The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held food and agriculture group based in Boise, Idaho, has announced plans to acquire the operating business of Belgian potato processor Clarebout Potatoes.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close later in 2025. It will unite two leading players in the frozen potato sector and create a combined network of 23 production facilities supplying customers worldwide.

“This is an exciting time for Simplot,” said Graham Dugdale, President of Simplot’s Global Food business. “We are thrilled about the synergy that Clarebout brings to our business, which not only expands our ability to serve the European market but brings together a pair of family-owned companies who align closely in core values and our commitment to customers, employees and the communities where we operate.”

Clarebout Potatoes, headquartered in Nieuwkerke, Belgium, is a prominent European supplier of frozen potato products. Its integration into Simplot will strengthen the latter’s footprint in Europe and reinforce the companies’ shared commitment to sustainable food production.

“It’s a coming together of heart and mind. With Simplot, we share the common values of family businesses,” commented Jan Clarebout, CEO of Clarebout Potatoes. “Simplot, like Clarebout, started from scratch and managed to grow while remaining faithful to principles as essential as respect for people and the Earth. We could have continued on our own, but the economic reality of the world, and a form of common sense, led us to come together. It’s a choice for the future and a sustainable future.”

As part of the agreement, Clarebout’s production sites and workforce in Europe will be maintained and are expected to expand under Simplot’s ownership.

BofA Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to Simplot, with legal counsel from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Loyens & Loeff BV/SRL. Lazard advised Clarebout, supported by legal counsel from Eubelius.