Saputo completes acquisition of Australian dairy cooperative

Saputo Inc. says it has completed a deal to acquire Australia-based Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co. Ltd., for $1.29 billion.

The Montreal-based dairy firm, which announced the acquisition in October 2017, said it was purchasing the company on a debt-free basis financed through a new bank loan.

Murray Goulburn (MG) produces a full range of dairy products ranging from drinking milk to infant formula.

READ: Australian regulator has concerns over Saputo dairy deal

The company operates seven manufacturing facilities in Australia and another in China, and has approximately 1,900 employees.

For the year ended on June 30, 2017, MG had revenues of approximately $2.5 billion.

Saputo said by acquiring a well-established industry player, it reinforced a commitment to strengthen its presence in Australia.