Barry Callebaut to buy Spain's Chocovic

* Says Chocovic has annual sales of about 60 million euros

* No financial details disclosed

(Adds details)

ZURICH, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Barry Callebaut AG (BARN.S: Quote, Profile, Research), the world's largest chocolate maker, is buying Spanish rival Chocovic from the Nederland Group to boost its position with industrial and artisan customers in Spain.

Barry Callebaut said Chocovic has annual sales of about 60 million euros and employs about 120 people. It said it expects the deal to close by the end of 2009, but did not disclose financial details.

"This acquisition underscores Barry Callebaut's strategic intention to further expand its core business with industrial and artisanal customers as well as its geographic presence," it said. In September, Spanish food group Natra (NATR.MC: Quote, Profile, Research) said talks with Barry Callebaut to merge the companies' chocolate businesses had ended without agreement. [nL9294015]

(Reporting by Emma Thomasson; Editing by Erica Billingham)

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