Arabic version: هيويت توسع نطاقها من خلال الاستحواذ على نولان ميتس
Australia’s largest organic meat producer, Hewitt, has entered into an agreement to buy Nolan Meats, a family-owned meat processing business in south-east Queensland. Hewitt, led by brothers Mick and Ben Hewitt, runs more than 100,000 cattle across 2.25 million hectares in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for Hewitt, which has established itself as a leader in the organic meat sector.
Nolan Meats, which began as a butcher shop in Gympie in 1958, has evolved into one of the region’s largest private employers, operating farms, a feedlot, and meatworks that export to markets in China and the United States. According to ABC News, director Terry Nolan expressed that the decision to sell was difficult, particularly in light of family health issues. He emphasized the importance of finding a buyer that respects the Nolan family legacy, ultimately leading them to choose Hewitt over other international offers.
The operations at Nolan Meats will continue unchanged while the acquisition is finalized. Terry Nolan noted that the company has grown significantly since its inception, processing about 150,000 cattle per year. He and his brothers, Michael and Tony, have overseen a fourfold increase in the business since taking over from their parents in 2001.
Mick Hewitt, chief executive of Hewitt, highlighted the alignment between the two businesses, both of which have deep ties to their rural communities. He described the acquisition as a milestone that would enhance their supply chain capabilities and broaden their product range. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is anticipated to be completed in the second half of 2026.
The acquisition is expected to provide Hewitt with greater access to capital for future expansion, a challenge faced by the Nolan family in earlier years. With a workforce that includes many young Australians and participants from the Pacific Labour Scheme, Terry Nolan expressed optimism about the future of the industry and the potential for inspiring a new generation of workers.
