Glanbia Announces New Dairy Processing Joint Venture

"At this point in our development we face clear strategic choices as we approach a post quota era. The proposed new Joint Venture is based on an existing, well invested and profitable international dairy ingredients business."

24 Oct 2012 --- Glanbia plc, the global nutritional solutions and cheese group, is pleased to announce that, subject to relevant shareholder approval, the Group has signed contracts  with its majority shareholder, Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited, to enter into a 40% (Glanbia) : 60%  (Society) joint venture  in respect of Dairy Ingredients Ireland. This agreement follows the announced signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties on 29 August and is a further step towards the completion of the transaction. Details of the required shareholder approval processes are set out below.

Commenting, John Moloney, Group Managing Director of Glanbia plc said:

"At this point in our development we face clear strategic choices as we approach a post quota era. The proposed new Joint Venture is based on an existing, well invested and profitable international dairy ingredients business. This creates a strong platform from which to grow milk volumes and to capture the benefits arising from increased milk production and processing, post the abolition of milk quotas. The Joint Venture will ensure a continuation of strong and complementary links between the plc and the Society within a structure that better accommodates the strategic interests of Society members.  It also enables Glanbia to continue its successful international growth strategy and to maximise value for all shareholders."