Vion farming operation becomes 2 Agriculture
A letter seen by Poultry World confirms that Vion Agriculture, the firm’s poultry farming division, comprising its feed mills, hatcheries and owned farms, has been bought by a 2 Sisters-related company.
The purchase follows 2 Sisters Food Group’s acquisition of four Vion poultry processing sites in early March.
The letter, which was distributed to producers, is signed by Lionel Halls, agricultural director, and opens: “On behalf of the new owners I would like to welcome you to 2 Agriculture Limited, the new name for our company, previously Vion Agriculture Ltd.”
The letter continues that, following uncertainty over the business in the past few months, the move secured stability for the business, and a “viable future for the company”.
“On behalf of the new owners I would like to welcome you to 2 Agriculture Limited, the new name for our company, previously Vion agriculture Ltd”
Lionel Halls
It is understood that Vion Agriculture has seven of its own hatcheries, four poultry-specific feed mills and about 180 owned broiler units, which account for about 60% of the old company’s production.
It has been confirmed that the deal includes the whole of the business for now. “It is a part of Vion that 2 Sisters wanted, as it needs the raw material,” said one inside source.
But it remains to be seen if parts of the business are then hived off. “I expect that, as with past acquisitions, 2 Sisters will run it for a few months to steady the ship, and then see which bits need streamlining,” said another industry source.
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Warm welcome for Vion/2 Sisters deal
View the Vion meat processing buyout timeline