Lamb Weston/Meijer to Acquire Oerlemans Foods’ Potato Division
Lamb Weston/Meijer has reached the completion phase of the acquisition of the potato division of Oerlemans Foods, including a take-over of the plant in Broekhuizenvorst in the Netherlands. The acquisition allows Lamb Weston/Meijer to further expand its production capacity in response to both the increasing demand for frozen potato products as well as the growth ambitions of its customers. The sale allows Oerlemans Foods to further position itself as a specialist in frozen fresh fruits and vegetables. The transaction is expected to become effective later this year.
Bas Albas, chief executive of Lamb Weston/Meijer, says: “The diverse customer base of Oerlemans Foods’ potato division and the location of its factory in Broekhuizenvorst, makes this a strategic asset to further shape our own growth ambitions and those of our customers.”
The Oerlemans Foods plant fits very well in the existing network of Lamb Weston/Meijer locations in the Netherlands. The acquisition increases production capacity by 85,000 tons. With the acquisition of the potato division of Oerlemans Foods, Lamb Weston/Meijer has a total of four production sites in the Netherlands, with which it reinforces its leading position in the international market for frozen potato products.
The sale of the potato division fits the Oerlemans Foods’ strategic choice to focus solely on the frozen fresh fruit and vegetables market. Oerlemans Foods aims to increase its position in this growth market by further extending the strong position it has in the domestic markets in Northwest Europe and Poland, by strengthening its presence in the frozen organic segment and by accelerating its growth aspirations both within and outside Europe.
