Merger for Biggest Dairy Co-op

Bristol based co-operative Milk Link has announced it is planning a merger with Arla Foods

Around 1,600 farmers will join one of Europe's biggest dairy co-ops in a deal that will pool nearly a quarter of milk production in the UK. Milk Link, the UK's largest producer of Cheddar, will join with Arla Foods to create a £2 billion business – the biggest in Britain.

European-owned Arla Foods, based in Leeds, owns the Cravendale, Lurpak and Anchor brands. The merger would result in the company processing three billion litres of milk every year.

Neil Kennedy, chief executive of Milk Link, said, “Milk Link's 1,600 British dairy farmer members will have a stake in one of Europe's largest and most successful dairy businesses and play a positive role in its future development.”

The merger still requires the approval of Milk Link's members on 26th June, as well as Arla's board of representatives.