Via their joint subsidiary Vilomix Holding A/S, Danish Agro and Vestjyllands Andel are buying 60 per cent of the shares in Hatting-KS, the largest European supplier of boar semen. Danish Crown retains a 40 per cent stake in the company, while Tican has decided to sell its eight per cent shareholding.

Hatting-KS is a major player in the market for boar semen and is also active within sales of veterinary and farm supply products.

CEO of Danish Agro and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vilomix Holding A/S, Christian Junker, is looking forward to working with Danish Crown and the new challenges.

He said: "Hatting-KS has a strong position in the Danish market and a very competent management. We look forward to being able to support the company’s continued development by contributing to increased internationalisation, which is already a strategic focus area. Moreover, considerable synergies will be realised within the veterinary and farm supply activities as regards distribution and purchasing, the overriding purpose being to strengthen our competitive power in relation to Danish farmers," said Mr Junker.

CEO of Hatting-KS, Per Nyby Pedersen, is also looking forward to the new collaboration.

He commented: "The new ownership structure is a considerable forte for Hatting-KS. In 2012, we invested in activities in Germany, and the new partnership will allow us to develop this part of the business further and reach out to even more farmers. The new ownership structure adds both experience and expertise which will ultimately benefit farmers.

Hatting-KS is no longer part of Danish Crown’s core business, and this is therefore a natural step in the direction of divesting the activities."

CEO of Danish Crown, Kjeld Johannesen said: "We feel convinced that Danish Agro will be able to further strengthen Hatting-KS's development both nationally and internationally. Hatting-KS holds considerable potential which we believe will be best realised in collaboration with Danish Agro and Vestjyllands Andel, and we are confident that the agreement will guarantee the best possible terms, optimum service and professional sparring for Danish farmers in future."

The new agreement is awaiting final approval by the Danish competition authorities.