News on Mergers and Acquisitions from Oceania

PepsiCo has acquired Australian seed potato business Dowling AgriTech (DAT) to strengthen seed supply, drive innovation, and support grower partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

Agronico, Tasmania’s largest seed potato producer, has entered into an agreement for Simplot to acquire the business and property assets of Agronico.

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, a Canadian pension fund, acquires the majority stake in Mitolo Family Farms, the largest potato grower and packer in Australia.

Simplot Australia has announced an AUD 65 million (about USD 44 million) upgrade to its Bathurst manufacturing facility and acquisiton of farming land in the Central West region of New South Wales valued at AUD 40 million.

Innovative, specialist fresh potato producers Terrence and Wendy Rattray are diversifying after buying Perfecta Produce and further expanding the substantial agricultural business in the fertile North-West food bowl.

The recent finalization of a takeover of Thomas Foods International’s potato business and a spike in demand through the coronavirus pandemic has cemented Mitolo Group as Australia’s largest fresh spud producer.

Pure Foods Tasmania Limited has agreed to buy the business and assets of Daly Potato Company Pty Ltd (DPC) for $1.8M with a mixture of cash and shares, subject to working capital adjustments.

It has been an exciting journey for tna over the last few years. From developing our very own manufacturing service line in Melbourne in the 80s, to making some key acquisitions that helped shape our entire offering, we have come a long way.

Four of the largest potato producers in Australia want to convert 100% of their potato waste into commercial benefit through their partnership with the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

On 10 May, a meeting was held between AuSPICA, members of the Tasmanian Certified Seed Potato Scheme (known as TasSeed) and invited industry representatives.

Philippine-based food company Universal Robina (URC) has announced the divestiture of a 40% stake in its Oceania subsidiary, URC Oceania, to the German snack food manufacturer Intersnack.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Ready Meals Pty Ltd (Ready Meals), a frozen potato processor in Australia.

FPS Food Process Solutions Corporation has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Total Solutions Limited, a leading fabricator of food processing equipment and conveyor systems in Auckland, New Zealand.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Marvel Packers Pty Ltd , a frozen potato processor in Australia. Marvel operates frozen potato processing and storage facilities (for frozen product) in Hallam, Victoria.

Processing Equipment manufacturers Key Technology, Inc. and Heat and Control Pty Ltd. announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership to support customers in Australia, New Zealand and India.

Ishida and Heat and Control are establishing a stronger collaborative alliance to provide food industry customers with full 'end to end' processing and packaging solutions.

According to a Deloitte spokesman South Australian fresh produce company the Mitolo Group had taken control of all South Australian-owned farms of bankrupt Oakville Produce, as well as packaging businesses in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney - as of September 23.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC), one of the largest branded consumer food and beverage product companies in the Philippines, is to buy Snack Brands Australia, according to a Snack Brands Australia statement dated August 17.