Arla Foods and DMK Group merge into joint dairy cooperative
16th April 2025
Arla Foods and DMK Group have announced a merger that aims at creating “the strongest dairy cooperative in Europe”.
The merger, which brings together more than 12,000 farmers, aims to become one joint cooperative that will achieve a combined pro forma revenue of 19 billion euros, the companies said.
A spokesperson for Arla Foods and DMK Group said: “With this move we progress towards creating the future of dairy, enhancing nutritious, high-quality dairy production and innovation in Europe and globally, while securing a strong milk price for our owners.
“The merger between Arla Foods and DMK Group represents a union of shared values and complementary strengths, creating the largest dairy cooperative in Europe.
“The cooperatives have united farmers for many generations, and the merged entity will shape the future of dairy for generations to come. The joint cooperative will have a solid supply of milk in the coming years, ensuring the financial abilities to invest in the future of dairy.”
‘Commitment to innovation and optimal value creation’
Jan Toft Nørgaard, chair of Arla Foods, said: “The foundation of this partnership is formed by our shared values, and I am immensely proud of this proposed merger, which is a win-win for our cooperatives.
“The strength of both Arla and DMK Group lies in our shared commitment to quality and innovation, and I see DMK Group as the perfect partner in shaping a new and strengthened Arla, poised to lead in the dairy industry.”
Heinz Korte, chair of DMK Group, added: “We are proud of the planned merger with Arla, a cooperative that shares our commitment to innovation and optimal value creation.
“This partnership strengthens the resilience of our cooperatives and significantly contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of our farmers. Together, we can expand our reach for our dairy products, thus improving our offering and jointly driving the further development of innovative products for the benefit of our members.”
The merger is subject to approval from the Board of Representatives in the cooperatives as well as regulatory approval. The merged entity will carry the Arla name.
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