Avril, through its subsidiary Sanders, the French leader in animal nutrition, announces today it has completed the acquisition of the animal nutrition activities of Axéréal, the leading supplier of agricultural raw materials for this market, via its business unit Sanders, France's leaders in animal nutrition. To mark this acquisition, Axéréal Élevage will be rebranded as Tellus, in reference to its historic brand of livestock feed.
The integration of Tellus confirms Avril's commitment to sustainable animal sectors, while strengthening the territorial coverage of livestock breeding areas, whilst strengthening its territorial network in livestock production areas. As part of the transaction, 320 employees spread over 9 industrial sites in the French Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Centre-Val de Loire and Occitania regions join the Group.
Contributing to a sustainable future for French farming
The acquisition of Axéréal's animal nutrition business marks a new step forward in Avril's growth strategy. This transaction consolidates the Group's position on the agricultural products and services market, at the crossroads of animal and plant activities. It also bolsters its local footing in the French Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where the Group is already established through its subsidiaries Sanders, Saipol, Eurolysine, which represent already over 250 jobs.
This merger also enables Sanders to extend its support for French livestock farming, contributing to food sovereignty while addressing decarbonization challenges. The respective strengths of the Sanders and Tellus teams will help support and develop livestock farming across this vast central French region, give breeder customers new opportunities, and improve animal sector performance throughout the area. Thanks to this acquisition, Sanders, which operates across all regions and for all types of livestock production, reinforces its position as the trusted partner for every link in the livestock value chain and the expert in French protein-based animal nutrition.
Strengthening the territorial network to provide breeders with high-performance solutions
Tellus, a leading regional player on the French animal nutrition market, sells over 400,000 tons of conventional and organic feed to around 10,000 livestock farmers. With to this acquisition, Sanders consolidates its position in the animal nutrition sector and strengthens its proximity to farmers, particularly in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Centre-Val de Loire regions where Tellus has 9 production sites.
This territorial network addresses livestock farmers' needs, as well as animal sector sustainability challenges. The coexistence of Tellus and Sanders brands is in line their desire to offer livestock farmers a wide range of services and products which meet all their needs.
For Jean-Philippe Puig, Avril's CEO: "I'm delighted to have the Tellus’ teams join Avril and, on behalf of all our Group's employees, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to them. We share the same commitment to the agriculture community and livestock farming, with a common ambition: to contribute to the dynamism of local sectors and to France's food sovereignty, in line with our purpose, 'Serving the Earth'”.
Paul-Yves L’Anthoën, Axéréral's CEO: "By choosing to entrust its livestock branch to Avril, Axéréal is ensuring this business joins a market leader which will deliver ever-greater support to member livestock farmers. Tellus and Axéréal will continue to pursue similar routes: through this transaction, we are strengthening our position as a front-line player in providing raw materials for the animal nutrition sector. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Axereal Elevage teams which have been professionally and passionately committed to livestock farming in France for over half a century."
For Philippe Manry, General Manager of Sanders: "Here, at Sanders, we firmly believe in the future of French livestock farming. This transaction is a key milestone for French livestock farming and for our food sovereignty. It tangibly reflects our desire to play a proactive role in the livestock sector's future and our commitment to work hand-in-hand with livestock farmers to decarbonize and recapitalize their herds. With the skills and expertise of the 320 Tellus employees who are joining us, we will be stronger in addressing this challenge. We will be able to support breeders with greater resources in their daily activities, so that we can build life projects with them."
