French poultry processing giant LDC is in discussions to purchase local salads and tabbouleh producer Pierre Martinet.
The group is in “exclusive negotiations” to buy 100% of the company’s capital, according to a filing on Euronext.
Go deeper with GlobalData
A final deal is expected to be agreed by the last quarter of 2024.
Financial details have not been disclosed.
Explaining the rationale behind the potential purchase, LDC said the move would “fit perfectly” into its 2026-2027 strategy, “in terms of development of its brands, expansion of its marketing networks and strengthening its offer on catering salads”.
LDC added that the acquisition would allow it to boost catering operations for supermarket retail by 70%, both in private-label and through its consumer brand Marie, which produces fresh and frozen ready meals, pizzas and ready-to-bake pastry.
The Sablé-sur-Sarthe-based poultry giant has been active in M&A of late. At the start of 2024, the group said it was in talks to snap up the family-owned meat producer, Groupe Routhiau.
Last November, it also announced it was negotiating the acquisition of Polish turkey manufacturer Indykpol from its owner Rolmex, which has invested in the business since 1991.
Pierre Martinet generated annual turnover of around €230m ($249.5m) in 2023.
The group’s portfolio includes a range of vegan, vegetarian and meat-based salads, and tabbouleh bowls, plus houmous and savoury pastries, which it sells to retailers in France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland.
It also owns seafood-based salads maker La Belle Henriette and charcuterie and baked goods producer Maison Randy.
Based in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier in south-east France, the company has over 700 employees working across five production sites in the country.
Since 2007, it has also had a production branch in Spain which manages product processing for its Spanish and Portuguese markets.
Pierre Martinet founded the namesake company in 1968 and still manages the group today.
