As part of its strategic realignment, Vion Food Group has reached a principal commercial agreement with two parties for the sale of two southern German sites. The Crailsheim site is intended to be transferred to Boeser Frischfleisch GmbH, while the Waldkraiburg site is intended to be transferred to OSI Europe Foodworks GmbH. The transactions remain subject to antitrust approval as well as other customary closing conditions. Negotiations for remaining German locations and businesses are ongoing.
The market in southern Germany is undergoing consolidation. In this context, Vion has chosen to partner with parties that demonstrate strong long-term commitment and the ability to invest in a sustainable future for the sites. The locations involved hold significant strategic value for the acquiring parties, supporting their continued development and integration.
Crailsheim
The operations in Crailsheim (beef and pork) are intended to transfer to Boeser Frischfleisch GmbH, an established German meat company specialising in pork cutting and deboning for retail and food industry customers. Building on its roots as a livestock trader, the company has strong expertise in sourcing, quality and responsible animal handling. The combination brings together Crailsheim’s slaughtering capabilities with Boeser’s expertise in meat cutting and customer markets.
Crailsheim slaughters appx. 1 million pigs and 95,000 cattle per year and employs 593 people.
Waldkraiburg
The operations in Waldkraiburg are intended to be transferred to OSI Europe Foodworks GmbH. OSI is an internationally established food company with extensive experience in meat processing and long-standing relationships with leading foodservice and retail customers. The Waldkraiburg site can benefit from strong industrial expertise and new customer markets.
Waldkraiburg slaughters appx. 163,000 cattle per year and employs 338 people.
“Crailsheim and Waldkraiburg are both important sites for employees, farmers and customers in their regions. Our priority is to secure a stable and long-term future for these locations. Experienced partners who bring strong market access and industrial expertise are the best strategic fit and we are confident that both sites can continue to develop successfully and remain reliable partners for the regional livestock supply chain,” says Tjarda Klimp, CEO of Vion Food Group.
Both intended transactions are structured as share deals. Closing is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory and antitrust approvals, and is expected within the coming months.
Until closing the deals, all sites will continue to operate as usual. Vion will maintain existing supply chains and customer relationships throughout the intended transaction and fulfil all commitments.
Remaining German Sites
The evaluation of the remaining German sites is ongoing, with the aim of identifying sustainable long-term solutions that provide clarity for employees, strengthen the locations and ensure reliable partnerships with farmers and customers. Several parties have expressed strong strategic interest in the Buchloe beef site, and Vion is carefully assessing the best possible partner. For the BestHides operations in Memmingen and Eching-Weixerau, Vion is exploring alternative options. These sites remain fully operational, and existing supplier agreements remain in place.
Vion Continues to Execute its Strategy
The intended transactions and further process align with Vion’s strategic focus on the Benelux region following the review of its German portfolio announced in June 2024. They support further investment in sustainability and value-added segments, while securing the future of the German sites under new ownership.