Cargill, Wichita, Kan., announced plans to acquire Konspol, a Poland-based processor of chilled convenience, frozen and cold cut products. This acquisition marks the introduction of Cargill's global protein business into the Polish market, and strengthens the company's global poultry footprint, expanding operations to 14 countries.

Under the agreement, Cargill will purchase the Polish assets of Konspol's food and fresh chicken business and Konspol's portfolio of products, including branded and private label offerings.

Konspol has more than 1,700 employees in Poland and operates a feed mill, five broiler farms and two processing complexes. The acquisition will increase Cargill's production capacity and proximity in offering expanded value-added and poultry products. Upon completion of the acquisition, Cargill plans to continue to grow and develop the business.

"Konspol's commitment to high-quality food and passion for innovation is the perfect fit for Cargill's global poultry business. This acquisition allows us to better serve our customers through a diversified portfolio of value-added products," says Chris Langholz, president of Cargill Global Poultry. "Konspol is a strong and established fresh chicken and value-added food company whose products are the preferred choice across Poland."

"Cargill is a company with huge accomplishments and a global reach. It is also family-owned company that shares our values," says Kazimierz Pazgan, founder of Konspol. "I am certain this is the best guarantee of a future for Konspol, a company I have expanded with my family for almost 40 years."

Cargill currently employs more than 1,700 people in 22 locations across Poland, and operates 19 animal feed mills, a pre-mix-oriented facility, a wheat glucose syrup and an ethanol production plant.