Lactalis Canada concludes acquisition of Agropur’s yoghurt business

Lactalis Group subsidiary Lactalis Canada has completed the acquisition of all shares of Agropur Cooperative’s Canadian yoghurt business, Ultima Foods.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The deal was announced in December.

Lactalis Canada president and CEO Mark Taylor said: “Lactalis Canada’s investment in Ultima Foods and its yoghurt brands speak to the significant opportunity we see in growing the yogourt category in Canada.

“With this acquisition, we expand our footprint nationally, reinforce our long-term investment in the country and the Canadian food processing sector and welcome approximately 450 employees who passionately share our dedication to providing Canadian consumers with healthy, nutritious and high-quality dairy products.”

According to the deal, Lactalis Canada has acquired IÖGO and IÖGO nanö yoghurt brands, as well as the Olympic yoghurt, sour cream and kefir brand.

Lactalis Canada has acquired Ultima Foods production facilities in Granby, Quebec; and Delta, British Columbia.

A leased distribution centre in Longueuil, Quebec, and a service contract with a third-party operator of a distribution centre in Richmond, British Columbia, are also part of the deal.

In a statement, Agropur said that yoghurt accounts for 2% of Agropur’s milk processing volume and 3% of its sales.

Agropur CEO Émile Cordeau said: “I thank all the employees who are transitioning to a new employer and everyone who helped build Agropur’s yoghurt business. They have been true professionals, especially since the sale announcement in December.”

In July 2019, Lactalis completed the acquisition of Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy, the US yoghurt business of German dairy firm Ehrmann.

Founded in 2009, Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy operates two manufacturing facilities, which employ 250 people in Brattleboro in Vermont and Casa Grande in Arizona.