Lactalis to acquire Saputo’s UK dairy division for £988 million

Lactalis has agreed to acquire the United Kingdom dairy division of Saputo for an enterprise value of approximately £988 million. The deal is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027, pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

The acquisition includes several prominent UK dairy brands, such as Cathedral City, Clover, Wensleydale, Davidstow, Country Life, and Utterly Butterly. It also encompasses five manufacturing facilities located in Hawes, Davidstow, Nuneaton, Kirkby, and the Isle of Bute.

For Saputo, the sale is a strategic move to refine its global footprint and redirect capital toward markets where it holds a stronger competitive position. The UK division recently generated approximately $1.2 billion in revenue over the last four quarters. For Lactalis, the transaction serves as a major milestone to strengthen its presence in the UK market and establish itself as a leading supplier of cheddar and butter spreads.