Swiss cheese and dairy company Emmi has announced the acquisition of US desserts maker Indulge Desserts Intermediate Holdings for an undisclosed sum.

Indulge Desserts was established in 1993 by entrepreneur John Alair Garcia for producing a wide range of quality desserts. The company operates four manufacturing facilities in the New York metropolitan area.

According to the agreement, Emmi will acquire an 87.7% stake in Indulge Desserts Intermediate Holdings while Garcia will retain a minority stake in the company and continue to be associated with it in a senior leadership role.

Indulge Desserts research and development vice-president Paula Perils will also continue to drive the success of the company.

By acquiring Indulge Desserts, Emmi aims to further strengthen its footprint in the US market and create new distribution opportunities for its Italian desserts in the country.

Emmi Group CEO Urs Riedener said: “With Indulge Desserts we are not only acquiring a highly innovative and agile Center of excellence for desserts with a strong market position in the USA, but we are also opening up new sales opportunities for our premium desserts from Italy.”

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary merger control approval.

It is also subject to the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act.

Last July, Emmi acquired Italian dessert manufacturer Pasticceria Quadrifoglio for an undisclosed sum. Established in 1978, Pasticceria Quadrifoglio operates two production sites near Modena.

Emmi stated that Italian dessert specialities are an important strategic area for its growth in Europe.