Berglandmilch plans takeover of Upper Styrian dairy business

Berglandmilch, based in Wels, plans to take over the dairy business of the Upper Styrian dairy in Knittelfeld, ORF reported. Austria’s Federal Competition Authority confirmed that a merger is being prepared.

The companies have already approached the authority about the possible deal, but no formal notification has yet been submitted. Agricultural media reported that the Upper Styrian dairy had informed its members that it was entering merger talks with Berglandmilch.

The two companies differ significantly in size. According to Agrar-heute, the Upper Styrian dairy processes five percent of Austria’s milk and has more than 1,100 suppliers.

Berglandmilch is Austria’s largest dairy, with more than 8,000 suppliers. The merger could allow it to grow further.

The Federal Competition Authority expects that it will have to examine the deal.