Brownes chief executive Tony Girgis announced today the private equity group Archer Capital had sold the company to Shanghai Ground Food Tech, who they described as «experienced dairy operators who understand the industry».
«They have a track record of growing and strengthening similar businesses and have affirmed their commitment to doing likewise with Brownes,» a company statement said.
The statement said the sale would mean the firm would have greater capacity to exploit export opportunities.
It said there would be no job losses, and the management teams would remain the same.
Archer Capital acquired Brownes in 2011.
Mr Girgis said it was inevitable the dairy would be sold again, as the previous private equity owners were not long-term investors.
He said Shanghai Ground Food Tech had expanded quickly in recent years and was a significant supplier of liquid milk.
«They’ve got ambitions to grow into cheese — the next rapidly growing area in China at the moment — and if you follow the international news there’s been a number of international players clamouring to get into supplying cheese to China,» he said.
«They certainly have got some fire power and looking to grow and expand and expand us with it.»
‘Too soon to say’ if sale will generate more cash for farmers
Brownes has been heavily criticised in recent months after issuing new contracts which meant farmers could be fined for undersupplying milk.
One farmer dumped thousands of litres of milk last year after Brownes cancelled his contract.
But Ms Girgis defended the company’s actions.
«That was unbelievable circumstances that we had last year, and we had to take action,» he said.
«It wasn’t ideal but we had to do what we had to do.
Obviously with a change of ownership that brings up a different perspective to the business … it’s too soon to say whether there’s any impact on farm gate pricing.
«All I can say is that this provides surety for our suppliers going forward, that the business will be sustained for a long time and with the focus on growth it should provide them with opportunities to grow with us.»
Purchase welcomed by industry
WAFarmers dairy section president Michael Partridge said foreign investment was becoming an important part of the agriculture industry.
«Expansion of cheese manufacturing capabilities would be of significant benefit to the state’s dairy industry and provide greater certainty for producers,» he said.
«Particularly after what has been a difficult 18 months due to the lack of access into world markets and in balancing the state’s dairy supply.»
WA Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Brownes had been in a bit of a «no-man’s land» for the last couple of years and hoped the sale — which is subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board — would help change that.
«We’re producing more milk than we need just for the fresh milk market but not enough to really stimulate a new export industry,» she said.
«It’s good that we’ve got an international buyer that has the money to invest but also that has that ability to help us into new markets in Asia.
«If we can get this company working in a really good relationship with our local farmers I think this can be a win-win.»
