JBS, Almarai among bidders for Al-Watania Poultry buyout
Multiple firms, including JBS and Almarai, have submitted bids for Al-Watania Poultry. Saudi Arabia’s Tanmiah Food Co. and Ukraine’s MHP have also made offers.
SAUDI ARABIA – Brazilian meat giant JBS SA and Saudi Arabia’s Almarai Co. are among the companies seeking to acquire Al-Watania Poultry, the Middle East’s largest poultry producer, according to Bloombreg.
Both firms have submitted non-binding bids for a full acquisition, sources said, requesting anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.
Saudi-based Tanmiah Food Co. and a consortium led by Ukraine’s agri-tech firm MHP have also put forward offers.
Tanmiah has been expanding its presence in the poultry industry across the Middle East.
Earlier this month, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Griffith Foods to diversify its product range and strengthen distribution networks in the region.
Griffith Foods, a global food ingredients company, specializes in seasonings, marinades, sauces, and coatings.
The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on food security, self-sufficiency, and sustainable supply chain practices.
As part of the deal, both companies will work on supply agreements aimed at boosting product availability and strengthening their positions in key markets.
Discussions will also cover contract terms and strategies that combine Griffith Foods’ expertise in food solutions with Tanmiah’s regional market reach.
Additionally, in January, Tanmiah announced a partnership with Chengdu Design & Research Institute (CDI) to construct 100 poultry broiler houses across Saudi Arabia.
The Chinese contractor specializes in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services and has operations in China and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed at Tanmiah’s headquarters, reinforcing its commitment to increasing local poultry production.
The project, led by Tanmiah’s subsidiary Agricultural Development Company (ADC), will incorporate automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, focusing on sustainability and operational efficiency.
Construction is set to begin in January 2025, with completion expected by December 2026.
This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by reducing dependence on poultry imports and strengthening local food security.
Al-Watania Poultry, which has been considering a sale since December, has enlisted BSF Capital to explore potential deals.
Based in Qassim, the company produces over one million chickens and 1.5 million eggs daily, according to its website.
Founded in 1977 by Sheikh Suleiman Al Rajhi, Al-Watania employs over 7,500 people and holds about 30% of Saudi Arabia’s poultry market.
It also controls 40% of the regional market, operating on a 200-square-kilometer facility that includes residential and industrial sites.
The company follows Islamic dietary laws and was one of the first poultry firms in the Middle East to earn ISO certification for quality management.
It currently holds ISO 9001-2000, HACCP, and SQF 2000 certifications.
Nine years ago, Al-Watania explored a public listing on the Saudi stock exchange, but the plan did not materialize.
However, it has continued investing in infrastructure, recently launching a state-of-the-art cooling plant to improve efficiency and productivity.
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