World meat industry news

Ukrainian agri-giant MHP has made its largest inroad into European markets to date with the purchase of the integrated Slovenian poultry firm Perutnina Ptuj.The merger has already been approved by the relevant competition authorities, and a final valuation of the firm’s assets is underway, according to an MHP spokesman.

Series of partnerships

While the firm owns further processing facilities in Europe, this marks the first fully integrated operation bought by MHP, which said it has plans for a series of similar partnerships in 2019.

MHP, which has bought a holding of more than 90% in the firm, said it had committed to protecting jobs at the business, improve standards and expand production.

MHP: Fastest growing poultry producer

Its chief executive Yuriy Kosyuk said of the transaction: “We are pleased to conclude this deal and put into action our ambitious plans, which will bring direct benefits to employees, farmers, local communities and the wider regional poultry industry.

“This partnership confirms MHP as Europe’s fastest-growing poultry producer and represents a major strategic step in making the company a significant player in the global poultry business.”

Enver Šišić, President of Perutnina Ptuj Management added: “With the acquisition of Perutnina Ptuj by the MHP, our company will be finally able to release all its internal potentials that have been accumulated in the company for many years.

“With the help of the new strategic owner, with the enthusiasm of our employees, with the commitment of our farmers, with the loyalty of our consumers, our company will surely go beyond the regional dimension.”