Aviagen acquires 66% stake in Nippon Chunky

JAPAN – Global poultry breeding company Aviagen has completed the acquisition of a 66% controlling stake in the Japanese poultry breeding business Nippon Chunky, marking a new stage in a commercial relationship spanning almost six decades in Japan.

The transaction took effect earlier this month, with Nippon Chunky becoming part of Aviagen Asia while continuing to operate under its current name, management team and business structure.

Marubeni Corporation, through its Food and Agribusiness division, will retain the remaining 34% ownership in Nippon Chunky and will continue to participate in the company’s management following the completion of the deal.

Nippon Chunky has served as the exclusive distributor of Aviagen’s Ross broiler breeding stock in Japan for nearly 60 years, establishing its presence in the country’s poultry breeding industry.

According to Aviagen, the ownership change builds on the companies’ long commercial relationship and is intended to support the continued supply of breeding stock to poultry producers in Japan while maintaining work on innovation, sustainability and animal welfare.

Aviagen Chief Executive Officer Jan Henriksen said Nippon Chunky has developed strong customer relationships and extensive knowledge of the Japanese poultry sector over many years, adding that the company has played a significant role in expanding the Ross brand in the country.

Henriksen said Aviagen expects to continue working with Nippon Chunky following the transaction and described the agreement as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to the Japanese market and its customer base.

Marubeni remains a shareholder

Marubeni Meat Department General Manager Masaya Shiraishi said the revised ownership structure is expected to strengthen the foundation that Nippon Chunky has established over the years while allowing the two companies to continue working together.

Shiraishi added that Marubeni intends to remain actively involved in the business and said the companies will continue to support Japan’s broiler industry by supplying breeding chicks and cooperating under the new shareholding arrangement.

The latest agreement formalises a partnership that has existed for decades while leaving Nippon Chunky’s leadership and day-to-day operations unchanged as the company begins operating within Aviagen’s regional business in Asia.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates