France-based biscuit maker Aux Trois Cigognes Biscuiteries has announced the acquisition of local peer La Mère Poulard.

La Mère Poulard produces butter biscuits such as shortbreads, galettes, as well as a type of French butter cookie called Palets Bretons.

According to Aux Trois Cigognes Biscuiteries, La Mère Poulard sells biscuits under its namesake brand in more than 60 countries.

Aux Trois Cigognes Biscuiteries now owns three biscuit factories, employing nearly 170 employees. The other two are: Biscuiterie Tourniayre, which produces cones and wafer cups for ice cream parlours; and Biscuiterie Dutoit, which makes puff pastry and pie shells.

Luc-Pierre Verquin, the owner and president of Aux Trois Cigognes Biscuiteries, said: "Integrating Biscuiterie La Mère Poulard is a great opportunity for external growth, in line with my passion for quality food products, strong brands and teams committed to customer satisfaction.

“This project is a continuation of my career. After more than fifteen years at the helm of Verquin Confiseur, [a confectionery producer] which I sold in 2017, I wanted to reconnect with the entrepreneurial adventure in the quality agri-food industry, around committed teams.”

Biscuiterie La Mère Poulard CEO Sébastien Pautre will stay in his role under the new ownership.

Léo Vannier, vice-president of Groupe La Mère Poulard, said: "This sale represents a clear strategic choice for our group. We can now devote ourselves fully to our primary mission: offering unforgettable tourist experiences at Mont Saint-Michel. We are delighted to have reached an agreement with a French buyer and wish the Aux Trois Cigognes group every success in continuing to develop these exceptional products."

Groupe La Mère Poulard, founded in 1986, is a France-based hospitality business based in Mont-Saint-Michel in France. The company’s portfolio includes more than 25 sites.