French poultry group LDC has indicated that its acquisition of Marie from Uniq is expected to provide it with a foundation to expand its branded business in the French chilled and frozen prepared foods market. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


LDC today (26 June) confirmed that it hopes to acquire 100% of Marie in a deal worth EUR60m (US$84.5m). The French group would also assume responsibility for Marie’s net debt of EUR13m.


“We already produce fresh prepared meals for the retail market, but these are mainly private label. Five years ago we said we aimed to develop chilled brands but we didn’t have a great brand. With Marie, it is for us a way to have such a position on the French market and develop categories of products,” Philippe Gelin, LCD MD of fresh meals, told just-food.


Marie produces branded prepared meals across a number of categories, including pizza, pies, quiches and precooked chilled and frozen meals. The business generated a turnover of EUR265m in 2008 and operates seven production facilities in France.


Gelin said LCD expects the deal to generate a number of synergies, with possible consolidation of production.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Refusing to rule out job cuts, he commented: “The profitability of the firm has to be grown. We have to discover how the structure – in plants and headquarters – could require some adjustment.”


In order to grow the business, LDC is planning investment in innovation and marketing, Gelin revealed. However, he said that the company currency has no plans to export Marie products overseas.


“We don’t forecast to export Marie at this time. We have to develop frozen and fresh products first,” he said.