Market Expansion Services provider DKSH has acquired of a majority stake in Shanghai Sweets International (eSweets), an online distributor of premium consumer goods.

DKSH has taken a 51 per cent equity stake in eSweets with the option to buy the balance within two years.

Founded in 2007, eSweets has about 55 specialist employees, primarily in marketing and sales. The company focusses on eCommerce for brands in the premium segment such as Barilla, De Fei Si (chocolate truffles), Illy Coffee, Lindt and Storck.

“China is the world’s biggest and fastest-growing eCommerce market, and we see tremendous growth potential for clients in the online channels,” says eSweets founder James Ge. “DKSH’s strong sales and marketing expertise, its resources and its long-term relationships with leading clients will significantly support our business. Together, we are able to offer matching market-expansion services in China and Hong Kong for clients.”

With a focus on Asia, DKSH helps companies and brands grow their business in other markets. Publicly listed on the Swiss exchange since 2012, it has its headquarters in Zurich and 770 locations in 36 countries – 740 of them in Asia.

Both parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction. At the end of last year, DKSH invested in eCommerce software company aCommerce.