Dairy Farmers, one of Australia’s leading dairy groups, has refused to be drawn on reports that it is looking for a buyer.
Reports in Australia claim Dairy Farmers will send out an information memorandum to prospective buyers next month.
The co-operative has been mulling whether to list on the Australian Stock Exchange and it insisted all options remain on the table.
“Dairy Farmers is exploring a range of options, including a potential listing, to maximise the value of farmer shareholders’ equity in the business,” a spokesman told just-food today (20 December).
Industry watchers claim Dairy Farmers would command a price tag of A$630m-1.05bn (US$540-900m) and would attract interest from the likes of Fonterra, Goodman Fielder and Japan’s Kirin Holdings.

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By GlobalDataReports have also claimed that Dairy Farmers may also consider merging with Parmalat’s Australian business and floating the enlarged company on the ASX.
The spokesman, however, remained tight-lipped. “We don’t comment on market rumour or speculation,” he said.