The deal, which was signed today (30 June) is subject to review by the Polish Competition Authority.
The Dutch firm said the acquisition of Bacutil gives it almost nationwide coverage in Poland, and edges it towards pole position in the compound feed producer rankings for that market.
John Dortmans, director of Agrifirm Central and Eastern Europe, said: ‘With this acquisition and through further autonomous growth, the top three is therefore within reach.’
The company said it is now present in all major agricultural production areas in Poland.
According to Alltech’s 2017 global feed survey, there are 130 feed mills in Poland, producing a total of 9.6 million metric tons of compound feed on an annual basis. Broiler feed dominates, with pig feed a close second, and then comes feed for layers, dairy and, finally, beef.
The Bacutil production facility, located in Bedlno Radzyńskie, in the east of that country, currently has a capacity of 100,000 tons per year, with room for expansion.
The Polish manufacturer has a workforce of 50 employees, which Agrifirm confirmed it would retain. Bacutil focuses mainly on the poultry industry, both broilers and layers.
Strong Polish presence
In July last year, Agrifirm acquired another Polish compound feed player, Paszmark, which serves the poultry, pig and cattle production sector. It is located in an area of high animal density, in Płosnica, near Żuromin.
The move gave Agrifirm access to second largest poultry and pig farming area and the most important cattle region within Poland
Paszmark’s factory, when acquired in 2016, had capacity of 50,000 tons of compound feed.
Agrifirm has three other Polish compound feed companies in its stable; they are located in Szamotuły, Margonin and Topola.
The Dutch company’s core activities include compound feed, arable farming and horticulture, co-products and specialties.