Family Haspeslagh:
Top: left to right: Jan – Philippe – Ignace – Paul
Bottom: left to right: Xavier – Marc – Bernard
New name: Ardo
The reason behind the planned merger is to place the company in a strong position for future development and sustainability within the frozen vegetable, fruit and herb sector and to continue the company on to the third generation. While integration plans are implemented both companies will continue to work independently under the management of Jan Haspeslagh (Ardo) and Rik Jacob (Dujardin Foods). The future board of directors will be chaired by Philippe Haspeslagh and be composed of family representatives and two independent directors. The new group will retain the name Ardo.
Merger of the two similar companies will strengthen their alliance by adding branches thus maintaining their market position and competitive strengths. After the initial start up period transitional measures will be taken so that the quality of the goods, services and customer relationships are maintained and/or improved. Thanks to the new structure, any questions from the market will be discussed and explored by partners in the retail, food service and industry.
Jan Haspeslagh, CEO van Ardo:
"The merger of two complimentary companies whose owners are already closely related, is a natural step and guarantees that the company stays within the family. With our similar business approach and common desire towards entrepreneurship and professionalism, I have every confidence in the combined stance brought to the company. This announcement is excellent news for all stakeholders."
Rik Jacob, CEO Dujardin Foods
Rik Jacob, CEO of Dujardin Foods, gave this reaction to the merger:
"New Ardo will be a larger company with a unique large scale European footprint, specialised factories, good agricultural knowledge, professional management and a strong entrepreneurial spirit."
Philippe Haspeslagh
Philippe Haspeslagh, who will chair the board and who specialises in mergers and acquisitions, adds: "We are committed to creating further professional opportunities for our combined management teams and to steer the company safely through to the next generation. At shareholder level seven cousins come together, with clear roles for the family, the board of directors and senior management."
About Ardo:
Ardo began operating in the 1950's as grower and trader of vegetables on the family farm in Ardooie, Belgium. In the 1970's Ardo ventured into the production and selling of freshly frozen vegetables and since then the company has been very active throughout Europe. Today Ardo operate from 15 locations, producing, packaging and distributing in 8 European countries and employing around 3000 people. In 2013 Ardo grew, processed and sold 611.000 tons of freshly frozen fruit and vegetables all over the world, for a consolidated net sales value of 607 million Euro.
About Dujardin Foods
Dujardin Foods is specialised in the production and distribution of freshly frozen vegetables, herbs, ingredients and ready made meals. The company has about 800 staff, sells 200,000 tons yearly and has a turnover of around 213 million Euro. Dujardin Foods focus on international retail, food service and industry. Dujardin Foods is located in Ardooie Koolskamp, Belgium, and operate five production companies in Belgium, France and the UK.