US company completes acquisition of Belgian frozen fries specialist
Flemish company Clarebout Potatoes, which specialises in frozen fries, has been acquired by the American food and agriculture company Simplot. The takeover, which previously caused strikes by staff demanding a bonus, was completed on Friday.
With the addition of Clarebout's five factories, Simplot now has 23 production sites. “With this strategic acquisition, Simplot further expands its customer service and global capacity in the field of frozen potato products,” the US company stated in a press release. “Clarebout brings complementary capabilities and a strong European presence that will help us better serve our customers and communities,” added Graham Dugdale, president of Simplot Global Food.
The acquisition plans were first announced in July. “We could have continued on our own, but the economic reality of the world and rational insight brought us together,” said Jan Clarebout, CEO of the Flemish company, at the time. Both companies also emphasised that staff and factories in Europe will be retained and even expanded after the acquisition.
During the takeover process, there were strikes at Clarebout Potatoes. The staff demanded a bonus. No agreement was reached, but the management would give each employee at least 500 euros - and up to 1,000 euros depending on seniority.
Clarebout has its headquarters in Nieuwkerke, West Flanders province, and employs more than 3,000 people. It has Belgian sites at Nieuwkerke, Waasten and Moeskroen and also at Dunkirk in France. Founded by Jan Clarebout in 1988, the company is a global player in frozen fries and exports to more than 120 countries.
#FlandersNewsService | Truck of Clarebout Potatoes © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER