People, Places, and... Darling International to Acquire Vion Ingredients On the heels of buying Canadian renderer Rothsay, Darling International, Inc. is once again acquiring another major international rendering company, this time it’s Vion Ingredients in the Netherlands for around $1.6 billion euros ($2.1 billion USD). Closing is anticipated in January 2014 subject to customary regulatory approvals and finalization of the required employee consultations in the Netherlands. Vion Ingredients, a division of Vion Holding N.V. (a member of the Vion Food Group), is a worldwide leader in the development and production of specialty ingredients from animal origin for applications in pharmaceuticals, food, feed, pet food, fertilizer, and bioenergy. Its global network of 58 facilities on five continents covers all aspects of animal byproduct processing through six brands, including Rendac, Sonac, Ecoson (green power), Rousselot, CTH, and Best Hides. Vion Ingredients was formed in 1930 and is headquartered in Son en Breugel, the Netherlands. The company employs about 5,700 people with revenues of approximately $1.6 billion euros and $200 million euros ($267 million USD) in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for fiscal year 2012. Vion Ingredients’ rendering business has leading positions across Europe with operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Italy under the Rendac and Sonac brand names. Value-added products include edible fats, blood products and plasma meals, bone products, protein meals, and fats. Rousselot is the leading market provider of gelatin for the food, pharmaceuticals, and pet food industries with operations in the United States, Europe, South America, and China. CTH is a market leader in natural casings for the sausage business with operations in the United States, Europe, and China. “Our vision of creating a sustainable ingredients business for a growing population is well on its way,” said Randall C. Stuewe, Darling International’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The combination of Vion Ingredients with Darling International will create the global leader in converting edible and inedible bio-nutrients streams into specialty products and ingredients for the food, feed, fuel, fertilizer, and pharmaceutical industries,” he continued. “We are truly excited to have the opportunity to join forces with the Vion Ingredients management team and bring this transformational platform to our suppliers, customers, and employees. “Furthermore, this transaction will further diversify Darling International’s revenue and EBITDA profile both geographically and from a product line point of view,” Stuewe stated. Vion Ingredients, its brands, and geographies will continue to be led by chief executive officer Dirk Kloosterboer. In addition to his current responsibilities, upon closing, Kloosterboer will be named chief operating officer of Darling International and be appointed to the board of directors. “We are very excited to become part of the Darling International group and its heritage,” commented Kloosterboer. “Under its new ownership, we will be able to execute our growth ambitions and provide our employees, customers, and suppliers with a unique global platform, driving further product innovation and penetration of new markets.” FFA Membership Explodes With analysts forecasting the world’s population to reach nine billion people by 2050, the agriculture industry needs educated, skilled, and passionate people dedicated to sustainability. Students are answering that call as evidenced by an explosion in the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) membership throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands in the past year. Membership in FFA today stands at 579,678 students in grades seven through 12. More than 22,300 new students joined FFA during the 2012- 2013 school year. The number of new, local FFA chapters throughout the country has grown to 7,570. “FFA is preparing our youth to ensure the security of our country’s food, fiber, and natural resources for years to come,” said National FFA Organization Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dwight Armstrong. “Through real-world experiences, the nation’s agriculture teachers are helping students develop the technical knowledge, skills, and problem-solving capabilities to be the industry’s leaders of tomorrow. FFA members will be tomorrow’s advocates for agriculture.” The Texas FFA Association added more students and new chapters than any other state. With 8,533 new members, total FFA membership in the Lone Star state stands at 95,015 in 1,010 chapters. California, with 74,039 members, is the country’s secondlargest FFA association, followed by Georgia with 35,398 members, Missouri with 25,073 members, and Oklahoma with 24,896 members. Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization’s mission is to develop a student’s potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Students belong to FFA chapters organized at the local high- or middle-school level with agriculture teachers serving as advisors. 36 December 2013 Render www.rendermagazine.com
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