Sanders looks to expand its animal nutrition footprint in France

19-Jul-2023 - Last updated on 19-Jul-2023 at 12:22 GMT

Sanders, the animal feed business unit of French agribusiness entity, Avril, has entered into talks with Soufflet Agriculture for the takeover of its animal nutrition operations.

“The acquisition by Sanders of our animal nutrition business reflects the ongoing partnership that has existed between Avril and the InVivo Group since 2005,” said Christophe Passelande, MD of Soufflet Agriculture.

The deal would include Soufflet Agriculture’s Talmont-Saint-Hilaire production site in Vendée, France. That facility produces 45,000 tons of mash feed a year.

“This transaction ties in particularly well with Sanders' commitment towards the future of the beef and dairy sector,” remarked Philippe Manry, Sanders general manager.

Soufflet Agriculture, part of the InVivo Group, markets 70,000 tons of compound feed annually in France, chiefly in the Vendée region. Its animal nutrition arm employs 21 people, including 11 technical sales representatives. Sanders said the team's proven technical expertise in beef cattle will be extended throughout France.

All current existing agreements with Soufflet Agriculture's livestock farmer partners will continue, and under the same terms and conditions, confirmed Sanders.

The deal is subject to consultation with employee representatives and approval by the French competition authorities.

Sanders looking to buy Axéréal's animal nutrition arm

This development follows the announcement in May that Avril was in negotiations with another French agro-industrial player, Axéréal, again for its animal nutrition business.

Jean-Philippe Puig CEO of Avril, commented then on the pending deal: "This project falls fully in line with our growth strategy. It will consolidate our position in the agricultural products and services market.”

That transaction is also contingent on employee feedback and regulatory review.

Axéréal is one of France’s foremost cereals cooperative groups, with locations in France and across the world. It specializes in growing and processing grain for the brewing, baking and livestock industries. It has 11,000 cooperative members and 4,000 employees, and generates turnover of around €4bn (US$4.48bn) per year.