France’s Unigrains invests in poultry business Savel Group

FRANCE – Unigrains, a French agri-food investment firm, has acquired a minority interest in the family-owned Savel Group, a poultry specialist based in Lannilis, France. 

The financial terms of the deal, including the stake size, remain undisclosed, though both Unigrains and another local investor, Unexo Credit Agricole, are reported to have invested on equal terms.

Savel, which has been operating since 1968, focuses on specialty poultry products, including cockerels, guinea fowl, and slow-growing yellow chicken. 

The company also runs operations in the turkey sector through its La Toque Bretonne and Béziau brands. 

Despite the new investments, Savel’s family shareholders, including company president Marc Léon, maintain the majority ownership, with Léon increasing his stake in the company following the transaction.

In a statement, Léon expressed that the support from Unigrains and Unexo Credit Agricole would help the company grow while adhering to its family-centered values. 

“Their involvement and understanding of our challenges will allow us to accelerate our development,” he said.

Nicolas Mulle, an investment director at Unigrains, stated that the group’s strategy of investing in niche poultry species has helped Savel distinguish itself in a competitive market. 

He emphasized the firm’s intent to support the company’s growth while leveraging the expertise of its management team.

This deal is part of Unigrains’ broader strategy to increase its presence in the food industry. 

Recently, the firm acquired a stake in the Spanish ready-to-eat foods company Ñaming, marking its first investment in the Iberian market. 

Additionally, Unigrains backed the French dairy group Beillevaire, which has since acquired three cheese producers.

Unigrains’ investment activities align with its growing ambitions, having established an office in Madrid last year to explore further opportunities in Spain and Portugal.

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