Cross-border dairy co-ops seek approval for merger

Lakeland Dairies and LacPatrick Dairies have agreed to merge in a move which would see the new co-op become the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland.
From left to right; Andrew McConkey, Chairman of LacPatrick Dairies; Michael Hanley, CEO of Lakeland Dairies and Alo Duffy, Chairman of Lakeland Dairies.From left to right; Andrew McConkey, Chairman of LacPatrick Dairies; Michael Hanley, CEO of Lakeland Dairies and Alo Duffy, Chairman of Lakeland Dairies.
From left to right; Andrew McConkey, Chairman of LacPatrick Dairies; Michael Hanley, CEO of Lakeland Dairies and Alo Duffy, Chairman of Lakeland Dairies.

It was revealed on Wednesday night that the development has received the unanimous approval of the boards of both co-operative societies who are recommending the proposed merger to their respective shareholders at special general meetings on Tuesday, October 23.

Exclusive discussions about a possible merger have been ongoing since last June and before the move is rubber stamped regulatory approval will be required.

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Lakeland Dairies and LacPatrick Dairies are neighbouring societies and both operate on a cross-border basis exporting the vast majority of their output to global markets.

Owned and controlled by farmers, with over 3,200 milk suppliers and a collective milk pool of some 1.8bn litres, the new co-op will be the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland.

It will have a combined annual turnover in excess of €1bn, creating internationally competitive scale while ensuring efficient costs of operation.

The announcement was made jointly by the chairman of LacPatrick Dairies, Andrew McConkey and the chairman of Lakeland Dairies, Alo Duffy, together with Michael Hanley, CEO of Lakeland Dairies who will be appointed Group CEO of the new merged co-operative society which will adopt the name of Lakeland Dairies.

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Mr McConkey said the board of LacPatrick firmly believes that an amalgamation with their neighbours is the best thing for milk suppliers, shareholders and customers.

He added: “It gives our farmers the necessary security to make long-term business decisions and provides stability for continuing progress in dairy farming for the next generation.”

Meanwhile, Mr Duffy said the merger proposal is a once in a lifetime opportunity for both co-operatives to continue their strong progress in a very meaningful way.

Mr Hanley added: “I am confident that the best interests of the shareholders and milk producers of both societies will be best served through this merger.

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“The economies of scale achievable by combining both societies will create a larger, more efficient, diversified, farmer-controlled, global dairy food group with a broad portfolio of value-added products and brands.

“Both co-operatives have excellent facilities, technologies and resources with strong synergies across our milk processing footprint and in the markets we serve at home and abroad.”