French dairy giant Lactalis has acquired a majority stake in Slovenian milk processor Ljubljanske Miekarne through its Croatian subsidiary Dukat.
The deal, for a 50.3% stake, will make Lactalis the largest producer of dairy products in Slovenia, further strengthening its “leadership” in the south-eastern European market. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Lactalis said its intention is to continue to invest in Slovenia and to “keep the local management and employees”.
Ljubljanske Miekarne recorded a turnover of EUR154m (US$199.4m) in 2011 and produces around 200m litres of milk annually. The company’s activities cover all dairy categories from producing milk, cream and yoghurt, to cheese and ice cream. It operates four production plans.