Hy-Line Italia looks forward to the continuation of the close partnership with their Italian customers. The agreement will see Hy-Line Italia assume the management of existing parent farms and the hatchery in Cocconato, as well as retaining the services of all current employees, ensuring continuity of customer service.

Hy-Line Italia will be led by Claudio Ambrogio, who was for 5 years responsible for the Valversa production department and has a profound know-how in the laying hen sector. Claudio Ambrogio will also maintain his position as General Manager of Aviagen Italia. The longstanding relationship between Valversa and Hy-Line has proved to be very successful, with Hy-Line products performing extremely well across the territory and firmly established as the market leader. Valversa has an unparalleled reputation for the supply of high quality layer chicks and customer service.

Jonathan Cade, Hy-Line's Managing Director, European Operations, commented: "The Italian market is very important for Hy-Line and this acquisition will take us closer to the local poultry industry. I am very happy that Valversa becomes part of the Hy-Line family. They have excellent facilities, a proven track record in producing quality products and a superb reputation in the market. I believe that this move will bring real benefits to customers as together we will be able to give them even more in the way of technical assistance, supported by Hy-Line's worldwide experience of nutrition, flock management, veterinary health and poultry genetics."

Paolo Costa, CEO of Valversa added: "As the founding entrepreneur, I feel obliged to consider the long-term interests of the company as well as the interests of its employees and customers. We have been close partners with Hy-Line for many years and are pleased to be joining the Hy-Line family as it will offer us the opportunity to further improve the business in terms of products, customer services and technical resources, providing significant benefits to our customers. I would like to thank all our employees for their commitment and all our customers for their long term support and business and kindly ask them to extend this support to Hy-Line Italia."