The Boards of Arla Foods amba and Milk Link have announced the proposed merger of the two dairy co-operatives. The proposal will result in the full merger of Milk Link, the UK’s leading dairy farmer co-operative and Arla Foods amba, one of the largest and most successful European dairy co-operatives.
It was announced this week that the European Commission has agreed to refer to the UK competition authorities part of the proposed merger between Arla Foods and Express Dairies plc.
The boards of Arla Foods and Express Dairies plc are pleased to announce that the proposed merger between the two companies - announced on 27 March 2003 - was overwhelmingly approved by Express shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier today.
LEADING THE WAY
Arla Foods is a global dairy company and co-operative owned by 10,300 dairy farmers with around circa 2,500 of whom are British.
Dating back to 1881, Arla’s purpose is to secure the highest value for its farmers’ milk, while creating opportunities for their growth. With production facilities in 11 countries and sales offices in a further 30, Arla is the world’s fifth largest dairy company and largest supplier of organic dairy products. Arla has a total of more than 18,000 colleagues and its products are sold under the well-known brands Arla®, Lurpak® and Castello® in more than 100 countries.
Arla Foods UK is the largest dairy company in the country and is home to leading dairy brands Anchor®, Cravendale, and Lactofree® with a turnover of €2.2 billion. As well as being a leading supplier of fresh milk, number one in butter, spreads and cream, Arla is the UK’s largest cheese manufacturer. It has also built the world’s largest fresh milk facility located at Aylesbury and has plans for it to be the first zero carbon site of its kind. The UK business has a team of approximately 3,500 colleagues located at its dairies, distribution centres and head office.
4 Savannah Way, Leeds Valley Park, Leeds
LS10 1AB England
