Animal nutrition and related industries

Whether granting loans or acquiring shareholdings, Sofiprotéol strengthens its investment in France’s animal industries to help make them more competitive. 

Animal industries represent a significant share of the agri-food sector and they are also the primary market for crop production. For these reasons, Sofiprotéol is strengthening its presence in this sector by strategically acquiring shareholdings and occasionally supporting industries in difficulty.

Strategic shareholdings

A policy aimed at rebalancing the animal and plant industries was a key factor in the 2007 takeover of Glon-Sanders, an agribusiness group that leads the French market in feed blends for animals.

The Group continued pursuing this policy in 2008, with the acquisition of a significant shareholding in the Hendrix Genetics group, a world leader in multi-species animal genetics. This purchase coincided with the transfer of FranceHybrides, Glon-Sanders’ pig genetics subsidiary, to Hendrix Genetics.

With these shareholdings, Sofiprotéol aims to protect the interests of France’s livestock farming industry as the animal genetics industry continues its consolidation.

Complementary nature of animal and plant industries

Hendrix Genetics developed a type of laying hen that can be fed rapeseed oil cakes without affecting the taste of its eggs. This research opens up another market for the vegetable oil and protein industry, while providing the egg industry with competitively priced feed.

Support for industries in difficulty

Sofiprotéol comes to the aid of industries in difficulty when the situation demands it. That was the case in 2008, when pork producers were facing major cash flow problems. Sofiprotéol, along with other financial establishments, replenished the Cash Advance Fund (formerly Stabiporcs).