Royal Agrifirm group
Squarefield acted as exclusive financial advisor to Royal Agrifirm Group on the acquisition of Hamlet Protein
On 30 March 2026, Royal Agrifirm Group (“Agrifirm”) signed an agreement to acquire Hamlet Protein A/S (“Hamlet Protein”), a global leader in specialty soy-based protein ingredients for young animal nutrition, from Altor Fund IV (“Altor”). The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary conditions.
The acquisition strengthens the Specialties business of Agrifirm, which provides high-value nutritional solutions and technical services to the feed industry. By integrating Hamlet Protein’s patented technology and product portfolio with Agrifirm’s nutritional expertise and global network, the combined offering for early-life animal nutrition is significantly expanded.
Royal Agrifirm Group
Royal Agrifirm Group, founded over 120 years ago and headquartered in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, is a leading agricultural cooperative that contributes to a responsible food chain for future generations. The company delivers measurable, relevant and sustainable value at farm, field and industry level. With annual revenues of c. EUR 2 billion, more than 3,000 employees and an international network of subsidiaries across Europe, South America, the USA and Asia, Royal Agrifirm Group operates a worldwide distribution network. Its Specialties business provides advanced premixes, concentrates, functional feed ingredients, farm minerals and young animal nutrition concepts to feed manufacturers and integrators globally.
Bas van Driel – Group Director Specialties Royal Agrifirm Group“Squarefield has been fundamental in the successful acquisition of Hamlet Protein by Agrifirm. Squarefield’s knowledge, expertise, drive and tenacity have been instrumental throughout the whole process. As Agrifirm Specialties, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the close cooperation during the last months.”
Piet Hilarides – Chief Executive Officer Royal Agrifirm Group“Hamlet Protein’s proven technology strengthens our ability to help customers achieve optimal animal health and performance throughout the life cycle, driven by our shared focus on early feeding. This fits directly with our purpose of contributing to a responsible food chain for future generations.”
Hamlet Protein
Hamlet Protein, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Horsens, Denmark, is a global leader in high-quality soy-based protein ingredients for piglets, poultry, pet and cattle feed. The company’s patented technology produces highly digestible ingredients that promote gut health and consistent early-life performance. Hamlet Protein employs c. 115 people and operates production facilities in Denmark and the United States (Findlay, Ohio), with a sales office in China, serving customers in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Erik Visser – Chief Executive Officer Hamlet Protein“Joining Royal Agrifirm Group allows us to accelerate our development, expand our global reach and continue delivering high-digestibility solutions that support young animal health and performance. This step creates exciting new opportunities for both our customers and our employees.”
Altor
Altor is a Nordic private equity firm that has raised more than EUR 12 billion in total commitments since inception. The funds have invested in more than 100 medium-sized companies, predominantly in the Nordic and DACH regions, with the aim of creating value through growth initiatives and operational improvements. Current and past investments include Piab, Carnegie Investment Bank, Norican Group, Aalborg Industries and Trioworld. Altor invested in Hamlet Protein in 2015.
Søren Johansen – Senior Partner at Altor“We have had a very good partnership with management over the past years and have appreciated their strong commitment to building on Hamlet Protein’s core strength while successfully navigating an uncertain macro environment. We are now pleased to have found a good long-term strategic owner in Agrifirm that is well positioned to support Hamlet Protein in its next chapter.”