Vroon agrees to sell livestock activities to Heytesbury
Vroon agrees to sell livestock activities to Heytesbury
Breda, 11 May 2026
Vroon Holding announces it has agreed to sell its livestock activities, operated under its subsidiary Livestock Express, to Heytesbury, an Australian agribusiness and shipping group. The transaction marks another important step in the reshaping of Vroon, allowing the company to focus on its key niche markets in energy, liquids, infrastructure and offshore wind.
Heytesbury is an established participant in the northern Australian cattle trade, as well as a livestock vessel owner in its own right. Under the agreement, Vroon will divest all eleven of its owned livestock vessels, plus 100 percent of its shares in Livestock Express Pte Ltd to the new owners, for an undisclosed amount. Heytesbury will also assume Livestock Express’ Singapore office and its technical management services for third-party vessels.
“Today marks a special moment, which sees the final chapter of Livestock Express within the Vroon group and the beginning of a new chapter under its future owner,” said Vroon CEO Martijn Schouten (on the right in the photo). “We are proud of everyone who has helped build Livestock Express over the past 60 years into the world’s largest independent livestock carrier, with a fleet of modern, purpose-built vessels. With Heytesbury as a strategic owner, we are pleased that all the staff and the legacy of Vroon in the trade are in safe and reputable hands, with a solid outlook for the future.”
The divestment will further strengthen Vroon’s financial position, providing a solid foundation for the activities in its niche markets of high heat (energy and liquids), emergency response and rescue, and offshore infrastructure and offshore wind. “We have a healthy balance sheet, a clear operational focus and strong positioning in each of our niche markets,” added Schouten. “This provides a solid foundation for the continued development of our business.”
Under its new ownership, Livestock Express will continue to operate as an independent carrier, with Heytesbury committed to maintaining ‘business as usual’ for its newly acquired outfit.
“We have a strong relationship with the Livestock Express team already, and we're delighted to be coming together as one,” said Heytesbury’s CEO Paul Holmes à Court (on the left in the photo). “It's really important that Livestock Express remains operating independently and keeps servicing markets all around the globe under its own brand. We're both part of a vital global protein trade, and tens of millions of people around the world rely on this fleet to help secure their food supply.”
“The combined expertise of Heytesbury and Livestock Express with its purpose-built ships, highly professional seafarers and strong client partnerships will cement its position as the global leader in this vital shipping sector.”
About Vroon: Vroon is an international shipping company providing transportation and management services and solutions. The company focuses on niche markets with its brands Iver Ships and Vroon Offshore Services. For more information see vroon.nl.
About Livestock Express: Livestock Express is the world’s largest provider of premium livestock tonnage, with over 60 years of experience. Its modern purpose-built fleet of livestock carriers transports between 600.000 and 750.000 head of livestock on an annual basis. For more information see livestock-express.com.
About Heytesbury: Heytesbury is an established, family-owned Australian agribusiness and shipping group. It has long been a large breeder and trader of cattle from northern Australia, servicing all major markets in South-East Asia, particularly Indonesia. Heytesbury also has a long involvement in livestock shipping, notably as owner of the Ocean Swagman, operated by Livestock Express.
Advisors:
- EY Parthenon acted as exclusive financial advisor to Vroon in connection with the transaction. A&O Shearman acted as legal advisor to Vroon.
- Gilbert + Tobin, Watson Farley & Williams and JBJB acted as legal advisor to Heytesbury.
For further information regarding this press release, contact Vroon’s media spokesman Cor Radings (T: +31 6 26316854; E: cor.radings@mtinetwork.nl).