On 23 May, Prime Champ Group has taken over NV Champignoncultuur J. de Kleijn, a producer of Phase 1 compost based in Maaseik, Belgium. The name has changed to Prime Champ Compost Belgium NV after the takeover date.

The acquisition of NV Champignoncultuur J. de Kleijn gives Prime Champ Group control of the entire mushroom production chain, from compost to packaging and delivery of mushrooms to large retailers, discounters and industry at home and abroad.

The takeover of the compost factory in Maaseik also fits neatly into the corporate strategy to further improve quality control and product availability.

Prime Champ Group is the re-launch of Heveco, which went bankrupt in December 2006 and is headed by its directors Geert Verdellen and Marc Kerkhofs. Having already taken over the Van Mil mushroom nursery in Horst in December 2006, Prime Champ is now one of the largest mushroom-producing companies in Europe.

Prime Champ Group has approximately 700 employees and is located at 10 sites in Venlo, Horst, Grubbenvorst, Meterik, Gemert and now also in Maaseik.

NV Champignoncultuur J. de Kleijn was established in 1989 by Jan de Kleijn and employs approximately 15 people. The takeover will not lead to job losses.