Photo: Erik Visser, CEO Hamlet Protein (left) and Bas van Driel, group director specialties at Agrifirm (right). Photo: Agrifirm
Royal Agrifirm Group of the Netherlands is set to acquire Denmark-based Hamlet Protein, a leading producer of soy-based protein ingredients for young animal nutrition. Once finalized, the deal will see both companies combine their expertise to deliver innovative nutritional solutions to the global feed industry.
The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary conditions, a joint news release said. After closing, Hamlet Protein will continue operating under its own name as part of Agrifirm. The news release stated that “both organisations will work closely together to combine their capabilities and further strengthen differentiated nutritional concepts for their valued customers in the global feed industry.”
“This acquisition fully supports our mission. By combining with Hamlet Protein’s proven technology, we can help our customers achieve optimal animal health and performance, and contribute to a responsible food chain for future generations.” – Piet Hilarides, CEO Agrifirm
Global footprint: Strengthening international capabilities
Headquartered in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, Agrifirm employs almost 3,000 people worldwide. The organisation ships products around the globe, has an international network of subsidiaries and is present in 14 countries. Agrifirm had a turnover of €28.2 million in 2025.
Hamlet Protein, headquartered in Horsens, Denmark, employs 115 people and has production plants in Denmark and the United States, whilst serving customers around the globe.
Aligning with Agrifirm’s mission for sustainable nutrition
The news release included comments by the main stakeholders. Piet Hilarides, CEO of Agrifirm, said, “The acquisition aligns completely with the company’s mission. Hamlet Protein’s proven technology strengthens our ability to help customers achieve optimal animal health and performance throughout the life cycle, driven by our shared focus on early feeding. This fits directly with our purpose of contributing to a responsible food chain for future generations.”
“Joining Royal Agrifirm Group enables us to accelerate our development, expand our global reach, and continue to deliver high-digestibility solutions to support young animal health worldwide.” – Erik Visser, CEO Hamlet Protein
Hamlet Protein’s growth backed by private equity investment
Hamlet Protein is currently still owned by Altor, a private equity firm. It invested in Hamlet Protein in 2015, “to accelerate the company’s growth and strengthen its position as a global provider of high-quality soy-based specialty ingredients for young animals.”
On the Altor website, the company said, “During the ownership period, the company has faced changing market dynamics and multiple external challenges, despite this Hamlet has continued to develop its product and geographical coverage, built a strong operational platform for future growth and maintained its strong focus on R&D and product quality.”
Accelerating the development and global market expansion
In the press release related to the takeover, Hamlet Protein CEO Erik Visser commented on the latest developments. He said, “Joining Royal Agrifirm Group allows us to accelerate our development, expand our global reach and continue delivering high-digestibility solutions that support young animal health. This step creates exciting new opportunities for both our customers and our employees.”
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