Watershed vote pulls Synlait back from the brink
In a “watershed vote”, Synlait shareholders have approved a recapitalisation plan that hands over control of the listed milk processor to China conglomerate Bright Dairy.
The a2 Milk Company (a2Mc) has been given the regulatory approval to buy 75% of Mataura Valley Milk, Southland.
The company says it has received approval from the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office (OIO).
A key feature of a2MC's proposed investment in Mataura Valley Milk is that current majority shareholder, China Animal Husbandry Group (CAHG), will retain a 25% interest alongside a2MC.
CAHG is a wholly owned subsidiary of China National Agriculture Development Group Co Ltd, which is also the parent company of a2MC's strategic logistics and distribution partner in China, CSFA Holdings Shanghai Ltd. (China State Farm).
Mataura Valley is a dairy nutrition business. A2 Milk says the transactin will be completed by end of the month.
"As previously advised, the proposed acquisition will provide the opportunity for a2MC to participate in nutritional products manufacturing, provides supplier and geographic diversification, and strengthens our relationship with key partners in China," the company says.
The red meat sector is adopting the New Zealand Government’s ‘wait and see’ approach as it braces for the second Donald Trump presidency in the US.
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.