Cargill, Wichita, Kan., and Faccenda Foods, UK, formed a joint venture to create a leading UK food company focused on chicken, turkey and duck in the retail and foodservice sectors.

Cargill’s fresh chicken business in the UK is going to join Faccenda’s fresh chicken, turkey and duck business. The new joint venture will be a standalone business, with Cargill and Faccenda taking an equal shareholding. This move brings together two complementary businesses with a track record of success, shared values and a strong reputation in the UK poultry market.

Andy Dawkins, managing director for Faccenda Foods, will become chief executive officer of the newly formed company. Chris Hall, fresh chicken director for Cargill Meats Europe, will become chief commercial officer.

The new business plans to employ approximately 6,000 people in the UK, with employees coming from both parent companies. It will operate across multiple agriculture and operational center, with broad capabilities that span the supply chain focused on operational excellence and customer-focused partnerships.

“We believe the two organizations are complementary. Combining into one entity allows us to build on our strengths, grow in the market and better serve our customers. The venture will facilitate greater opportunities to innovate and deliver new and exciting poultry products for consumers,” says Chris Langholz, president of Cargill Poultry.

“Both Cargill and Faccenda are recognized today by their customers for their high standards and great service. The new joint venture confirms our long-term commitment to being a responsible partner across the entire supply chain, providing stability and security to our customers, suppliers and growers for years to come,” says Ian Faccenda, chief executive officer of Faccenda Investments. “This is an exciting time. We are bringing together talented people from both businesses with complementary values and expertise, and giving them the opportunity to develop and be successful in a new business with the capability to grow.”

The UK Cargill will continue to process and sell cooked poultry products in Balliol, Wolverhampton, as well as operate its poultry import, trading and distribution business. Cargill will also continue to operate its European poultry businesses in France, Russia and the Netherlands. Faccenda will retain its shareholding in Dartmouth Foods.

The name of the new joint venture will be announced at the closing of the deal.