Overview
- The move follows the Bundeskartellamt’s prohibition of a Tönnies acquisition, which had triggered a legal challenge and talk of a possible ministerial exemption.
- Tönnies said stepping back would end a prolonged standoff for Bavarian farmers and clear a path for a new operator of the sites.
- The Vion facilities in Buchloe, Crailsheim and Waldkraiburg handle roughly 700,000 animals per year, making them pivotal for regional supply.
- Westfleisch signaled readiness to proceed with Vion, though it has not yet reviewed the books and Vion says several potential buyers have expressed interest.
- Tönnies plans to expand the company’s Kempten operation to help preserve competition in the southern German beef market.