January 2, 2007

Hatchery merger in the Netherlands

Two Dutch hatcheries, Cobroed and Sloot hatchery in Groenlo and the Pronk hatchery based in Meppel in the Netherlands have announced their merger into one large operation from Jan 1, 2007, operating under the new name Probroed and Sloot.

The new company, called Probroed and Sloot, would be based in Groenlo and would have a weekly hatching capacity of 3.5 million broiler chicks.

Probroed and Sloot operate in the Netherlands and in Germany, where the new group has a market share of approximately 20 percent and cooperates with some 500 poultry farmers, more than 10 poultry processors and even more feed manufacturers, private and cooperative.

To ensure maximum flexibility in operation, the group outsources hatching activities with several independent hatcheries in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.