Wayne-Sanderson Farms has acquired fellow Georgia-based chicken producer Harrison Poultry, which is known for its “Golden Goodness” range of traditional, international and halal poultry products.
The sale is effective immediately and includes transfer of all Harrison Poultry assets to Wayne-Sanderson Farms, including live production, hatchery, feed mill, manufacturing, production and transportation facilities and equipment in association with Harrison’s operations in Bethlehem and Crawfordville, Georgia.
Integrated operations will begin immediately, and the company expects minimal changes as day-to-day operations continue as normal.
“We are proud to welcome the Harrison Poultry team into the Wayne-Sanderson Farms family,” said Kevin McDaniel, president and CEO of Oakwood, Georgia-based Wayne-Sanderson Farms.
“We are well matched. [We are] known for quality people, quality farm partners and quality products, and so is Harrison Poultry. We expect the transition to be practically seamless.”
Wayne-Sanderson Farms leadership began exploring a Harrison Poultry acquisition earlier this year as part of its strategic growth initiative. The companies have complementary offerings and began negotiations to finalize the sale after thorough analysis to ensure the respective operations and workplace cultures would be a good fit.
Harrison Poultry was founded in 1958 by R. Harold Harrison, whose family has continued to grow the company in the years since his death, investing millions into the rural Georgia economy.
“On behalf of the family of Mr. Harrison, I want to thank everyone involved in making Harrison Poultry the successful company that it is today,” said Jim Skidmore, president and CEO of Harrison Poultry.
“Our primary focus with this transaction from the start has been making sure this was right for our people, our farmers and our customers. With Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we found the right partner to build on the legacy that Mr. Harrison left.”
The acquisition is a private transaction, and no financial details will be disclosed. Under terms of the acquisition, all Harrison Poultry assets were transferred immediately upon transaction closure. McDaniel will continue to lead the organization.