Agrifirm Buys Hamlet Protein from Altor

Royal Agrifirm Group, a prominent Dutch agricultural cooperative, has finalized an agreement to acquire Hamlet Protein, a specialized producer of soy-based ingredients for young animal nutrition. The transaction sees Altor, a Nordic private equity firm, divest its stake in Hamlet Protein after a nearly decade-long ownership period. This strategic move positions Agrifirm to enhance its portfolio in the high-value animal feed sector, a market experiencing sustained demand driven by global protein consumption trends.

Altor initially invested in Hamlet Protein in 2015 with the objective of expanding its global reach and solidifying its standing as a premier supplier of innovative soy protein solutions for young livestock. Despite navigating a complex global economic climate and evolving market dynamics, Hamlet Protein has demonstrably strengthened its product offerings and geographical footprint. The company has also cultivated a robust operational framework and maintained a steadfast commitment to research and development, ensuring high product quality.

The acquisition by Royal Agrifirm Group is expected to unlock significant synergies, leveraging Agrifirm's extensive international network and deep-rooted expertise in agricultural solutions. Agrifirm, with over 120 years of experience and a global presence spanning Europe, South America, the USA, and Asia, is well-equipped to support Hamlet Protein's next phase of growth. This integration is anticipated to bolster Agrifirm's capabilities in providing sustainable and effective nutritional ingredients for the animal feed industry.

Søren Johansen, Partner at Altor, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We have enjoyed a highly productive collaboration with the management team. They have shown remarkable dedication in building upon Hamlet’s core strengths while adeptly managing a challenging macroeconomic environment. We are confident that Agrifirm represents an ideal long-term strategic partner, poised to guide Hamlet Protein into its subsequent chapter.”

Erik Visser, CEO of Hamlet Protein, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the supportive role of Altor during their tenure. “Altor has been an invaluable and engaged owner, consistently backing us through both opportunities and adversities over the past ten years. I am immensely proud of the business and organizational advancements we have achieved together. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with Agrifirm to elevate Hamlet Protein to new heights, confident that their profound industry knowledge will lead to exceptional collective achievements.”

The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of standard regulatory approvals. This deal underscores the ongoing consolidation within the animal nutrition sector, where companies are increasingly seeking scale and specialized capabilities to meet the growing demand for efficient and sustainable feed solutions. The market for specialty feed ingredients, particularly those derived from plant-based proteins, is projected for continued expansion, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory shifts towards more sustainable agricultural practices.