Ahlhorn, Germany – The Boparan Private Office (BPO), the investment vehicle of UK poultry industry figure Ranjit Singh Boparan, has acquired German poultry processor Heidemark. The deal, finalized on , will see Heidemark integrated into the Storteboom Food Group, BPO’s European division, and marks a further expansion of Boparan’s footprint in the European poultry market.
Heidemark, based in Ahlhorn in Lower Saxony, is a third-generation family business that has evolved from a specialist in turkey meat to a broader poultry operation. The company employs 2,300 people across five locations and reported a turnover of approximately €760 million in the last fiscal year. The acquisition, financial details of which were not disclosed, was purchased from the Kalvelage family.
According to a statement released by BPO, Heidemark will continue to operate as an independent German business unit, complementing Storteboom’s existing operations in the Netherlands, Poland, and the Republic of Ireland. The company will retain its name, leadership, and workforce, with CEO Andres Ruff remaining at the helm to guide the firm through its next phase of growth.
“We have huge respect for the Heidemark business, and believe there is much You can learn from each other in the years ahead,” said Ranjit Boparan, president of Boparan Private Office. The acquisition aligns with BPO’s broader strategy focused on “Next Gen” production principles, emphasizing advanced automation, innovation, productivity, and net-zero sustainability.
Christopher Kalvelage, the previous owner of Heidemark, expressed satisfaction with the sale, emphasizing the importance of maintaining employment and retaining the existing management team. “We are pleased that we have found a buyer in Ranjit Boparan who will continue to run Heidemark in our entrepreneurial spirit,” Kalvelage stated. “The promise that all employees will keep their jobs, and that management will remain on board was very important to us.”
The move represents a significant step in Storteboom Food Group’s expansion strategy within Europe. Veli Moluluo, CEO of Storteboom Food Group, highlighted Heidemark’s expertise in poultry as a key asset. “Heidemark’s expertise in poultry supports our plans on a broader European level,” Moluluo said. “The acquisition is part of a long-term European strategy that is geared towards sustainable capacity growth, the expansion of product innovation, and the strengthening of transparent supply chains.”
Storteboom Food Group, wholly owned by Boparan Private Office, is based in Zeewolde, Netherlands, and processes approximately 4.3 million chickens per week. The group generates an annual turnover exceeding €1.2 billion and employs around 3,500 people across nine production facilities in the Netherlands, Poland, and Ireland.
Boparan Private Office’s portfolio extends beyond poultry, encompassing agriculture, property, restaurants (including Slim Chickens and Cinnamon Club), and the UK’s 2 Sisters Food Group, one of the largest poultry meat companies in Europe. The group’s overall reported turnover exceeds €5 billion, with a workforce of 25,000.
The acquisition is subject to approval by the European Commission. Until regulatory clearance is granted, both companies will continue to operate independently. The integration of Heidemark into the Storteboom Food Group is expected to enhance Boparan’s position in the competitive European poultry market and contribute to the group’s long-term sustainability goals.
The deal underscores a trend of consolidation within the European food industry, driven by factors such as increasing consumer demand for efficiency, traceability, and sustainable production practices. Boparan’s investment signals a continued interest in strengthening supply chains and leveraging economies of scale within the sector.
