Lactalis Group and Bayerische Milchindustrie eG (BMI) have signed a contract for the sale of BMI’s Fresh Division with the product groups Fresh Milk, Yoghurt, Quark, Cream, Ayran and others, as well as the production facility in Würzburg (Bavaria). The contract includes the acquisition of regional brands from southern Germany such as Frankenland, Thüringer Land and the ethnic brand Haydi. This business unit generates annual sales of around €200m.
Through this acquisition, Lactalis intends to build a close and long-term partnership with the southern German milk producers to further develop the market for regional products in food retail, national foodservice and ethnic trade.
“BMI eG will focus more on its core competencies of ingredients and cheese. For this reason, BMI’s board of directors and supervisory board have accepted the offer of the Lactalis Group and decided to sell the Fresh Products business unit. We are thoroughly positive about this transaction,” says Dr Thomas Obersojer, Chairman of the Board of Bayerische Milchindustrie eG. “The cooperation with Lactalis represents a good economic perspective for the changing farmers. It is important for us that the milk, the locations, the jobs and the brands remain together in this future-proof set-up.”
The approval of the transaction is subject to the control of the German and Austrian competition authorities. The conclusion of the negotiations is expected for the middle of this year.
