STEF Group acquires Swiss Christian Cavegn AG

The STEF Group announces the acquisition of Christian Cavegn AG by its subsidiary STEF Switzerland. After successfully completing the consultation process, the agreement has now been definitively signed. This step paves the way for operational collaboration between the two complementary providers in the field of transportation and temperature-controlled food logistics for the food industry, wholesale and retail, and the out-of-home market.

(Kölliken/Landquart) The newly created overall offering covers a wide geographical and operational spectrum and will become a reference in this segment in the Swiss market.

STEF Switzerland has been a reliable partner for temperature-controlled food transport, storage, and logistics services in the Swiss market for nearly 100 years. The company was founded in 1927 under the name SGF (Société de Gares Frigorifiques). Since 2009, it has been part of the STEF Group, allowing it to expand its capacities and further establish itself in the market. The company specializes in the storage of chilled foods with particular expertise in frozen food. Thanks to the European network of the STEF Group, STEF customers have direct access to international markets. STEF Switzerland currently employs 280 staff and operates a fleet of 60 vehicles. The company is represented at five locations: Kölliken, Möhlin, Bussigny, Givisiez, and Satigny.

Family Business Since 1916

Christian Cavegn AG is a family-owned business founded in 1916, now managed by the fourth generation. It is one of the leading food transport companies in Switzerland, with 450 employees and a fleet of 400 motor vehicles and semi-trailers. The nine Swiss locations of Cavegn AG are Landquart, Basel, Möhlin, Gossau, Kloten, Schafisheim, Bussigny, Saint-Léonard, and Cadenazzo. The company specializes in the transport of fresh, frozen, and dry foods, with particular expertise in the transport of meat and cheese, especially for hanging or unpackaged products.

This acquisition represents a significant turning point for STEF Switzerland. It creates a strong unit that combines the strengths of both partners and enables the company to grow significantly in the field of domestic transport and to offer a wide range of transport and logistics services in Switzerland as well as in Europe. The presence of STEF Switzerland in Western Switzerland, combined with the nationwide transport network of Christian Cavegn AG, provides optimal geographical coverage. The activities of Cargo Grischa AG are excluded from this transaction. Hanspeter Harnisch, Managing Director of STEF Switzerland, states: “Together with Christian Cavegn AG, we are developing an ambitious project. We are creating an integrated transport and logistics ecosystem, where each link in the chain strengthens the others. The equation is simple: build on the strengths of both partners, create new synergies, deliver added value to our customers, and maintain the DNA of our teams.”

Proximity with Connection to Europe

Christian and Severin Cavegn, Managing Directors of Christian Cavegn AG, say: “We are convinced that this operational collaboration combines independence with strategic synergies. For our employees and customers, continuity is guaranteed. Our teams will work with their usual flexibility and will now benefit from the resources and expertise of STEF Switzerland. Customers will continue to receive proximity and service quality, complemented by access to an expanded offering and a European network.”

Photo: © OBO Clandoeil / Caption (l. to r.): Marc Vettard (Deputy Managing Director Groupe STEF), Stanislas Lemor (Managing Director Groupe STEF), Severin Cavegn (COO Christian Cavegn AG), Christian Cavegn (CEO Christian Cavegn AG), Christophe Gorin (General Director Northern Europe Groupe STEF), and Hans-Peter Harnisch (Managing Director STEF Switzerland)