Fonterra’s $3.2b capital return to farmers set to boost rural incomes and NZ economy
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
Fonterra will sell its 50% interest in DairiConcepts, the co-op's US joint venture with Dairy Farmers of America (DFA).
DFA will purchase Fonterra's 50% interest on 31 December 2015 for a price of approximately $196 million (subject to foreign exchange conversion adjustments and customary closing adjustments).
The DairiConcepts partnership was established in 2000 when Fonterra contributed its US dairy/cheese flavours business and DFA contributed a number of cheese and cheese-powder assets.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says the transaction did not impact the longstanding relationship with DFA. Fonterra and DFA were both founding members of the Global Dairy Platform and had a shared interest in promoting the growth in global dairy consumption and the further development of cooperative dairy farming. Fonterra had decided to exit the partnership as it was considered to be a non-core component of its strategy.
"We still value our relationship with DFA, however, as the DairiConcepts business is almost completely stand-alone operationally, we have agreed that it would be simpler for one of the partners to buy the other out.
"The US remains a key part of our global multi-hub strategy and this divestment does not prevent Fonterra from exploring new growth opportunities for this milk pool.
"A long-term supply agreement we have reached as part of the sale, means our US milk pool will continue to meet value add customer demand through our NZMP brand."
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
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OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.