OSI Group, Aurora, Ill., acquired a controlling stake in Baho Food, a private Dutch company involved in the manufacture of meat products and other food items for the foodservice and retail industries. The transaction is still subject to merger control approval.  

Baho Food operates plants in both Germany and the Netherlands with its five subsidiary companies—Gelderland Frischwaren, Vital Convenience, Henri van de Bilt, Bakx Foods and Q Smart Life. These firms, with a history of almost 60 years, market and sell a range of deli meats, convenience foods and snacks, serving customers across 18 European countries.

“Adding Baho Food to our OSI Europe business gives OSI a broader presence in Europe,” says David McDonald, president and COO. “The company’s portfolio of products and brands complements OSI’s current processing strengths while broadening our capabilities to best serve the evolving needs of our customers.”

John Balvers, managing director of Baho Food, will remain with the company along with his entire management team, and work with senior OSI leaders to implement a future plan that will best position the combined business for longer term growth.

“I am excited about becoming part of the larger OSI Group,” Balvers adds. “OSI has outstanding relationships with both its customers and suppliers. Baho Food, as part of the OSI Group, will be well positioned to leverage on the experience and capabilities of OSI. With our combined strengths, we will be even better able to support our customers in realizing their strategy and offer them a broader product portfolio. This transaction will accelerate our growth strategy and support us in jointly realizing our goals.”