Arla Expands with Acquisition of Volac's Whey Nutrition Division
Deal News | Nov 12, 2024 | EIN

Arla Foods Ingredients has received regulatory approval from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for its acquisition of Volac's Whey Nutrition business. This acquisition is intended to bolster Arla's presence in the sports nutrition market by enhancing its production capacity for whey protein isolates (WPI) and other nutrition components. The decision follows thorough evaluation by the CMA to ensure market competition remains fair and consumer interests are protected. The purchase involves the acquisition of shares in Volac Whey Nutrition Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries. Volac specializes in producing high-quality whey protein ingredient products like UltraWhey 90, UltraWhey Xtra Pure, and engineered concentrates for both food and animal nutrition markets. The acquisition aligns with ongoing trends in the sports nutrition sector, which has seen significant growth and is projected to reach $42.2 billion by 2028, driven by a diverse consumer base seeking optimized health benefits from such products.
Sectors
- Dairy Production
- Sports Nutrition
- Food Ingredients
Geography
- United Kingdom – The location of Volac's operations and where the Competition and Markets Authority is based, approving the business acquisition.
- Denmark – Arla Foods' headquarters and significant operations base, as the acquiring company.
Industry
- Dairy Production – Involves the processing and production of milk-based products, relevant here due to Arla's role as a dairy company expanding its nutrition segment.
- Sports Nutrition – Focuses on dietary supplements and nutritional products aimed at athletes and health-conscious consumers, pertinent due to the acquisition of Volac's WPI production facilities.
- Food Ingredients – Involves the production and supply of raw materials used in food manufacturing, key here as Volac's whey is a critical ingredient in sports and functional foods.
Financials
- Not Disclosed – The financial details of the acquisition deal between Arla Foods Ingredients and Volac were not disclosed in the article.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arla Foods Ingredients | Acquirer | Company | A Danish dairy company expanding its sports nutrition portfolio through the acquisition. |
| Volac Whey Nutrition Holdings Limited | Target Company | Company | UK-based enterprise specializing in whey protein production for sports and animal nutrition. |
| Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) | Regulator | Government | UK's competition regulatory body that approved the acquisition to ensure fair market practices. |