Groupe Grimaud and Pen Ar Lan form international pig genetics alliance

The partnership reinforces Groupe Grimaud’s position as a major player in the pig genetics field, enhancing its operations in Europe, North America and South America.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, Groupe Grimaud’s pig division, Choice Genetics, becomes the majority shareholder of Pen Ar Lan.

 

Newsham and Pen Ar Lan will continue to operate as two independent companies under Choice Genetics, with each company benefitting from the technological advances of the other.

 

“I am particularly pleased with this agreement,” says Frédéric Grimaud, chairman of Groupe Grimaud. “The Pen Ar Lan management team is in close alignment with the vision of our operations and is excited about the future of our business. This partnership is another important step in our ongoing development of the multi-species animal genetics business.”

 

Pen Ar Lan, with operations in France, Brazil, Canada and Poland, disseminates its genetics to more than 20 countries and continues to be lead by CEO Yves Naveau.

 

“Groupe Grimaud has an undoubted advantage in genomics, especially with the expertise of Newsham Choice Genetics,” Yves Naveau says. “Each year, Groupe Grimaud reinvests heavily in research and development. With this agreement, it is our objective to provide customers and partners a complete range of quality genetic products featuring the latest technological advances.”

 

Broader choice of genetics
Pieter Seghers, general manager of Groupe Grimaud – Choice Genetics, says the alliance will provide the pig industry a broader choice of genetics with proven performance in different environments.

“Having the choice of two genetic pyramids based on separate continents – America and Europe – will allow us to create new alliances in the international market, utilizing the Groupe Grimaud global network,” Seghers says.

 

Newsham CEO, Mark Weaver, DVM, concurs. “Consolidation creates opportunities within research and development to increase our portfolio of lines, leveraging the best technology of both companies across a larger scale and increasing the rate of genetic progress for our customers.”