Danish Crown, TA-Logistics A/S sell Agri-Norcold to Constellation Cold Logistics

DENMARK – Danish Crown, a prominent meat company, in collaboration with TA-Logistics A/S, has sold Agri-Norcold, one of Denmark’s prominent cold storage and frozen goods handling operators, to Constellation Cold Logistics. 

Constellation, a rapidly expanding entity within the cold storage sector, now extends its reach across eight Western European countries following this acquisition.

The European cold storage logistics market has undergone significant consolidation in recent years, prompting Danish Crown and its partners to explore potential sale opportunities for Agri-Norcold. 

This decision was driven by the need to align with the industry’s evolving landscape and to identify a buyer capable of advancing Agri-Norcold’s operations.

Jais Valeur, Group CEO of Danish Crown, emphasized that finding a buyer committed to enhancing Agri-Norcold’s business was crucial, particularly as the company remains an essential partner for Danish Crown moving forward. 

However, Valeur noted that cold storage logistics does not align with Danish Crown’s core operations, which led to the decision to divest their stake in Agri-Norcold as part of a broader strategy to sharpen the company’s business focus.

Danish Crown has been involved in Agri-Norcold’s ownership since 1978, with TA-Logistics A/S acquiring a 57% share in 2012 after previous co-owners exited. 

Reflecting on this history, Valeur expressed gratitude to the management and staff for their dedication, which has driven the mutual success of the business. 

He expressed confidence that Agri-Norcold would continue to serve Danish Crown effectively under its new ownership.

Danish Crown’s decision to sell Agri-Norcold aligns with its ongoing efforts to streamline its operations. 

The sale is part of a strategic plan aimed at bolstering Danish Crown’s core business, with further initiatives expected in the coming months, according to board chairman Asger Krogsgaard.

Agri-Norcold, headquartered in Aalborg, operates 10 frozen goods terminals across Denmark, with a capacity of 900,000 cubic meters of frozen storage and 266,000 pallet spaces. 

The company also runs a packing facility, and its Vejen terminal holds the distinction of being Northern Europe’s largest frozen warehouse.