©Wensleydale Dairy Products
Saputo has agreed to acquire the activities of UK cheesemaker Wensleydale Dairy Products for £23 million (approximately CAD 39 million).
Wensleydale Dairy Products manufactures, blends, markets and distributes a variety of speciality and regional cheeses, including Yorkshire Wensleydale.
The company uses its own ‘unique’ cheesemaking starter cultures and Saputo says that the Wensleydale Dairy Products range will complement and broaden its existing portfolio of British cheeses, which includes Cathedral City cheddars.
Sourcing its milk locally, Wensleydale Dairy Products operates two facilities in North Yorkshire and employs around 210 people.
Through the acquisition, Saputo aims to expand its branded position in the UK. Wensleydale Dairy Products’ range of cheeses is also exported around the world.
“Wensleydale Dairy Products is home to an immense amount of passion, care and tradition,” said Lino Saputo, chair of the board and CEO, Saputo.
“Not only is it a well-established British business with high-quality products and award-winning cheeses, but our corporate cultures are well aligned, and I’m delighted to welcome the entire team into the Saputo family.”
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this month, subject to UK regulatory requirements.
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