European private equity investor Perwyn has announced that its portfolio company Isla Délice, the French market leader in branded halal meat products, has acquired Gurkan, a premium halal business based in Germany.
This is Perywn’s first portfolio add-on of the year, and follows 13 add-ons completed across the Perwyn portfolio in 2024.
Gurkan is a specialist manufacturer of Pastirma, a premium beef product. Its brand-led offering is principally distributed in Germany to halal consumers. The products can be found in both traditional retail and modern trade.
Perywn said Germany is one of the main halal markets in Europe with attractive growth prospects – in particular in modern trade.
“We are delighted to welcome Gurkan to the Isla Délice Group – bringing access to a new market, as well as new product capabilities and a premium brand,” John Gallagher, investment director at Perwyn and board member of Isla Délice, commented.
“Entering the German market underscores the group’s strong commitment towards its international expansion. With a presence in six international markets in addition to our core French market, Isla Délice has become the clear European halal champion.”
Eric Fauchon, Isla Délice chief executive, added: “Gurkan has a clear market position in Germany with a premium offering, and 25 years’ experience in that market. Together with Isla Délice’s chilled and frozen portfolio, we look forward to bringing innovation to the German halal consumers.”
In addition to its historical market in France, Isla Délice now sells products across the UK, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy making the group a leading European halal specialist. Following this acquisition, group sales now exceed €155 million (£130m).
