DanHatch Acquires Full Control of French Poultry Operations

Danish agricultural cooperative powerhouse DanHatch has finalized an agreement to assume complete ownership of BD France SAS, a significant player in the French poultry hatchery sector. This strategic move, pending regulatory review by competition authorities, will see the French entity rebranded as DanHatch France, solidifying the Danish group's footprint in one of Europe's key agricultural markets.

The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for DanHatch, which is backed by major Danish agricultural cooperatives Danish Agro and DLG. Previously, BD France operated as a joint venture established in 2017, uniting the expertise of Belgian firm Belgabroed and DanHatch. The company's foundation was built upon the integration of two established French family-owned hatchery specialists, Josset/Avi-Loire and Goasduff. This equal partnership, however, saw divergent strategic paths emerge, culminating in the present transaction where DanHatch will now hold sole control.

BD France, operating from its headquarters in Plabennec, Brittany, represents a substantial operation within the European poultry supply chain. As of 2025, the company manages six hatcheries, employs a workforce of 300 individuals, and collaborates with approximately 100 partner breeding farms. Its annual output reaches an impressive 220 million day-old chicks, generating revenues of EUR 129 million in the same year. This robust infrastructure and market presence make it a valuable asset for DanHatch.

The integration of BD France is expected to significantly bolster DanHatch's competitive standing, particularly in Western Europe. The Danish group currently boasts an annual chick production of 534 million across its existing operations in Denmark, Poland, Finland, and France. The full acquisition of BD France will not only expand its production capacity but also deepen its market penetration within the French agricultural sector, a market characterized by its scale and importance to European food security.

Industry observers note that consolidation within the European agribusiness sector is a continuing trend, driven by the pursuit of economies of scale, enhanced supply chain efficiencies, and greater market influence. Companies like DanHatch, backed by strong cooperative structures, are well-positioned to capitalize on these dynamics. The French poultry market, in particular, is a critical component of the continent's protein production, with ongoing investments in modernization and sustainability.

Looking ahead, DanHatch has indicated that planned investment projects at the Josset hatchery in Ploermel will proceed as scheduled for 2026 under the new ownership. This commitment underscores the strategic importance of the acquired assets and the intention to further develop and optimize operations. The transition aims to ensure continued dedication to quality, dependable supply, and close partnerships with clients and breeders, as highlighted by Loic Goasduff, the former general director of BD France.