Equistone-backed Group of Butchers acquires German meat producer Hartmann GmbH

Group of Butchers, the Dutch supplier of high-quality meat and mince-based products in which Equistone Partners Europe acquired a majority stake in January 2017, today announces the acquisition of Hartmann GmbH, a leading family-owned German producer of meatballs and mince-based products. The deal represents Group of Butchers’ first move into the German market and strengthens the company’s position as one of the leading producers of artisan meats by extending its product range to include a number of traditionally prepared mince-based products. The financial terms of the deal are undisclosed and completion of the sale remains subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities.

Hartmann GmbH was founded in 1984 in Warendorf-Milte, North Rhine-Westphalia, where the company’s sole production and administration site remains situated today. The site covers approximately 4000 square metres in total and Hartmann produces its entire meat range there, including meatballs, patties, cutlets and chops in a variety of weights and packages, serving both the high-end and price-conscious market segments. Hartmann primarily supplies well-known national and international commercial and bulk buyers of meat products. In Germany the business is distinguished by high quality standards as well as its range of long-standing and ongoing customer and sales relationships.

Remko Rosman, CEO of Group of Butchers, said: "Currently we primarily serve the Dutch and Belgian markets. The acquisition of Hartmann GmbH will give us access to the German market, which is an important and extremely interesting proposition for us. We are also extending the product range that we can offer our existing customers, particularly of mince-based products. Together with the management and highly motivated workforce of Hartmann GmbH we will now identify and leverage common customer and market opportunities, in order to maintain both our growth strategy in all price segments and sales regions as well as our customers’ high level of satisfaction."

The three siblings Martina Beuker, Christian Hartmann and Maike Hartmann are selling their shareholding in Hartmann GmbH. They commented: "Our family business is becoming part of the strong Group of Butchers team. By joining forces, we are guaranteeing the continuity of Hartmann GmbH, the site with all its employees and our high-quality product range. As part of Group of Butchers, we will continue working to produce and sell traditional and innovative meat and mince-based products of proven quality."

Marc Arens, Partner at Equistone Partners Europe who is responsible for the firm’s investment in Group of Butchers alongside Maximilian Göppert, added: "Our aim when investing in Group of Butchers was to tap into the company’s potential for further expansion – through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. With the acquisition of Hartmann GmbH, Group of Butchers has succeeded in taking an important step into the German market. We are pleased to continue supporting the group’s dynamic development.”