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.
Last week, owners of a planned greenfield dairy plant in Otorohanga went into voluntary administration after struggling for years to secure capital.
The project rattled farmers in the area, who mostly supply Fonterra. The co-op was bracing to lose suppliers to Happy Valley.
Some Fonterra farmers had made public submissions opposing consent applications lodged by Happy Valley.
