Euralis and Maïsadour are looking to combine the two French agri-food cooperatives to create an entity with a turnover of around €3bn ($3.2bn.)
Two years ago, the co-ops pulled plans to combine their operations in foie gras, salmon and direct sales after opposition from France’s competition watchdog.
Now the companies have set out plans for a merger. “In a context marked by profound changes, intense competition, repeated crises, and the crucial challenge of valuing farmers’ work and production, these discussions aim to better support and promote regional agricultural sectors,” the co-ops said in a joint statement.
L’Autorité de la Concurrence will again be tasked with approving the transaction, which is unlikely until 2026 at the “earliest”, according to the statement.
“The implementation of this project remains subject to several steps, including: review and authorisation by the competition authorities, project financing, information and consultation with employee representatives, and final approval by the general meetings of both cooperatives,” the statement read.
Euralis and Maïsadour have pledged to engage in “transparent dialogue with all stakeholders”.
With roots dating back to 1936, Euralis produces and processes foie gras and duck products under brands such as Maison Montfort and Rougié. It also owns the Teyssier line of charcuterie.
Euralis also markets “certified” seeds through brands like Lidea and Caussade Semences Pro, and provides catering solutions for French businesses in the south-west region.
With a turnover of €1.57bn in 2024, Euralis works with 5,400 member farmers and employs 4,900 people in 16 countries. It claims to be a “key player in the economic and social development of rural areas”.
Christophe Congues, the president of Euralis, said in the statement: “Our two cooperatives will demonstrate their ability to work together and strengthen the performance of both farms and downstream industrial and commercial facilities.
“The context we are facing fuels our ambition to join forces to build the future of agriculture in the south-west.”
Maïsadour also traces its founding to 1936, engaging with 5,000 local farmers. The co-op generates a turnover of €1.47bn and employs 4,300 people in 13 countries.
It owns the food brand Delpeyrat for smoked salmon and trout, foie gras, duck products and pâtés. The Comtesse du Barry line includes caviar, truffles, terrines and rillettes, while the co-op supplies poultry products under the St Sever and Marie Hot brands.
Daniel Peyraube, the president of Maïsadour, said: “Faced with increasingly concentrated competition and customers, we could together open up new opportunities with higher added value for farmers.”
