Euralis and Maïsadour are looking to merge, aiming to form a unified French agri-food cooperative with a projected turnover of €3bn ($3.2bn).
Previously, the co-ops abandoned a plan to consolidate their operations in sectors including foie gras, salmon, and direct sales after facing resistance from France’s competition authority.
Now, the companies have outlined fresh plans for a merger. “In a context marked by profound changes, intense competition, repeated crises, and the crucial challenge of valuing farmers’ work and production, these discussions aim to better support and promote regional agricultural sectors,” stated the co-ops in a joint announcement.
L’Autorité de la Concurrence will again oversee the approval of this transaction; however, approval is unlikely until 2026 at “earliest,” according to the statement.
“The implementation of this project remains subject to several steps, including: review and authorisation by the competition authorities, project financing, information and consultation with employee representatives, and final approval by the general meetings of both cooperatives,” the statement indicated.
Euralis and Maïsadour have committed to engaging in “transparent dialogue with all stakeholders” throughout the process.
Founded in 1936, Euralis specializes in the production and processing of foie gras and duck products, operating under renowned brands like Maison Montfort and Rougié. Moreover, it manages the Teyssier line of charcuterie.
Additionally, Euralis markets “certified” seeds through brands such as Lidea and Caussade Semences Pro, and provides catering solutions for businesses in the south-western region of France.
With a turnover projected at €1.57bn in 2024, Euralis collaborates with 5,400 member farmers and employs 4,900 staff across 16 countries, positioning itself as a “key player in the economic and social development of rural areas.”
Christophe Congues, president of Euralis, stated: “Our two cooperatives will demonstrate their ability to work together and strengthen the performance of both farms and downstream industrial and commercial facilities.”
“The context we are facing fuels our ambition to join forces to build the future of agriculture in the south-west.”
Maïsadour, also established in 1936, partners with 5,000 local farmers. The co-op generates a turnover of €1.47bn and employs 4,300 individuals across 13 countries.
It owns the Delpeyrat brand for smoked salmon and trout, along with foie gras, duck products, and pâtés. The Comtesse du Barry line features caviar, truffles, terrines, and rillettes, while also supplying poultry products under the St Sever and Marie Hot brands.
Daniel Peyraube, president of Maïsadour, remarked: “Faced with increasingly concentrated competition and customers, we could together open up new opportunities with higher added value for farmers.”