Thursday, 07 November 2019 14:16

Selling Tip Top wasn’t easy — Fonterra

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Fonterra has used the proceeds of the Tip Top sale to help reduce debt levels. Fonterra has used the proceeds of the Tip Top sale to help reduce debt levels.

Fonterra chairman John Monaghan says Tip Top’s new owner, Froneri is doing a great job looking after its former employees.

He told the co-op’s annual meeting in Invercargill today that selling Tip Top wasn’t easy.

“We knew it wouldn’t be a popular decision with some of you, but it was the right call.

“Was it an iconic business? Yes. Was it on strategy and a key part of our future? Definitely not. 

“Once we took the emotion out of the process, making that call was easy: we divested it as a mature asset for a great price.”

Monaghan says Froneri has retained all former Fonterra employees, who have kept their jobs as part of the deal.

Fonterra has used the proceeds to help reduce debt levels and give it more options for the future. 

It has sold its stake in Venezuelan consumer joint venture, Corporacion Inlaca, and its 50% share of DFE Pharma – a joint venture with FrieslandCampina. 

“We are considering our options for our ownership of our China Farms, Dairy Partners Americas which is our joint venture in Brazil, and have begun the process of sellingdown our 18.8% shareholding in Beingmate.”

More like this

Editorial: Well Done, Miles!

OPINION: In 2018, when Fonterra’s board tapped Miles Hurrell to step in as interim chief executive, the co-operative was in the doldrums.

Next CEO

OPINION: Who will replace Miles Hurrell as Fonterra's next CEO?

Featured

Farmers Face Change but Opportunity as Sector Evolves

New Zealand's food and fibre sector is entering a period of significant transition and Irricon's refreshed brand reflects how both the business and the sector it supports have evolved, says director Keri Johnston.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Fossil Fuel Crusade

OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.

Costly Utterances

OPINION: A costly out-of-court settlement has hit dual-listed processor a2 Milk Company.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter