Ross Breeders Anadolu, based in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey, was formed in August 1999 as a joint venture between Aviagen and Supreme Foods of Saudi Arabia, part of the Dabbagh Group. In order to meet both companies' long-term business strategies, Aviagen has now acquired the Supreme Foods shareholding. Supreme Foods continue to be a very important Ross Parent Stock (PS) customer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The acquisition includes the Kalecik PS hatchery, built in 2001, which has since supplied over 32 million chicks to the Turkish market, and a diagnostic laboratory, established in 2003 and accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Stephen Jones will continue to be the General Manager of the company and all existing personnel will remain with the business.

Commenting on the acquisition, Tom Exley, Aviagen's VP of International Business, said: "Ross Breeders Anadolu has been a success story in the Turkish market with Ross products being the market leader for many years. We are delighted to welcome Ross Breeders Anadolu to the Aviagen Group and this acquisition allows us to continue to develop our understanding and relations with the Turkish market, therefore gaining a better understanding of their needs so we can provide them with the best possible products, supply and service."

Mr Jones added: "We have a long-standing relationship with Aviagen, which has enabled us to provide customers in Turkey with products and service that add value to their businesses. We are very pleased to become a wholly integrated part of the Aviagen family as this will offer us further opportunities to enhance support and technical resources, providing continued benefits to our customers. Ross Breeders Anadolu's philosophy has been, and always will be, to provide products that deliver quality and value, backed up by comprehensive, local customer support."