Lambert Dodard Chancereul (LDC), a leading France-based agri-food group, has appointed a new CEO at Pierre Martinet, following the completion of a significant takeover.
Benjamin Montlahuc, previously responsible for AGIS, a subsidiary within LDC’s convenience food division, will take the reins at the family-owned salads and tabbouleh producer founded by chairman Pierre Martinet.
Martinet will continue to serve as board chair for a three-year term, as confirmed in LDC’s statement marking the closure of the deal first announced a year ago.
The financial specifics of the transaction, which received approval from France’s competition regulator in April, remain undisclosed.
LDC emphasized that this acquisition positions it prominently across 70% of categories within supermarket and hypermarket convenience food departments, bolstered by a “strong new brand” to enhance its existing Marie ready-meals line.
The owner of the Fermiers de Loué poultry brand, LDC, remarked that Pierre Martinet “enhances” its convenience food portfolio with fresh salads and other plant-based recipes. Pierre Martinet manages its namesake brand in addition to La Belle Henriette.
Philippe Gélin, chairman of the management board of LDC, praised the deal as a “pivotal transaction for the convenience food division, fully aligned with the 2026-2027 development plan.”
Pierre Martinet, employing over 700 individuals across five French locations, reported €231m ($260.5m) in revenue for 2024, as stated in the release.
Christophe Guyony, director of the convenience food division at LDC, commented: “Following Marie in 2009, the acquisition of the Pierre Martinet Group marks another important step in the growth of the division, which now boasts a high-quality plant-based offering.”
“With this new high-value asset, LDC now provides the most extensive range in the fresh convenience food aisle.”
The integration of the acquired group into LDC’s convenience food division is set to commence on June 1.
Chairman Martinet expressed, “I founded this brand, which has become iconic and dear to French consumers over nearly 60 years. Today, a new chapter begins, and it is now up to LDC to uphold the quality and excellence of the Pierre Martinet Group’s products for the benefit of all consumers.”
LDC reported revenue of €6.32bn for the 2024–2025 financial year, demonstrating a 2% increase over the previous period. However, its operating income saw a decline of 14.2% to €317.6m, while net income surged 22% to €20.8m.
Among LDC’s recent acquisitions was Groupe Routhiau, a meat and plant-based business in France, which was cleared by competition authorities late last year.
Additionally, LDC secured a majority interest in the Germany-based European Convenience Food (ECF Group), a supplier for retail and foodservice, in 2024. Furthermore, LDC acquired the Konspol Poland ready-meals brand and factory from agri-food giant Cargill.