the pretzel baker Ditsch a good two years ago perfectly fitted Valora's corporate philosophy – Ditsch is also present in pedestrian zones and at airports or main stations. The purchase enabled Valora to enter the attractive and fast-growing immediate consumption market.

Alongside expertise in corporate finance, the partner in the takeover primarily had to convince through good interplay between its various divisions, such as investment banking and cash management. In addition, there had to be comprehensive advice and a structured and holistic approach from one source, coordinated on the individual needs of the company. The Swiss company also wanted a direct local contact.

Valora has already worked together with Commerzbank in Germany for many years. The company also had a direct contact in Switzerland, with the Commerzbank branch in Zürich founded in 2011.

When the acquisition financing of the pretzel bakery Ditsch was coming up, Valora commissioned Commerzbank as the lead management bank – in partnership with two large Swiss banks – to accompany the takeover. The subsequent formation of a consortium to divide credit commitments and credit risks – also called syndication – in the Swiss and international banking market could be completed to the full satisfaction of Valora.

After completing the takeover Valora now has more than 3,000 points of sale throughout Europe and is thus the market leader in small area retail in Germany, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland.