USA—Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire F.L. Emmert, a leading manufacturer and marketer of advanced nutritional solutions for the pet and livestock industries, as it sets sight on expanding its product and customer base in pet food with value-added products.
Wilbur-Ellis President and CEO John Buckley noted that Emmert’s capabilities are a great fit for the Nutrition business, as it will bring greater balance and diversification to the division’s portfolio.
“The acquisition also supports the company’s broader strategy to continue building on our position as a leading agriculture and food company in North America,” he added.
Emmert is a 140-year-old, family-owned company with manufacturing operations in Cincinnati, Ohio, and 35-plus employees.
Emmert has a proven track record in animal nutrition, delivering the right balance of brewer’s yeast, protein, vitamins and essential amino acids to support companion animal and livestock health.
As a leader in expanding U.S. and global markets, Emmert is also known as an innovator with strong research and development capability.
“Emmert supports Nutrition’s strategic priorities and complements our three core businesses – pet, livestock and aquaculture,” Fanta said.
We also see great potential for Emmert’s research and development capabilities – which complement our own and can be leveraged in the future across the division, including the livestock and aquaculture businesses.”
Founded in 1921, Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition is an industry leader in the international distribution and marketing of nutrients for the livestock, pet food, aquaculture and animal nutrition industries.
By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales of over US$3 billion.
Along with a strong business fit, Buckley and Fanta highlighted the similar values and culture of Emmert and Wilbur-Ellis by virtue of both company’s having a long history of operating as family-owned business
“Wilbur-Ellis has a long history of growth through acquisition,” Fanta said. “And in every case, having similar values has been an important consideration.
With that in mind, we look forward to having such a strong, value-based organization like Emmert become part of the Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition business.”
Finalization of the acquisition remains subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
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