Australian dairy co-operative Dairy Farmers has attracted domestic and international interest since announcing it would consider offers from third parties interested in acquisition, mergers or joint ventures.

Potential suitors have emerged to chase down the prized co-operative producer responsible for some of Australia’s best known dairy brands.

This follows years of calls from farmer-owners seeking to access the commercial value of their shares in the business.

In April Victoria-based National Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese brewing giant Kirin Holdings, approached the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, asking if any particular concerns would need to be addressed prior to the lodging of an official takeover offer with the Diary Farmers board.

This approach was also taken by New Zealand co-operative Fonterra and a consortium comprised of Italy’s Parmalat and Australian co-operative Murray Goulburn.

Reports have now said Fonterra may have entered into talks with National Foods and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter regarding the possibility of a joint bid for Dairy Farmers.

The Dairy Farmers Group, owned by over 2000 farmer-shareholders, has been valued at up to $961 million.

It markets a range of milk and dairy products under its own Dairy Farmers label, and is also the producer of a range of iconic dairy brands including Ski yoghurt, Cracker Barrel and Coon Cheese. Latest reports have also indicated interest from Singapore’s Olam International and Canada’s Saputo Incorporated.