Avril to acquire Valtris’ rapeseed-crush, biodiesel plant in Baleycourt, France

Avril and Valtris announced in July the signing of an exclusivity agreement for Avril’s proposed acquisition of an industrial facility located in Baleycourt, France, in the Grand Est region, specialized in rapeseed crushing, refining and biodiesel production.

Located in the heart of one of France’s main rapeseed-growing regions, the plant processes approximately 400,000 tons of seeds per year.

Avril said its acquisition of this facility—whose activities lie at the heart of its core business and whose geographic location is highly complementary—will help secure its development in the context of increasing consolidation among major European competitors.

Valtris will continue to operate its specialty-chemical production that is co-located at the same site.

This project remains subject to consultation with the relevant employee representative bodies and approval from the competent competition authorities.

“I’m delighted by this project, which aligns both with our strategic priorities and our purpose—serving the Earth,” said Avril CEO Jean-Philippe Puig.

“This acquisition has the potential to give us new capabilities to better address today’s challenges around food, decarbonization and sovereignty while continuing to fulfill our original mission of adding value to French agricultural production, in service of Ferme France,” Puig added.

Simon Medley, the CEO of Valtris Specialty Chemicals, said, “We are pleased to have found a strategic fit for the rapeseed-processing plant, which is in the best interests of our employees, customers and suppliers. This allows Valtris to focus on the core of its portfolio as a global leader in specialty performance additives.”