Arrabawn and Tipperary shareholders vote to merge co-ops

Over 94pc voted in favour of the merger, creating what will be one of the largest co-operatives in the country.

The historic votes, held in Nenagh and Tipperary and conducted independently by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), today saw the required 75pc plus vote in favour of the merger, with 94pc of both memberships giving their approval.

Ireland's newest co-op will be known as Arrabawn Tipperary Co-operative Society, but its formal establishment will require regulatory and other approvals, including from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

The new merged dairy and agri-trading co-operative which will be owned and controlled by over 4,800 members, with more than 1,400 farmers supplying almost 750 million litres of milk annually. The co-op will have projected annual turnover exceeding €700 million.

The merger will bring substantial benefits for the new co-op, positioning it as a strong competitor both nationally and internationally within Ireland's agricultural sector. Arrabawn and Tipperary have complementary product offerings, routes to market and well-invested and technically advanced manufacturing facilities that will help deliver a sustainable milk price for milk suppliers.

The neighbouring societies will combine a similar deep heritage, values and a culture committed to supporting the long-term sustainable future of their milk suppliers, agri-traders, members, employees, customers and their families, while maintaining their commitment to the sustainable development of the Irish dairy industry.

The approval of the merger was welcomed by the chairs of the merging co-ops.

Edward Carr, Chairman of Arrabawn and the new Arrabawn Tipperary Co-operative society said: "This is a historic day for dairying in one of the great dairying heartlands of our country. It's, in particular, a great day for the members and suppliers of Arrabawn Tipperary Co-operative society who have come together to not just create a new force in dairy processing but to consolidate their own futures with this decision."

Chairman of Tipperary William Ryan said, "The overwhelming support to merge our neighbouring societies makes good business sense for Tipperary and Arrabawn milk suppliers. We will have a valuable product mix with streamlined processes which is key to maximising milk price return. The resultant new Society will have the scale, facilities and financial strength to meet the challenges of the changing dairy industry."