IRVING, TEXAS — Darling International, a rendering and food industry waste recycling company, has entered into an agreement to acquire Vion Ingredients, a business unit of Vion Holding n.v., Son en Breugel, The Netherlands, for €1.6 billion ($2.17 billion). Vion Ingredients is a producer of ingredients from animal origin for food, feed, fertilizer, pharmaceutical and bio-energy businesses, and has 58 plants throughout the world.

“Our vision of creating a sustainable ingredients business for a growing population is well on its way,” said Randall C. Stuewe, chairman and chief executive officer for Darling International. “The combination of Vion Ingredients with Darling International will create the global leader in converting edible and inedible bio-nutrients streams into specialty products and ingredients for the food, feed, fuel, fertilizer and pharmaceutical industries. We are truly excited to have the opportunity to join forces with the Vion Ingredients management team and bring this transformational platform to our suppliers, customers and employees. Furthermore, this transaction will further diversify Darling International's revenue and EBITDA profile both geographically and from a product line point of view.”

Vion Ingredients, its brands and geographies will continue to be led by Dirk Kloosterboer, c.e.o. In addition to his current responsibilities, upon closing, Mr. Kloosterboer will be named chief operating officer of Darling International and appointed to the Darling International board of directors.