Lactalis agrees to acquire Slovenian dairy processor

Lactalis has agreed to acquire a majority stake in leading Slovenian diary processor Ljubljanske Mlekarne – a move the French dairy giant hopes will strengthen its position in South East Europe.

The transaction, which is subject to approval from the Slovenian anti-trust authorites, was agreed with five shareholders of Ljubljanske Mlekarne – NFD Holding, Factor Banka, Mutual Fund KD Delniški Dohodkovni, KD Banka, and Sava.

If the takeover is approved, Lactalis will gain a 50.3% majority interest in the firm, which recorded turnover of €154m in 2011.

The firm, which boasts processing facilities in Ljubljana, Maribor, Kocevje, and Tuzla in Bosnia-Herzegovina, manufactures fresh milk, cream, yogurts, cheese and ice cream.

“Ljubljanske Mlekarne will strengthen Lactalis role in the South-East Europe region, where Lactalis Group is a major player on the dairy market,” said a statement from Lactalis.