Today, the boards of representatives in both Arla and DMK Group have given resounding backing to the two companies’ intention to merge. With a majority ‘yes’ vote in Arla, DMK eG and DOC Kaas U.A., the votes reflect the strong support from farmer-owners for a merger designed not just to grow, but to combine the best of both organizations for the benefit of members, colleagues, customers and consumers.

Uniting complementary strengths for a stronger dairy future

The merger unites Arla’s international reach and innovation expertise with DMK Group’s strong and diversified product portfolio and know-how. By supplementing each other's capabilities, the joint cooperative will be uniquely positioned to deliver even greater value through a broader range of high-quality dairy products, enhanced product innovation, and resilient market presence. Since the announcement of the intended merger, both Arla and DMK Group have held a series of meetings across the companies' regions, encouraging open debate and giving members the opportunity to share their views and questions.

Jan Toft Nørgaard, Chair of Arla Foods, says: ‘I would like to thank my fellow owners for their active participation. The approval of the decision-making bodies confirms our shared belief that Arla and DMK Group are stronger together. By combining our complementary strengths, we can secure a more sustainable and innovative dairy sector for the future, while continuing to deliver value to owners and partners.’

Heinz Korte, Chair of DMK Group, adds: ‘At DMK, we share the same values as Arla, have the same approach to our work and a common vision for the future of the dairy industry. I am delighted that my fellow farmers today have approved the merger and thus support our approach. I would therefore like to thank all members who have shown their belief in the strength of this idea as I firmly believe that this will prove to be a good decision.’

Building on a track record of collaboration

The partnership between Arla Foods and DMK Group is already proven through successful joint ventures such as ArNoCo, which combines DMK’s strength in cheese production with Arla’s global expertise in ingredients. The merger will build on this foundation, driving further advances in dairy technology, sustainable production, and nutritional excellence.

Peder Tuborgh, CEO of Arla Foods, says: ‘We know from experience that our organizations work well together. By joining forces, we will be able to accelerate innovation and deliver nutritious products to more people, while supporting a strong milk price for our farmer-owners.’

Ingo Müller, CEO of DMK Group, concludes: ‘The approval of our cooperative members is a strong sign. It shows that we live the cooperative idea and believe in joining forces to become even stronger. And that we are ready to take responsibility. For our businesses. For the next generation of farmers. And for the supply of high-quality food to consumers – here in Germany, but also far beyond.’

Next steps

With the boards’ approval secured, the merger will proceed to regulatory review, expected to conclude in Q1 2026. Until the final results of the regulatory review, the two companies will continue to operate as two independent entities, as they are today.

The merged entity will carry the Arla name, with headquarters in Viby J, Denmark. Jan Toft Nørgaard will serve as Chair, Peder Tuborgh as CEO and Ingo Müller will join the Arla executive management team as EVP of post-merger integration.

Facts: 

Arla Foods:
Revenue: 13.8 EUR Billion
Owners: 7,600
Colleagues: 21,900
Milk volume: 13.7 Billion kg.

DMK Group:
Revenue: 5.1 EUR Billion
Owners: 4,600
Colleagues: 6,800
Milk volume: 5.3 Billion kg.