News on Mergers and Acquisitions

PepsiCo has acquired Australian seed potato business Dowling AgriTech (DAT) to strengthen seed supply, drive innovation, and support grower partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

CêlaVíta, the Dutch chilled potato processor once owned by McCain, will not restart after bankruptcy. All 171 jobs are lost as the Wezep factory is dismantled and auctioned, marking the end of a well-known name in potato processing.

Royal HZPC Group plans to acquire Ireland-based IPM Potato Group, a leading seed potato breeder and exporter, boosting HZPC’s UK and global presence.

Unites State based food giant General Mills Inc is exploring an investment in Balaji Wafers, joining a crowded field of suitors that includes PepsiCo, ITC Ltd, and several private equity funds, according to a report by The Economic Times (ET).

Gary and Alan Hafner have acquired majority ownership of Layton Systems, purchasing shares from Julia Rich. Building on the legacies of John Layton and Jerry Allen-Rich, the Hafners aim to drive growth while upholding the company’s values and mission.

Kraft Heinz will split into two tax-free, independent public companies: Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. Goal: simplify structure, boost focus, drive growth, and unlock shareholder value. Deal expected in 2026.

Royal Avebe acquires Solan, Poland’s leading potato flakes & granules producer. The move, part of Avebe’s 'Strengthen & Accelerate' strategy, expands its portfolio, adds 100+ staff & 140 farmers, and keeps SOLAN® brand under Avebe’s umbrella.

Investindustrial will acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco, leading potato processing equipment makers. The deal unites 3 family-owned firms into a global platform, aiming for growth via integration, innovation, and expansion.

Following the recent announcement of CêlaVíta's bankruptcy, several companies have expressed interest in acquiring the Dutch producer of chilled potatoes. This raises cautious hopes for a possible restart, according to bankruptcy trustee Frans Aartsen.

Chilled Potato producer CêlaVíta has gone bankrupt. The Dutch company supplied pre-cut potatoes and pre-seasoned potato products to supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants throughout Europe.

Simplot plans to acquire Belgium-based Clarebout Potatoes, uniting two family-owned frozen potato leaders. The move aims to boost European market presence and sustainability, with operations continuing and expanding across 23 global sites.

The Ferrero Group and WK Kellogg Co has announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Ferrero has agreed to acquire WK Kellogg Co, for USD 23.00 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of USD 3.1 billion.

Groupe Florimond Desprez (GFD) acquired DLF’s 49% stake in Danespo A/S, becoming majority owner. The move strengthens GFD’s seed potato business, aligning Danespo and Germicopa under shared leadership and future investments.

Heat and Control, a world-leading manufacturer of food industry equipment, has announced the acquisition of Fabcon Food Systems Ltd.

Clarebout Potatoes, a top Belgian frozen fries producer, is in advanced talks with US giant J.R. Simplot for a major deal, possibly worth billions. The move could expand both firms’ global reach amid rising industry competition.

Swiss technology group Bühler has acquired advanced puffing technology from Cerex to enhance its offerings for food, petfood, and feed applications. The acquisition, announced on 16 January, 2025.

The Fresh Potato Suppliers Association (FPSA) was established in 2009 to represent the fresh sector of the potato industry bringing together fresh packers and suppliers to retail.

Belgian machine builder Sticomax, the holding company above the companies IntOCon (BE), StuMaCo (BE), Romonta (NL), ViwateQ (NL) and DutchTecSource (NL), is acquiring Dutch sector colleague FoodeQ Engineering.