Arla and DMK receive approval for merger

Arla Foods and DMK Group have received approval for their merger. From June 1, 2026, both cooperatives will continue as a single organization under the Arla name. This will create one of Europe’s largest dairy organizations, with 11,200 dairy farmers, 28,800 employees, and revenue exceeding €20 billion.

Regulators approve merger

All required regulatory approvals have now been secured. Until June 1, Arla Foods and DMK Group will continue to operate as independent organizations. The integration of the two companies will begin after that date.

The new organization will be headquartered in Viby J, Denmark. Jan Toft Nørgaard will serve as Chair of the cooperative. Inger-Lise Sjöström will become Vice Chair. Peder Tuborgh will remain CEO. DMK CEO Ingo Müller will join Arla’s executive management team as Executive Vice President responsible for the integration.

11,200 dairy farmers

The merger will bring dairy farmers from seven European countries together within the same cooperative. Combined, the companies have an annual milk volume of 19.4 billion kilograms.

According to Arla and DMK, the merger builds on years of collaboration, shared values, and complementary operations. The companies see scale as important for maintaining investment in the future of the dairy sector and food production in Europe.

Broader offering for customers

The combined company expects to further strengthen its position in retail, foodservice, and the ingredients market. According to the companies, the merger creates opportunities for a broader product portfolio, additional innovation, and greater collaboration in branded products and private label.

Arla generated revenue of €15.1 billion from 14.3 billion kilograms of milk. DMK generated revenue of €5.3 billion and processed 5.1 billion kilograms of milk.

Arla.com