Saputo Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire cheese maker F&A Dairy Products, Inc. for $85 million. The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of the year, includes two manufacturing facilities in Las Cruces, N.M., and Dresser, Wis., with approximately 170 employees.

Las Cruces-based F&A Dairy generated $163 million in revenue during its last fiscal year. The company manufactures a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, provolone and muenster, for distribution throughout the United States and Mexico.


The acquisition is the latest in Saputo’s recent spree of purchases that expand its international footprint. Within the past year, the company acquired Southeast Milk, Belleview, Fla.; Montchevre-Betin, Belmont, Wis.; Murray Goulburn, Southbank, Victoria, Australia; and Shepherd Gourmet Dairy, Ontario.

Saputo produces, markets and globally distributes an array of dairy products including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients. The company markets its products under brands such as Saputo, Alexis de Portneuf, Armstrong, COON, Cracker Barrel, Dairyland, DairyStar, Devondale, Friendship Dairies, Frigo Cheese Heads, La Paulina, Milk2Go/Lait’s Go, Montchevre, Murray Goulburn Ingredients, Neilson, Nutrilait, Scotsburn, Stella, Sungold, Treasure Cave and Woolwich Dairy.