Lactalis busy with North American acquisitions
Last week, Parmalat Canada Inc., a subsidiary of the Lactalis Group, concluded the transaction for the acquisition of Kraft Heinz natural cheese activities in Canada for C$1.62bn (US$1.24bn).
Brands include CrackerBarrel, Little Quebec and aMOOza!
The terms of the transaction mean Parmalat Canada acquires the 400-employee Kraft Heinz production plant in Ingleside, Ontario, as well as the milk quota volumes. Lactalis said the transaction represents a significant investment in the Canadian dairy sector and represents a strong commitment to Lactalis Group's Canadian operations, which is supported by Parmalat Canada, a company with nearly 3,000 employees, 16 dairy processing plants and a research and development center.
And this week, Lactalis Group acquired Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy, the US yogurt business of Ehrmann AG, the German-based dairy company.
Established in 2009, Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy has two manufacturing facilities that employ 250 people in Brattleboro, Vermont, and Casa Grande, Arizona, and manufactures and distributes yogurt and other dairy products under the Green Mountain Creamery and Liebe brands. It also features a private label business.
Thierry Clement, CEO of Lactalis North America, said, "The Ehrmann acquisition is a terrific complement to our Stonyfield and siggi's brands in the US.
"Ehrmann's Vermont and Arizona plants are the ideal platform to develop our star brands, strengthen national distribution, and secure topflight quality and service for our private label customers."
He added, "The capability we gain with Ehrmann's two plants, combined with the power of our leading brands, ensures the long term growth of the Lactalis yogurt business in the US, and underlines our commitment and ambition in the category."
