DairyWest completes Brownes acquisition

DairyWest has added premium yoghurt producer West N Fresh to its investment portfolio, after it today announced the completion of its purchase of Brownes.

DairyWest said West N Fresh would be incorporated into Brownes, and founders Lee and Paul Hayes would continue to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.

"West N Fresh has built a strong position in the premium yoghurt segment and we are delighted to be partnering with Lee and Paul to make this great product available to all West Australians," Dairy West chairman Justin Punch said.

Mr Punch said DairyWest, which is majority owned by private equity investment firm Archer Capital, would work with Brownes to continue to develop and grow the business.

"WA's high growth economy, proximity to Asia and Brownes' market-leading position provides a great base to develop the Brownes business," Mr Punch said.

"Brownes' location in WA makes it well suited to capitalise on export opportunities into Asia.

"We must now work hard to position Brownes and our suppliers to take advantage of these opportunities and confront the challenges of an increasingly competitive dairy landscape."

Former Brownes general manager Tim Cusack will continue to oversee the company's operations after DairyWest appointed him as managing director.