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 says milk supply is not growing and it needs a new capital structure to remain competitive.
The proposal needs 75% support to pass.
McBride, who has spent the last few months meeting farmer shareholders throughout the country, says he has generally received positive feedback.
Following an online survey of farmer views, the co-operative started consulting with farmers in May. A revised capital structure proposal was presented to farmers in September following feedback.
McBride believes there was "quite a mood change" since the revised plan was unveiled.
“We clearly articulated our 10-year plan and our debt reduction and dividend plan,” he told Dairy News.
“That was a real important pivot for us.
“I think sentiment has moved a long way and we have been encouraged with our own polling.”
McBride admitted that the initial plan had “issues and fish hooks”.
“But we listened to our farmer shareholders and changed the proposal.”
The proposal has unanimous support of board and management. It has also received 92% support from the Fonterra Co-operative Council.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the co-operative’s strategy to add value to NZ milk and be a leader in sustainability and innovation depend on a sustainable supply of New Zealand milk and, in turn, a capital structure that enables this.
To achieve that, Fonterra must be an attractive option to farmers, who have a choice on where their milk goes, notes Hurrell.
“Our proposed capital structure gives all farmers a level of flexible shareholding, which is critical to supporting farmers to join or stay with our co-op.”
“We have an incredible natural product made on farms, a business supported by a talented and committed team, and an exciting opportunity to create value. It’s up to us as a co-op to work together, make the necessary changes and ensure we’re creating goodness for generations.”
Council chairman James Barron says he is confident that the final proposal gives appropriate protections.
The Changes
Main features of the capital structure proposal are:
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.
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