Australia’s Brownes Dairy plans to formally seek a buyer or investment in the business next year.
In April, McGrathNicol Restructuring was appointed as receivers for the shares in Australian Zhiran Co. Pty Ltd, Brownes Dairy’s ultimate holding company.
According to an April report by The Australian Financial Review, Brownes Dairy was put up for sale after China’s Mengniu Dairy Co. called in a $200 million loan.
Brownes was sold by Archer Capital, which acquired it in 2011, to Australia Zhiran Co. in 2017. This acquisition involved a consortium that included investment firm Changchun Lianxin Investment Consulting Company, with Mengniu Dairy as a key lender.
A spokesperson for Brownes stated, “The sale process is ongoing,” and emphasized that “McGrath Nicol is currently working closely with the Brownes Dairy team to compile all business information into an investor package to take Brownes Dairy to market.”
Moreover, they noted, “While we’re yet to officially go out to market, we’ve had significant interest from a range of exciting investors. Our business will formally go to market in 2026.”
Founded in 1886, Brownes Dairy claims the title of Western Australia’s oldest dairy company. It offers a diverse range of products, including yogurt, cheese, and coffee, sold through major Australian grocery chains.
Among its offerings is the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee brand, Hunt and Brew. Recently, the company launched Hunt and Brew in the UK and announced the acquisition of local co-packer Indul this week.
The Brownes Dairy spokesperson stated, “Previously we were limited in the factory as other brands’ products were also being produced, limiting our capacity.”
CEO Natalie Sarich-Dayton remarked, “This is a watershed moment for Brownes Dairy and a powerful vote of confidence in the Hunt and Brew brand.”
