Dutch meat firm Vion Food Group has said that it intends to acquire Belgian beef producer Adriaens after a period of intensive cooperation.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Vion CEO Ronald Lotgerink said: “Our customers want to see what they are buying and wher it comes from. That’s why we are working on regional chains that are assembled based on the demand from our customers.

“With the strengthening of our beef activities in Belgium, we will achieve a better spread of our activities for our customers in Western Europe.

“Together with the Adriaens team, we hope to further strengthen the Vion group’s relationships with farmers and customers in this important Western European region for beef cattle.”

based in Zottegem, Adriaens has a workforce of 126 employees, who will be transferred to the new organisation upon the completion of the deal.

The acquisition forms part of Vion’s strategy to bolster its position in the Western Europe market, alongside its locations in the Netherlands and Germany.

With production locations in the Netherlands and Germany, Vion operates sales support offices in 13 countries worldwide.

In November 2019, Vion unveiled plans to suspend the slaughter of pigs at its pork and beef processing plant in Altenburg, Germany.

The company decided to cease its pig slaughter operations and focus on cattle to expand its presence in the beef market.