What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
For years, the loss-making billion-dollar investment has prompted farmer shareholders to question the logic behind owning the farms and cows.
And that's why the co-op was keen to officially part ways with the farms without any fanfare.
A media release announcing completion of the sale was issued by Fonterra at 4.20pm Thursday, on the eve of Easter weekend.
Milking It notes that the date of the release was April 1st but Fonterra could fool no one. It was a disastrous investment and farmer shareholders would be glad to see the back of the China Farms.
