The Denmark-based dairy co-operative’s board voted in favour of the mergers by large majorities – with 99.4% voting yes to the German merger and 96.8% giving the nod to the Milk Link agreement.
The mergers will next be examined by the relevant regulatory authorities before they are completed, which Arla expects during the autumn of 2012.
“Now a large majority has voted in favour at all three companies and it feels really good to have made this decision on a future together. We would like to extend a warm welcome to Arla to our new members from MUH and Milk Link,” said Arla Foods chairman, Åke Hantoft.
“This is an important decision and fundamentally strengthens Arla. The circle of ownership is being expanded with more owners and with owners in the UK, who all share our vision of the future: To be a strong European dairy company that operates in a global market,” said Arla CEO, Peder Tuborgh.