Müller secures CMA approval for acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy

UK – Müller has officially received approval from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to complete its acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy, a deal initially agreed upon in June 2024.

The CMA’s investigation, launched in August, assessed whether the merger would substantially reduce competition within the UK dairy market. 

After a thorough review, the CMA cleared the deal, allowing Müller to finalize the acquisition by the end of October.

The acquisition, which integrates Yew Tree Dairy’s milk drying capabilities, is expected to enhance Müller’s export business and supply chain resilience. 

Yew Tree Dairy is well-known for producing fresh milk, cream, and powdered milk, and under Müller’s ownership, it is poised for further investment and growth.

Rob Hutchinson, CEO of Müller Milk & Ingredients, expressed excitement over the acquisition, emphasizing its importance in driving forward Müller’s strategic objectives. 

“This acquisition will drive significant progress towards MMI’s purpose to deliver a better dairy future,” he remarked

“The British dairy industry is world-renowned for its approach to sustainability, quality, and welfare, and so, not only does this acquisition underline our ambition to grow our business, but also a commitment to ensuring our customers, farmers, and consumers will all feel the benefit.”

Hutchinson also noted that he looks forward to welcoming Yew Tree Dairy’s staff into the Müller family.

“We’re excited to welcome our new colleagues from Yew Tree Dairy to Müller, and I look forward to meeting them all in the coming weeks and opening a new chapter for both businesses and the wider supply chain,” he stated.

Carl Woodcock, director of Yew Tree Dairy, expressed confidence in Müller’s stewardship of the company, highlighting the importance of finding a buyer that shares Yew Tree’s family values. 

“Joining Müller will help Yew Tree Dairy go from strength to strength, benefitting our staff, farmers, and customers and creating a strong and successful future for the British dairy industry,” he stated.

Woodcock added that the deal would allow Yew Tree to continue growing and improving its operations.

The acquisition will enable Müller to enhance Yew Tree’s milk drying facility in Skelmersdale, a move designed to capitalize on growing global demand for powdered milk products. 

Müller, which already works with over 1,300 farmers in the UK, sees the acquisition as a strategic opportunity to expand its production and export of dairy products, further strengthening its position in the British dairy sector.

Subscribe to our food and agriculture industry email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE