The Bell Group invests in the future: acquisition of the Huber Group and expansion of the Swiss locations
Expansion of procurement in the poultry sector
Bell is taking over the Huber Group, which specializes in the production of high-quality poultry meat, as of 1 March 2016. Around 900 employees generate an annual turnover of over 300 million euros. The family-owned company has a strong market position in Austria and Germany. The Huber Group includes the Austrian market leader in the poultry sector, Hubers Landhendl GmbH in Pfaffstätt/AT, Süddeutsche Truthahn AG in Ampfing/DE, which specializes in turkey meat, as well as a hatchery and a logistics company in Austria.
Similar to Bell in Switzerland, the Huber Group has integrated production with over 400 contract fatteners. Bell already purchases poultry meat from the Huber Group for the Swiss market from farms that at least comply with Swiss animal welfare legislation. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The takeover is subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities.
The demand for high-quality poultry products is rising continuously. The availability of raw materials is playing an increasingly important role, especially for convenience and charcuterie products. By acquiring the Huber Group, Bell is securing access to the important raw material poultry meat from the DACH region and laying the foundation for further growth in the poultry convenience sector. The acquisition also enables the Bell Group to enter the Austrian and German markets with a new product group. The sale to Bell ensures the continuity of Huber's business model. In addition, being part of the Group opens up new sales and growth opportunities. Bell intends to continue to run the Huber Group as an independent company with the proven management team.
Bell continues to focus on Switzerland as a production location and is expanding its sites
As part of its production strategy, the Board of Directors has decided to invest further in the existing Swiss sites. With a new substantial investment program, Bell is laying the foundations for even more efficient production in Switzerland and is now working on various projects for new buildings and conversions with a planning horizon from 2016 to 2025. A specially established project organization is working on the projects, particularly for the Basel and Oensingen sites, which will reach decision-making maturity over the next two years.
About the Huber Group
The Huber Group specializes in high-quality poultry with a strong market position in Austria and Germany. The Huber Group includes the Austrian market leader Hubers Landhendl in Pfaffstätt/AT, Süddeutsche Truthahn AG in Ampfing/DE, which specializes in turkey meat, as well as the Schlierbach hatchery and the logistics company Frisch Express. Around 900 employees generate an annual turnover of 300 million euros. The Huber Group has integrated production with over 400 contractually bound farms.
About Bell
The Bell Group is one of the leading meat and convenience producers in Europe. The product range includes meat, poultry, charcuterie, seafood and convenience products. With the Bell, Abraham, ZIMBO, Môssieur Polette and Hilcona brands, the Group covers a wide range of customer needs. Its customers include the retail and wholesale trade, the food service sector and the food industry. Around 8,000 employees generated consolidated sales of CHF 1.3 billion in the first half of 2015. Bell is listed on the Swiss stock exchange.