Fonterra and Nestlé today agreed the sale of their Dairy Partners Americas (DPA) Brazil joint venture to French dairy company Lactalis for BRL 700m (approximately NZD $210m subject to closing transaction adjustments). The deal is expected to be completed by mid-2023, subject to regulatory authority approvals.
Said Miles Hurrell, Fonterra Chief Executive: “DPA Brazil has reached maturity as an investment for us, and the sale allows us to prioritise our resources to the businesses that are core to our strategy.”
Fonterra and Nestlé created DPA in 2003 to manufacture and commercialise dairy products throughout Latin America. In 2014, the joint venture refocused its activities on Brazil and chilled dairy.
Fonterra holds a 51% stake and Nestlé 49%. DPA operates two plants and employs 1,300 people. Nestlé, Chamyto, Ninho, Chandelle, Chambinho, Neston and Molico are among the well-known brands marketed by DPA in Brazil.
The sale is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals from competition authorities. Fonterra’s previously announced FY23 earnings guidance will continue to reflect the underlying performance of the DPA Brazil business during the pre-completion period. Fonterra will provide an update on the overall impact of its divestment programme as part of its FY23 financial reporting. For more visit Fonterra.com
