RANDERS, Denmark – Danish Crown and two companies have agreed on joint ownership of Hatting-KS, a major supplier of veterinary and farm supply products. The deal is subject to final approval by the Danish competition authorities.

Danish Crown will retain a 40 percent stake in the company, while Danish Agro and Vestjyllands Andel, through their subsidiary Vilomix Holding A/S, are buying a 60 percent share of Hatting-KS, which is the largest European supplier of boar semen. Tican decided to sell its 8 percent share in the company.

“Hatting-KS has a strong position in the Danish market and a very competent management,” said Christian Junker, CEO of Danish Agro. “We look forward to being able to support the company’s continued development by contributing to increased internationalization, which is already a strategic focus area.

“Moreover, considerable synergies will be realized within the veterinary and farm supply activities as regards distribution and purchasing, the overriding purpose being to strengthen our competitive power in relation to Danish farmers,” he added.

Kjeld Johannesen, CEO of Danish Crown, said Danish Agro will be able to further strengthen Hatting-KS's development both nationally and internationally.

“Hatting-KS holds considerable potential which we believe will be best realized in collaboration with Danish Agro and Vestjyllands Andel, and we are confident that the agreement will guarantee the best possible terms, optimum service and professional sparring for Danish farmers in future,” he said.