Dawn Meats acquires German distributor Alexander Eyckeler GmbH
Irish meat processor Dawn Meats has acquired Alexander Eyckeler GmbH, a long-standing German customer and partner of Alliance Group, for an undisclosed sum.
His departure comes as Irish meat company Dawn Meats consolidates its majority ownership of the former farmer-owned co-operative.
Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne is taking over as interim chief executive.
Alliance Group chairman Tom Moran says Wiese has decided to leave the company after eight years, including almost three years as chief executive, to attend to some pressing family matters and focus on new opportunities.
“Willie’s decision to step down follows an intensive two-year re-set of the entire business, a pleasing return to profitability and the completion of a successful capital raise with Dawn Meats.
“I would like to thank Willie for his leadership and commitment in leading the significant turnaround of the company alongside the Alliance team and the support of the farmer-shareholders. I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Wiese said he has delivered all his goals for the company and now was the right time to leave the company.
“After much reflection over the holiday period, and in discussion with the board, I have decided it is the right time for new leadership to lead the next phase of growth
.
“I’m proud of the hard work and support of the Alliance team and our farmer shareholders that has brought the company to this point, with the business now well positioned for the future.
“I am delighted to have Dawn as a partner in the Alliance joint venture and have full confidence that this will be a successful partnership for Dawn and farmer-shareholders.”
Dawn Meats paid $270 million for a 65% stake in the company. Farmers will retain ownership of the remaining 35%.
An integration process with Dawn Meats is underway with senior representatives from Ireland and the UK visiting New Zealand to share information, make plans for the future and secure further synergies with Alliance.
Browne thanked farmers for their continued support of the company.
“With the first quarter results under our belt, we are tracking ahead of budget, with supply from both current and returning shareholders and new suppliers.
“As part of the completed transaction with Dawn Meats, Alliance farmer-shareholders will receive a $20 million payment scheduled for the end of the 25/26 season and a further $20 million scheduled at the end of the 26/27 season, subject to livestock flows,” he says.
