Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients (LCI) has taken a major step toward internationalization by acquiring Unicorn Grain Specialties from Nordian Capital. The operation will be effective in the coming weeks.
Unicorn Grain Specialties has a strong presence in Northern Europe in the cereals and pulses ingredients markets, relying on heat treatment technologies (puffed cereals, cooking-extrusion, flaking). The combination of strengths of the two structures will provide enhanced expertise and innovative ingredients to customers involved in the bakery, snacking, breakfast cereal, ready meals and animal nutrition markets.
The new group with a workforce of 350 employees will generate a turnover close to EUR150 million (US$173 million) and will strengthen its position as the European leader in cereal ingredients. It will process more than 330,000 tons of grain each year in seven production plants across Europe.
“Unicorn has a very strong presence in the Benelux and Germany, competitive and innovative products, a team with a solid know-how,” said Emmanuel Goujon, managing director of LCI. “The two companies share one and the same vision of food that must be safe, natural, and a source of pleasure. Thus, thanks to our research efforts (variety selection of plants, heat treatment, nutrition), we will continue to offer the best cereals, to satisfy our customers with an extended range of products, 100 percent natural and with high added value.”
“This operation marks an opportunity to accelerate our development strategy with the strength of Limagrain Group and to enter a new dimension,” said Pieter Spanjers, managing director of Unicorn Grain Specialties. “We are delighted to be able to benefit from LCI’s size, geographic location, product offerings and cereal expertise. Together with four locations in Europe (France, the Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom), we create a European leader with strong ambitions. Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients is a strategic partner who, like us, is convinced of the strength of innovation to develop natural solutions with high added value for our customers."
