Merger of Arrabawn and Tipperary makes perfect sense says Arrabawn chairman

Kilcommon farmer and Arrabawn chairman Edward Carr commented on the merger today

The proposed amalgamation of Arrabawn and Tipperary co-op, to create the biggest processor in the county and fifth biggest in the country, is the right option at the right time, Chairman of Arrabawn Edward Carr has stated.

Speaking ahead of next week’s vote by shareholders on the merger, Carr, who farms in Kilcommon, right on the border of the two co-ops, said that the amalgamation is in the best interest of suppliers.

“This merger is an opportunity that may not come our way again, so for the long-term future of Arrabawn, I am asking suppliers to back this once in a generation opportunity that’s absolutely in the best interests of suppliers.

“I am a third-generation supplier of Arrabawn and have neighbours supplying Tipperary Co-operative Creamery, so I see the proposed amalgamation of our two societies as a natural next stage of our evolution.”

Mr Carr said that now the due diligence process assessing the merger has validated the business opportunity for both co-ops from this amalgamation, he is left in no doubt whatsoever “that it is the right thing at the right time, with the right partner”.

Carr believes that shareholders will themselves understand just how big an opportunity this is and one that won’t come around again.

“Farmers are well familiar with expansion over the past decade. Many have grown their own farms, so they’ll know that expanding makes particular sense when the opportunity is on your doorstep. That’s what makes this particularly appealing to both co-ops.

“The reality is for both Arrabawn and Tipperary that this opportunity won’t come up again. We both need to scale to secure our futures and we won’t be able to achieve that growth on our own. So, this makes perfect sense, not least when we’re neighbours.”