Tulip buys Easey Holdings as it aims to ‘Brexit-proof’ its business

UK meat processing company Tulip has today announced it has bought pig producer Easey Holdings as it aims to ‘Brexit-proof’ its business.

Tulip, which is owned by the Danish Crown group, said the deal represents the company’s commitment to British farming.  

Easey Holdings is a family-owned pig farming operation consisting of four divisions: breeding herds, growing herds, a veterinary practice and a livestock transport business.

The existing Easey management team will remain in place and Tulip said it will retain the company’s core family values and maintain stability for employees, farmers, suppliers and customers. Easey Holdings will continue to operate independently, with all existing employees to be retained. 

Tulip Agriculture director of agriculture Andrew Saunders said: “Customer demand is rising for pig meat produced to high welfare standards supported by strong provenance credentials. This acquisition forms part of Tulip Ltd’s strategic objective to further support the UK pig farming industry, allowing us to more effectively utilise our skills and expertise, capitalising on our industry-leading best practices which have been developed by farmers, vets and other experts within the organisation.”

Danish Crown CEO Jais Valeur added: “Tulip has now successfully completed its profit turnaround and is focusing on cementing the significant progress made during the last year and is planning for the future. This acquisition is in that context and is part of a range of measures designed to Brexit-proof the business.

“This announcement reflects the significant progress being made with Tulip’s new strategic direction, demonstrating the company’s core values: passion for food and passion for farming. I would like to welcome the Easey Holdings team to the family and look forward to working together to share knowledge and best practices as we reaffirm our commitment to best in class UK pig farming.”

The deal was agreed last Friday and Tulip is now seeking regulatory approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority.