Avril Group Takes Over Metex Nøøvistago, Resumes Lysine Manufacturing in Europe

On July 16, 2024, Avril's executive team visited its newly acquired facilities in Amiens (80) and Saint-Beauzire (63) to announce the formation of EUROLYSINE, a new company that will integrate the activities previously managed by the Metex group. Embracing its core values of respect, boldness, and performance, Avril aims to build on the company's legacy, promising to collaboratively write a new chapter in the company's history, which dates back to 1974, with all employees and stakeholders.

A new name has been selected to restore the activity's global reputation and reaffirm its leadership in the fermented amino acids market.

After the Commercial Court approved Avril's bid, in partnership with the SPI fund managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French State, the newly formed acquisition entity—jointly owned by Avril (55%) and the SPI fund (45%)—has been named EUROLYSINE.

The name reflects the company's industrial and commercial heritage, recalling a brand well-known for its expertise and quality among customers. It also signifies Avril's ambition, in collaboration with Bpifrance, to restructure the business to ensure its long-term sustainability. This initiative aims to enhance the sovereignty of the French and European animal nutrition sector and open up new development opportunities.

Eurolysine SAS is currently led by Rudolph Hidalgo, who reports to a Strategic Committee chaired by Avril CEO Jean-Philippe Puig. The committee includes representatives from both shareholders and independent administrators.

Rudolph Hidalgo has overseen the restructuring of the Metex group's activities since November 2023, and his ongoing involvement will ensure a seamless transition. Starting September 15, he will be succeeded by Eddy Feijen, the current Managing Director at Oleon, an Avril business unit. Mr. Feijen's international experience, strong managerial skills, and extensive expertise in various industrial sectors and markets have assured the partners of his capability to excel in this role.

As the fifth-largest agri-food group in France, Avril is a key industrial and financial leader in the French vegetable oil and protein industry. Founded by members of the agricultural community, the Group is dedicated to developing innovative, healthy, and sustainable solutions for feeding people and animals while advancing the planet’s decarbonization efforts. Guided by its mission, "Serving the Earth," Avril aims to become the top plant transformation leader by 2030, supporting agricultural, food, and environmental transitions.

Beyond its traditional role as an investor, Avril has evolved into a manufacturer deeply engaged in plant processing, from seed to finished product. The Group operates in human food, animal nutrition and expertise, renewable energies, and green chemistry, with a portfolio of activities that are top leaders in their respective markets.

Leveraging its strong connection with French agriculture, Avril has built its growth over the past 40 years on a distinctive value-creation model: reinvesting all profits into industry development both in France and internationally. With a presence in 19 countries, nearly 7,500 employees, and 69 industrial sites and sales offices, Avril generated €8 billion in revenue in 2023.