Farsons sets up bottled water company in Italy

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc has expanded its operations to Treviso in Italy where it has set up a new company, Vita Sana srl, to produce water in large, 19-litre bottles.

Vita Sana srl, a fully owned subsidiary of Farsons Italia srl is expected to start operations at the beginning of March.

Antoine Scicluna has been appointed general manager.

Forward Marketing Ltd are acting as consultants to SFC on the project and are expected to become shareholders in the newly formed company in the coming months.

Farsons also announced yesterday that it has acquired a 30 per cent shareholding in Eco-Pure Premium Water Ltd from ALPS, an American bottled water company.

This acquisition makes Eco-Pure Premium Water Ltd a fully owned subsidiary within the Farsons Group.

Commenting on this expansion and acquisition, group chief executive Louis Farrugia said this year would be one of consolidation for the group.

"These acquisitions and expansion into a new market are part of our strategic plan to diversify the group and increase its competitiveness in the light of the changes that are bound to happen in the next few years," he said.

He also expressed confidence that the group had the necessary resources to further strengthen its performance in the best interests of shareholders and employees.