East Grain and Hodler Complete Full Acquisition of Protena
2025-12-09
East Grain S.A. and Hodler — through its portfolio company Poultry Investment — have jointly acquired the remaining 45% stake in UBM Feed Romania from Hungarian agribusiness group UBM, establishing a 50/50 joint venture between the two groups. The rebranded entity, now operating as Protena, produces animal feed at its plant in Sânpaul, Mureș County, with an installed capacity exceeding 200,000 tonnes per year.
Protena projects a turnover of approximately €65M and an EBITDA of approximately €5M for 2025, establishing it as a meaningful platform within the joint venture’s integrated value chain.
The transaction creates a natural strategic link between East Grain — majority-owned by Agrofert since 2023, with Hodler retaining a minority stake — and Poultry Investment, Hodler’s Romanian poultry platform operating under the Puiul de Crăiești brand. With Hodler present on both sides of the JV, Protena’s feed production capacity is directly aligned with the downstream poultry operations it serves.
About Hodler: Hodler Group is a privately held investment holding company with diverse investments in the CEE region. Hodler Asset Management, a part of Hodler Group, operates as a private equity firm managing two funds focused on food and agriculture investments in the area.
About Protena: Formerly UBM Feed Romania, Protena is an animal feed producer operating a plant in Sânpaul, Mureș County, with an installed production capacity exceeding 200,000 tonnes per year, serving integrated poultry operations across the region.
