Groupe Grimaud to fully acquire Newsham

French pig breeder Groupe Grimaud will obtain 100% ownership of Newsham Choice Genetics, based in Des Moines, Iowa, US, in February 2010.

Newsham Choice Genetics currently has three ownership entities - Bucolica, the Netherlands based group which includes partner Groupe Grimaud; the Mitchell family; and some Newsham management personnel.

This ownership change provides an opportunity to extend Newsham business worldwide through the global network of Groupe Grimaud as well as a larger cooperative emphasis in R&D innovation and development, said Frederic Grimaud, president of Groupe Grimaud.

Newsham's current management team will continue serving in their current roles.

Groupe Grimaud, inclusive of Newsham Choice Genetics, employs approximately 1,500 people and forecasts about US$290 million in 2010 revenue, doing business in more than 100 countries worldwide.