TORONTO — Ernald Enterprises Ltd. and Cuddy Farms Ltd. have agreed to acquire the turkey growing operations of Maple Leaf Foods. Ernald Enterprises is set to acquire the commercial turkey farms, and Cuddy Farms will acquire the breeder farms and hatchery operations.

“Divesting our turkey-growing operations will allow us to focus on and direct capital to growth and innovation in our valued-added turkey processing business,” said Michael H. McCain, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Foods. “The transaction ensures a long-term supply of high-quality turkeys at competitive prices. I'd like to thank our people who work in these operations for their dedication to our business. They are joining two organizations who are leaders in Canada's turkey growing industry.”

Maple Leaf’s turkey-growing operations include more than 100 employees in Ontario, a hatchery and six breeder farms as well as six commercial farms. Terms of the transaction include an agreement for Ernald Enterprises to provide long-term supply of live birds to Maple Leaf. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the month.

Cudddy Farms is a producer and distributor of commercial turkey eggs and poults in Canada. Ernald Enterprises has more than 1,200 acres of land and operates five commercial turkey and chicken-growing operations in Ontario.