EUROPE – The Dutch multinational dairy cooperative,FrieslandCampina has said that it has acquired Spain based cheese co-packer and distributor Millan Vicente to strengthen its position as a cheese supplier to Spanish and Portuguese consumers.

As part of the transaction, Millan Vicente will be fully integrated in the Iberian business of FrieslandCampina.

Millan Vicente was founded in 1995 by its current CEO Antonio Millan and is one of the leading Spanish cheese co-packing and distribution companies based in Zaragoza, a main logistical hub in Spain.

It provides a wide variety of cheeses to modern retail, having been an important partner of FrieslandCampina in Spain for many years.

“For decades, cheese products of FrieslandCampina have found their way to consumers and customers in the Iberian Peninsula.

With this acquisition, combining the local commercial expertise and flexibility of Millan Vicente we can further grow,innovate and strengthen our product offering for consumers and customers, in Spain and Portugal,” said Roel van Neerbos, President FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy.

Antonio Millan, former owner and CEO of Millan Vicente will remain involved to further grow the business.

“This partnership allows the business and people to further grow and succeed under the ownership of FrieslandCampina,” said Millan.

This is the second acquisition by FrieslandCampina this month, after acquiring US based importer and distributor of cheese, Jana Foods.

According to the company, the investment was part of a strategy to grow its cheese business and strengthen its position in various markets.

The company also acquired the activities of Best Cheese Holland, including its brands Parrano and Tjiezi, in addition to an agreement to acquire the import and sales activities of Best Cheese in the US in August.

After closing its milk processing facility in Gütersloh, Germany last year, the company had last month indicated that it was considering the closure of its cheese plant in Bree, Belgium claiming that the unit no longer fits into its long-term business strategy.