'We're delighted with this acquisition': West Midlands-based 'Chicken King' takes over German turkey and chicken processor

Heidemark in Ahlhorn will become part of the European division of the Storteboom Food Group, which is wholly owned by family-owned conglomerate Boparan Private Office, a leading British food manufacturer based in Birmingham.

The family-run HEIDEMARK business will be integrated as an independent German Business Unit, complementing Storteboom's operations in the Netherlands, Poland and Republic of Ireland. 

The chairman of Boparan Private Office, Ranjit Boparan - known as the Chicken King having founded 2 Sisters Food Group - said: "We are delighted with this acquisition and would like to thank the Kalvelage family for entrusting us with the future growth of the company.

"The business fits perfectly into our overall 'Next Gen' group strategy, in which we want to further develop the following areas of production: extended automation, innovation, productivity, and net-zero sustainability. We have great respect for the HEIDEMARK business and believe that we can learn a lot from each other in the coming years."

The HEIDEMARK management, executive team and employees will remain in post with a focus on developing the the company and HEIDEMARK, which employs 2,300 people, will continue to operate under its current company name.

Christopher Kalvelage, current owner of HEIDEMARK, said of the deal: "We are pleased we have found a buyer in Ranjit Boparan who will continue to lead HEIDEMARK in our family-entrepreneurial spirit. The commitment that all employees will keep their jobs and that management will remain on board was very important to us. The perspectives of the new owner have also greatly convinced us, the Kalvelage family. The name HEIDEMARK will continue to stand for good corporate policy and excellent products in Germany."

Andres Ruff, CEO of HEIDEMARK, added: "With our expertise in turkey and our overall poultry strategy, this acquisition forms an excellent basis for organic growth in continental Europe. Together we want to further develop the poultry business. Both companies complement each other really well. HEIDEMARK's current locations will be maintained, while we simultaneously plan further investments."

Veli Moluluo, CEO of Storteboom Food Group, which has around 3,500 employees, said: "HEIDEMARK's expertise in poultry supports our plans at a pan-European level. The acquisition is part of a long-term European strategy focused on sustainable capacity growth, the expansion of product innovations, and the strengthening of transparent supply chains."

The completion of the transaction is subject to clearance by the European Commission. Until antitrust proceedings have been completed, both companies will continue to operate independently in the market.

Both companies said they anticipate an appropriate and prompt conclusion.