Tönnies to buy Vion’s German Beef Operations
Vion Food Group has successfully brokered a commercial agreement with Tönnies Group for the acquisition of the majority of Vion’s German beef operations.
This proposed transaction is a direct outcome of the German portfolio review initiated in January 2024 and signifies a strategic pivot towards focusing on the Benelux region. Subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities, alongside customary endorsements and closing conditions, the deal is anticipated to be finalised in 2025.
In the wake of a thorough review of its German portfolio, and following the divestments of the Landshut and Vilshofen facilities, Vion has further advanced its restructuring initiatives concerning its German assets, which encompass slaughtering, deboning, and by-products beef activities in southern Germany.
Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Tönnies Group is set to acquire Vion’s beef operations in Buchloe, Crailsheim (inclusive of pork activities), and Waldkraiburg. The acquisition also extends to the Hilden deboning facility, the hide processing plants of BestHides located in Memmingen and Eching-Weixerau, as well as the majority of Vion’s central support operations in Germany.
These South German beef operations are celebrated for their high-quality output and robust demand both domestically and on the international stage. The acquisition by Tönnies Group aims to ensure the continued prosperity and expansion of these vital activities, while preserving established supply chains and customer relationships.
Vion Food Group will maintain its stake in the Furth im Wald beef facility in South Germany. The remaining German entities under Vion’s umbrella will continue to receive full support, with all commercial relationships proceeding uninterrupted.
“This anticipated transaction marks a pivotal moment in Vion’s strategic realignment. We pledged to secure the most capable partners to guarantee a thriving future for the divested businesses, and simultaneously, we committed to increasing investments in our retained operations. Today, we take another step towards fulfilling these commitments. We are confident that Tönnies Group will deliver the necessary support and focus for sustained growth and success,” asserts Ronald Lotgerink, CEO of Vion.
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