One of Malta’s major importers and distributors, Francis Busuttil & Sons (Marketing) Ltd (FBSM), is set to get even bigger as it integrates the product lines of its recent acquisition, Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, into its own operations.

Effective 1st March, the food and part of the toiletries business of Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd will be “seamlessly integrated with Francis Busuttil & Sons (Marketing) Ltd, and the combined entity will officially operate under the name FBSM,” according to a notice sent out by the FBSM team last week.

Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd’s food division is the agent for popular beverages like the Ribena juice and Arizona ice tea product lines, as well as Violife, a vegan cheese substitute, among many others.

Its toiletries business includes, among others, Real Techniques (known of their makeup brushes), By My Beard (beard care), Good Things (skincare), Kiwi (shoe care) and Dr Johnson’s (disinfectants).

“This integration is a strategic move that brings together a wealth of talent and successful brands. Our goal is to leverage this union to better serve you, stay attuned to market trends, and accelerate growth opportunities,” said FBSM, which is the local importer and distributor of household names like Tetley, Kellogg's, Barilla, and many other brands.

The move follows the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority’s (MCCAA) sign off in December 2023 of the acquisition by FBSM’s consumer goods division, BG Consumer, of Mortar Ltd.

The latter company is a holding company with shares in Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Consolidated Packaging Ltd, MMV Ltd and Melita Retailers Ltd.

The companies are primarily involved in the importation and distribution of pharmaceuticals and the operation of pharmacies and in the importation and distribution of retail items such as personal care and food products.

FBSM assured its clients that “this integration will not disrupt the service you currently receive,” explaining that “the dedicated team you work with today will remain your point of contact, ensuring continuity and reliability in our services.”

It continued: “Our existing head office in Santa Venera will serve as the main location for our new colleagues and brands. Therefore, order collection, delivery dates, and times shall be aligned to FBSM consignments.

“In terms of billing, all invoices issued by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd before 1st March 2024, will remain payable to AGS. Invoices issued on or after this date will be due to FBSM.”

FBSM concluded: “We are enthusiastic about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings for FBSM to build on the success of Alfred Gera and Sons Ltd. Your unwavering business and loyalty have been instrumental in our journey, and we sincerely thank you for that.”