“Soprole is a very good business but does not rely on New Zealand milk or expertise. We are now at the end of the divestment process and have agreed to sell Soprole to Gloria Foods - JORB S.A. [Gloria Foods].”
Gloria Foods is described as a consumer dairy market leader in Peru with operations across South America.
The sale is subject to a number of conditions including getting regulatory approvals including from the competition authority in Chile. It must also hold a public tender offer for the outstanding shares in Soprole not already owned by Fonterra. It’s expected to take six months to fulfil the conditions.
Fonterra said in a statement it remained committed to targeting a significant capital return to our shareholders and unitholders.
“The Fonterra Board intends to make a final decision on the amount and timing of any capital return once the sale agreement is unconditional, cash proceeds are received in New Zealand and having regard to other relevant factors including Fonterra’s debt and earnings outlook at such time.”
Fonterra’s previously announced FY23 earnings guidance would continue to reflect only the underlying performance of the Soprole business during the pre-completion period. Fonterra will then provide an update on the overall impact of its divestment programme as part of its FY23 financial reporting.
