Osem Investments Ltd., which is controlled by Nestle, has bought Yarden, a UK distributor of kosher food, for 1.9 million British pounds. 

The deal is part of Osem's international merger and acquisition strategy aimed at expanding its exposure and operations in Europe and the US. Yarden is the sole distributor of Osem's Zabar salad range in the UK. With this acquisition, Osem plans to become a major player in the kosher food market in the UK.

Under the terms of the deal, Yarden will be merged into Osem's subsidiary Osem UK, which markets and distributes Osem products in the UK and Nestle products to ethnic markets. The acquisition cost covers the fixed assets and goodwill of Yarden. When an inventory count is completed, there will be an additional payment for the inventory as well.

 In 2008, Yarden UK generated a total 7 million British pounds in sales. Yarden UK's clients include supermarket chains Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

Last year Osem's total export volume to international markets amounted to NIS 449,340,000.