HENDRIX Genetics, a global leader in turkey breeding based in Boxmeer, Netherlands, has reached an agreement in principle to acquire a controlling stake in turkey distributor Coolen, which owns the largest turkey hatchery in the Netherlands.

The transaction is expected to close before year-end, following customary due diligence and other approvals. Besides commercial turkeys, both companies also see opportunities to develop the market for traditional and bronze turkeys.

Through this partnership, customers should experience a better flow of knowledge and turkey poults from Hendrix as the primary turkey breeder.

For Hendrix, the added presence in the Netherlands can serve to supply Germany and as an export base for markets outside of Europe.

Hendrix chief executive officer Antoon van den Berg said, "The fact that the hatchery of Coolen is located so close to our home base makes this a natural fit for Hendrix Genetics as a whole. The Netherlands could act as a natural base for the expansion of our traditional and bronze turkey market."

Henk Coolen, shareholder and managing director of Coolen Hatchery, said, "I am happy to come to this agreement with Hendrix Genetics. The fact that I will continue to work in the company allows me to contribute and help grow the company even further."

Coolen is a third-generation, family-owned company and is a pioneer in the Dutch turkey sector. Initially, Coolen started as a primary turkey breeder with the brand Hydon. Over the last 30 years, the company has grown as a distributor of day-old turkey poults, focused mainly on the Netherlands and neighboring markets.

Hendrix is a multi-species breeding company with primary activities in layer, turkey, pig, aquaculture and traditional poultry breeding.

Volume:87 Issue:42