According to Reuters, the company's stakeholders - Robert, Clemens and Maximilian Toennies - said in a joint statement they wanted to run the business together in the future with a focus on sustainability and animal welfare.

News agency Bloomberg had reported in March that the family owners were seeking buyers for the 50-year-old firm in a deal that could value it at 4 billion euros ($4.75 billion), amid a family dispute over strategy.

The joint statement was the first by the company's owners to address the speculation over a sale. Clemens Toennies owns around 45% of its shares, his nephew Robert Toennies around 50% and Clemens' son Maximilian around 5%. ($1 = 0.8417 euros)