New distribution plans for Hendrix Genetics products in the UK and Ireland

Following the acquisition of ISA-UK Ltd, Hendrix Genetics have been in discussions with Tom Barron ISA Ltd and Joice and Hill Poultry Ltd to streamline and improve the distribution of day old chicks in the UK and Ireland. Subject to the necessary approval processes, the following has been agreed:

Tom Barron Ltd will acquire the remaining 50% in Tom Barron ISA Ltd(TBI) from ISA UK Ltd. TBI will distribute ISA-Brown, ISA-Warren and Shaver day old layer chicks from their base at Catforth hatchery near Preston, Lancashire, throughout the UK and Ireland.

Joice and Hill Poultry Ltd will acquire the hatchery and company owned farms at Eye, Peterborough to add to their East Anglian operations and will sell the Bovans Goldline, Bovans White, Columbian Blacktail and Babcock brands.

Completion is expected during the first quarter of 2006.

'Hendrix Genetics, the new parent company of ISA France, have a refreshingly uncomplicated approach as they believe family values are important to businesses which gives us great confidence for the future. By concentrating on our core-brands we are able to build on the progress we have made so far and to focus on the needs of our customers" comments Neil Leeming, Managing Director of Tom Barron ISA Ltd.

"We are delighted to see this opportunity becoming a reality", adds Robert Haynes, Managing Director and majority owner of Joice & Hill Poultry Ltd. "Because of our growth over the last few years we have been short of both farm production and hatching capacity. With this expansion we will become an even more robust organisation with ample capacity to serve our clients even better".

"It was a pleasure for me and Hendrix Genetics to facilitate and participate in these discussions", says Thijs Hendrix, President and majority owner of Hendrix Genetics. "Of course such a combination between Tom Barron ISA and Joice & Hill makes sense and is completely in line with our strategy. We look forward to being able to serve the UK and Irish markets through two specialist, family run companies offering a range of solutions to the marketplace".