Canadian dairy firm Saputo has signed a deal to acquire the Morningstar business of Dean Foods.

The US$1.45bn deal will be financed through a newly-committed bank loan, Saputo said today (3 December). The acquisition will help expand the firm’s product offering and distribution footprint in the US, as well as broaden its future acquisition opportunities, the firm said.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Saputo added that it expected the transaction to boost its earnings immediately. The combined business will employ around 12,000 employees across 57 manufacturing facilities in five countries.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close by the end of December.

Saputo, along with US food group Michael Foods, was reported to be a frontrunner for the unit. Other bidders were reported to have included Mexican dairy company Grupo Lala and private-equity firm Apollo Global Management.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now