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Ter Beke examines strategic acquisition in France for its ready meals division FreshMeals

Waarschoot, 16 February 2007

FreshMeals, the ready meals division of the Ter Beke Group, is examining the possible acquisition of the French company Normandie Plats Cuisinés (NPC). For this purpose, FreshMeals has signed on 16 February 2007 an exclusive purchase option agreement with the shareholders of NPC.

Like FreshMeals itself, Normandie Plats Cuisinés is a producer of fresh pasta meals. NPC is active in the production and distribution of private labels in Retail and Out-of-Home, with France as its most important market. The company was set up three years ago, and 6 months ago it commissioned a brand-new factory in Falaise, located in Normandy. In 2006 NPC achieved a turnover of around 12 million €, with nearly 100 employees.

This activity will fit perfectly into the strategy of FreshMeals to further shape its structural role in the French market, while reinforcing its leading European position in fresh lasagne.

The two parties intend to finalise the due diligence procedure and reach an agreement during the course of the second quarter of 2007.

Media
Dirk Van de Walle
Managing Director
Telephone: +32 (0)9 370 13 17
E-mail: dirk.vandewalle@terbeke.be

Investor Relations
Dirk De Backer
Secretary General
Telephone: +32 (0)9 370 12 21
E-mail: dirk.debacker@terbeke.be

TER BEKE IN BRIEF

Ter Beke (Euronext Brussels: TERB) is an innovating Belgian fresh foods group, selling its range of products in 10 European countries. The group has 2 core activities: processed meats and fresh ready meals; it has 9 industrial establishments in Belgium, the Netherlands and France and employs circa 1,700 people.

Processed Meats Division: Ter Beke-Pluma NV

Manufacturer of fine processed meats for the Benelux and paté for Germany and the United Kingdom
5 production plants in Belgium (Wommelgem, Waarschoot, Marche-en-Famenne, Herstal and Ruiselede) and 3 centres for the slicing and packaging of processed meats, 2 of which are in Belgium (Wommelgem and Veurne) and 1 in the Netherlands (Milsbeek)
Innovating in the segment of pre-packed processed meats
Distribution brands and own brand names L´Ardennaise, Daniël Coopman and Pluma
Circa 900 employees

Ready Meals Division: FreshMeals NV

Manufacturer of fresh ready meals for the European market
Market leader in fresh lasagne in Europe
3 manufacturing plants, 2 of which are in Belgium (Wanze and Marche-en-Famenne) and 1 in France (Alby-sur-Chéran)
Brand names Come a Casa, Pronto and Vamos, besides distribution brands
Circa 800 employees