Some leave because they can’t grow, others see an opportunity. For the first time in several months, a multinational has decided to acquire a local group. He was in the dairy business, which had recently emerged as the leading international company.
This time, the French Savencia, the fifth largest cheese producer in the world, has acquired the ilolay brand and its assets, after closing a deal with the company Sucesores de Alfredo Williner.
Savencia already owns Milkaut and is now expanding its brand portfolio and growing in Santa Fe, adding three new manufacturing sites in the cities of Bella Italia, El Trébol and Arrufó; nine distribution centers and 1,200 employees.
Founded in 1928 by Swiss immigrants, the Williner family company is one of the main milk processors in Argentina, in one of the main dairy basins. Due to the level of processing of the milk, the new company resulting from the merger would be located behind Saputo (La Paulina, Molfino) and Mastellone (La Serenísima).
“We have maintained close relationships with Savencia for many years and we share the same values. We are both family businesses with strong local roots. We are delighted that ilolay products complement Savencia’s portfolio of brands,” said Alfredo Williner, president of the Williner company.
“This acquisition strengthens the presence of Savencia Fromage & Dairy in Argentina, where the Group has been present since the 1990s with its international brands, as well as the local ones Milkaut and Santa Rosa,” added Olivier Delaméa, CEO of Savencia Fromage & Dairy . .
Despite the sale, the Willin family will continue to supply milk through the Las Taperitas company, for the production of ilolay products. Plus the family will integrate the new directory by ilolay.
The acquisition will be subject to the agreement of the competition authorities in accordance with local regulations.
Savencia Fromage & Dairy is the second largest cheese group in France and the fifth in the world. With a turnover of 5,600 million euros and 21,900 employees, the group is present in 31 countries focused on the production of cheese and dairy specialities,
Source: Clarin
