LOCHEM, NETHERLANDS — European feed manufacturer ForFarmers’ acquisition of Piast Pasze, first announced in July, recently received regulatory approval from the Polish competition authority, the companies announced on Dec. 7.

The merger increases ForFarmers’ annual feed production in Poland by 410,000 tonnes while strengthening its position in the broiler sector.

ForFarmers/Tasomix is the Polish brand of Lochem, Netherlands-based ForFarmers. With more than 30 years in the Polish market, ForFarmers/Tasomix has a strong position in the poultry sector and also is focused on growing in both the ruminant and pig sector, the company said.

The acquisition of Piast is part of the company’s goal to grow its presence in Poland, said Pawel Swierkula, managing director of ForFarmers/Tasomix.

“This cooperation is a great step forward for both parties,” Swierkula said when the merger was announced in July. “Piast and ForFarmers/Tasomix have similar company cultures and the same attitude toward customers. Working together offers us a larger operating area in centers of growth in our country and will therefore help us to enhance the solid platform to further develop and improve a sustainable future for our business.”

Piast traces its roots to the 1970s with its original location in Lewkowiec, central Poland, that mainly focused on broiler and turkey farmers in the free market. Over the years, Piast expanded its portfolio of products for pigs and cattle and acquired additional production locations in Plonsk, Golancz and Olesno. Piast has 220 employees involved in management, sales and production.