Key Takeaways
- KKR to acquire ProTen Pty Limited, a major poultry infrastructure operator, from Aware Super
- ProTen manages over 700 poultry sheds across more than 60 farms nationwide
- The acquisition aligns with KKR’s high-conviction focus on agricultural infrastructure
- Aware Super exits after seven years of growth and portfolio expansion under its ownership
- Transaction expected to close later in 2025, pending regulatory approvals
KKR to Acquire ProTen, Strengthening Investment in Agricultural Infrastructure
KKR, a leading global investment firm, has signed definitive agreements to acquire ProTen Pty Limited, one of Australia’s largest agricultural infrastructure companies, from Aware Super, a major Australian superannuation fund. The transaction underscores KKR’s commitment to agricultural infrastructure and food supply resilience, building on its Asia Pacific infrastructure investment strategy.
Founded in 2001, ProTen operates more than 700 poultry sheds across 60+ farms in key agricultural regions, serving as a core player in Australia’s poultry supply chain. The company supports access to affordable and sustainable protein for households nationwide.
Aware Super Exits After Expanding ProTen’s National Footprint
Since acquiring ProTen in 2018, Aware Super has overseen significant growth in the business. Under its stewardship, ProTen expanded into all Australian states and quadrupled its property portfolio, establishing itself as a key contributor to the country’s food infrastructure.
“We are proud to have grown ProTen into the leading business it is today,” said Jiren Zhou, Infrastructure Portfolio Manager at Aware Super. “This transaction demonstrates how our long-term investment approach delivers sustainable returns for our members.”
KKR to Support Continued Growth with Operational Expertise
Andrew Jennings, Managing Director and Head of ANZ Infrastructure at KKR, described the acquisition as a rare opportunity to invest in a high-quality asset with strong fundamentals: “ProTen is supported by long-term contracts and plays an essential role in the food supply chain. With growing demand for sustainable protein, we believe the company is well-positioned for continued growth.”
KKR plans to leverage its global platform and operational expertise to support ProTen’s next growth phase. The acquisition will be made through the firm’s Asia Pacific Infrastructure Investors II Fund, which has contributed to KKR’s $13 billion regional infrastructure portfolio since 2019.
ProTen to Maintain Operations as It Transitions to New Ownership
James Wentworth, CEO of ProTen, expressed gratitude to Aware Super for its investment and support over the past seven years, and welcomed the next chapter with KKR: “Our business, management, and focus remain unchanged. We look forward to continuing our mission—partnering with customers to feed Australia.”
