Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Brancourts Dairy on its sale to the Arla Foods’ joint venture with Australian Mayers Fine Food, Arla Foods Mayer Australia, in a transaction that positions one of Australia’s best-known cottage cheese brands for its next phase of growth.
Founded in 1895 by French immigrants, Brancourts is a fourth-generation family-owned Australian dairy producer based in Hexham, New South Wales, with a long history in Australian dairy and best known for its cottage cheese products.
Arla Foods Mayers Australia is a joint venture between European dairy cooperative Arla Foods - one of the leading players in the international dairy arena - and Australian family owned Mayers Fine Food.
The ABL multi-practice team was led by partners Gavin Hammerschlag and Paul Rubenstein, supported by senior associate Michelle Ainsworth and lawyer Robyn Kalkhoven.
Specialist tax advice was provided by partner Jonathan Ortner, senior associate George Bassil, and lawyer Dean Jarvis. Property advice was led by partner Matthew Davies. Employment advice was provided by partners Rachel Soh and Bridget Little.
Commenting on the transaction, Arnold Bloch Leibler partner Gavin Hammerschlag said: “Brancourts is a genuinely iconic Australian dairy producer with a remarkable history and a very loyal customer base. The transaction comes at a fascinating time for the sector, with cottage cheese experiencing enormous global growth and attracting significant strategic and investment interest internationally.
“This was also a particularly rewarding transaction given Brancourts has been a long-standing client of ABL. To see the business now transact with a global dairy group in a deal that positions the brand for its next phase of growth is an outstanding outcome for the owners and the brand.
“This was a complex transaction, and is a strong example of ABL’s cross-practice capability.”
