Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition has announced the acquisition of the assets of Rangen Inc., a feed company that has produced aquaculture feed for over 60 years.
The acquisition, according to Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition – which has USD 500 million (EUR 435 million) in sales revenue annually – will significantly expand the company’s aquaculture business. Wilbur-Ellis is an international marketer and distributor of agricultural products, animal nutrients, and specialty chemicals and ingredients.
Rangen currently operates two facilities: One in Buhl Idaho, which manufactures aquaculture and general feed products; and one in Angleton, Texas, which manufactures aquaculture feed.
“Rangen is a strategic fit for Nutrition. It significantly expands our aquaculture business, immediately giving Wilbur-Ellis a nationwide platform from which to expand in one of the fastest-growing markets in the global feed industry,” Andrew Loder, president of the nutrition division of Wilbur-Ellis, said in a release. “The acquisition also benefits the Company’s livestock, pet and companion animal offerings by expanding our branded and custom-formulated feed options. We have been very impressed by the focus of Rangen employees on innovation, and their laser focus on helping customers succeed.”
Rangen currently employees 80 full-time employees, who will all be carried over into Wilbur-Ellis, according to a release from the company.
“Throughout our history, a major advantage has been the experience, knowledge and customer commitment of Rangen employees,” Chris Rangen, president of Rangen, said. “As this business becomes part of Wilbur-Ellis, I know these same strengths will propel the business to even greater growth. That’s good for employees and the customers they serve.”
Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition did not disclose how much the acquisition of Rangen – a privately held company – cost. However, the company did share that it expects the acquisition will help the company meet its growth, value, and innovation goals.
“We’re extremely pleased to welcome Rangen employees to Wilbur-Ellis. We’re a family-owned company that is about to celebrate our 100th anniversary,” Loder said. “But as proud as we are of our history, we’re focused on the future – and an organization like Rangen and its team will help us maintain our deep commitment to safety and deliver on our ambitious growth, value and innovation goals. With our combined strengths, we will achieve our vision of being the innovative leader in the marketing and distribution of animal nutrients.”
Photos courtesy of Rangen and Wilbur-Ellis
