Arla Foods Ingredients has announced its acquisition of Volac’s Whey Nutrition business through a purchase of shares.
The UK-based Volac group operates from its whey processing facility in Felinfach in Wales, turning whey into ingredients for sports nutrition, with by-products being sold for food and animal nutrition.
The purchased shares will be across Volac Whey Nutrition Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries, Volac Whey Nutrition Ltd and Volac Renewable Energy Ltd. Completion of the transaction is expected later this year subject to required regulatory approvals.
Arla said it envisions the Felinfach site as a “global production hub” and a “cornerstone of an enhanced product offering in the performance, health and food sectors”.
Luis Cubel, group vice president and managing director of Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “This brings together two complementary offerings in a growing and increasingly international space for whey products.
“Volac is a pioneer in the use of whey protein for performance nutrition and has a wealth of expertise as well as an incredibly talented team. It shares our commitment to helping companies worldwide harness the full potential of whey, and we’re hugely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
James Neville, joint owner of Volac, on behalf of the Neville family, said: “Whey processing started at the Felinfach site more than three decades ago, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything that’s been achieved by everyone involved in the business since then.
“When considering the future of Volac Whey Nutrition and the opportunities that lie ahead for that business, it was crucial for us to choose a partner with the right values and expertise. Arla Foods Ingredients has the ambition and the knowledge to take the business to the next level.”
