Belgian croquette producers merge in Christmassy deal

Just in time for Christmas, two Belgian potato processors merge as Clarebout snaps up Mydibel, despite international giants like McCain and Lamb Weston also competing.

Fries consolidation

Although Clarebout is a lot smaller than its fellow contenders, it is Europe’s largest producer of frozen chips. It managed to woo potato processor Mydibel with a deal that would value the latter at around 400 million euros. The West Flanders-based company employs more than 1,600 people and achieves an annual turnover of over a billion euros with its private label potato preparations.

“Clarebout is further strengthening its international ambition with the acquisition. In this combination, we stand stronger than ever to play a prominent role in the global market”, the winner explains. “With Clarebout as the new owner, we have found a reliable partner and set the stage for the successful future of Mydibel and its employees”, Mydibel CEO Marc Van Herreweghe adds. The transaction is expected, subject to approval by the competition authorities, to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.