European Oat Millers acquired by Canadian firm

The deal for the Bedford-based manufacturer of oat flakes, flour and extruded ingredients was finalised on June 15, it was revealed today (June 26). Richardson International will build on the investment already made by European Oat Millers, it said.

Richardson International president and ceo Curt Vossen said: “We are excited to build on our success in value-added processing and extend our food manufacturing footprint to a new geography. As the largest oat miller in North America, we now look forward to building a presence in Europe to enhance our ability to compete in the global marketplace.

‘An excellent complement’

“European Oat Millers is a solid, family-owned business that is well-established in the UK. We have been very impressed with both the quality of the business, and its people, and believe it is an excellent complement to our Richardson Milling division.”

Manufacturing capacity at European Oat Millers will be increased, and the Canadian business will continue to seek ways to expand its global business, said Richardson International.

European Oat Millers co-founder Bill Jordan said: “My brother and I are very proud of the business that we have successfully grown over the past three decades.

‘Vision for growth’

“We are pleased to be passing it on to a similar family-owned business that shares both our vision for growth and our core values and we look forward to watching the business evolve.”

European Oat Millers is the second largest oat miller in Europe, according to Richardson International. Its products are sold in the UK, as well as continental Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Richardson International entered the oat milling business in 2013, after acquiring three Canadian oat processing plants in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It now employs more than 2,500 workers worldwide.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, a fire broke out a European Oat Millers’ Bedford site, after a blaze started in a kiln.