Saputo completes Montchevre acquisition in US

Canadian cheese manufacturer Saputo has completed the acquisition of US-based goat cheese manufacturer Betin doing business as (DBA) Montchevre for $265m.

The all-cash transaction was completed on a debt-free-basis.

Saputo entered an agreement with Montchevre in November.

Founded in 1988 by Michel Betin, Jacqueline Brassier, Arnaud Solandt, and Jean Rossard, Montchevre is reported to be one of the leading goat cheese manufacturers in the US.

Montchevre also offers organic goat cheese and is said to be the only US manufacturer to produce non-GMO-certified goat cheese.

The manufacturing activities of Montchevre are conducted at one facility located in Belmont, Wisconsin, with a workforce of approximately 319 people.

Montchevre manufactures and distributes goat cheese in the US, mainly under the Montchevre brand.

With this acquisition, Saputo intends to expand its cheese division as well as further strengthen its presence in the speciality cheese segment in the US.

Saputo currently produces, markets, and distributes a wide range of dairy products, including fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk, cream as well as cultured products and dairy ingredients.

Its products are sold in several countries under various brand names such as Saputo, Alexis de Portneuf, Armstrong, COON, Cracker Barrel, Dairyland, DairyStar, Friendship Dairies, Frigo Cheese Heads, La Paulina, and Woolwich Dairy.