Contact:
Francis De Rosa +44 1932 861174, francis_derosa@cargill.com
Cargill’s Sun Valley acquires UK poultry business
COBHAM, UK — Cargill is expanding its poultry operations in the UK with the acquisition of Freeman’s of Newent Ltd. (Freeman’s), a primary chicken processing business in Gloucestershire. The acquisition, which was completed on 4 January, will complement Cargill’s Sun Valley chicken operations. Freeman’s is a family owned business supplying fresh chicken to UK food service, retail and manufacturing customers.
Comments Richard Maxfield, managing director of Sun Valley Europe: “Freeman’s will strengthen our fresh chicken business, complement our existing operations in Hereford and reinforce our commitment to UK agriculture and our UK customers.”
The Freeman’s management team – which was headed up by Clifford and Nigel Freeman – will remain in place during the integration process and is working closely with the Cargill team to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
“We have built a strong and effective business over the years”, says Clifford Freeman. “Selling the business to Cargill as a going concern will position it well for future success and enable it to reach its full potential.”
Cargill’s global poultry business has grown over recent years with the acquisition of Seara’s poultry and pork business in Brazil. The company now has poultry facilities in the UK, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Canada, Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua and Thailand.
“The acquisition of Freeman’s brings to Cargill a dedicated and committed team”, says Maxfield. “During the integration process, it is very much business as usual and great emphasis will be put on maintaining the excellent levels of service to which customers are accustomed.”
Cargill
Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 158,000 employees in 66 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.
Sun Valley Europe
Sun Valley Europe is a leading supplier of food products to retail, foodservice and food manufacturing customers in both European and global markets.
As part of Cargill, Sun Valley Europe has around 2,150 employees in the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands. In the UK the company has processing facilities in Hereford and Wolverhampton. The company combines global market knowledge and experience with local market understanding and insight, and as such is committed to expanding its business and markets through innovation, and by creating real customer and consumer value in its products and services.
Freeman’s of Newent Ltd.
Freeman’s of Newent Ltd., a family-owned business founded in 1953, is located in Newent, Gloucestershire, and has 120 employees.