Vion to sell off its Thai subsidiary to fund UK investment

Vion is to sell off its Thai chicken operations to fund future investment in its UK poultry business.

Following a strategic review of its international poultry activities, the company is to sell its subsidiary, Grampian Foods Siam, to the Asia-focused private equity firm Navis Capital.

Commenting on the disposal, Vion chief executive officer Ton Christiaanse said: “Our strategic review identified that the Thai chicken operations did not form part of our core strategic model. We are pleased to have completed the successful sale of our Thai chicken business.

“This will now allow our management teams to concentrate on our farming and processing activities within the UK. The proceeds from the sale will allow for increased investment within our UK business with a focus on our poultry activities,” said Mr Christiaanse.

Formed in 2001, Grampian Foods Siam processes around 800,000 chickens a week at a modern plant in Nakorn Nayok, near Bangkok. The plant supplies value-added poultry to retail and foodservice markets across Asia and Europe.

Vion acquired Grampian Foods Siam as part of its takeover of Grampian Country Foods back in Summer 2008.