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$100m Craig Mostyn Group, V&V Walsh venture to grow WA meat exports

Rueben HaleThe West Australian
The deal will give the partners greater access to Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Camera IconThe deal will give the partners greater access to Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Credit: Danella Bevis

Two of WA’s best-known food producers have joined forces to form an historic commercial partnership.

The Craig Mostyn Group will buy V&V Walsh to create a commercial platform that will produce food for the Australian and overseas market, and deliver significant export income for WA.

The rumoured $100 million deal will give it access to Asia, Europe and the Middle East for more than 1.4 million processed animals a year.

The companies have managed to keep the deal under wraps for more than six months, despite widespread industry speculation that an announcement was likely towards the end of the year.

CMG is one of the leading suppliers of pork in the WA market and has contracts with some of Australia’s biggest retail players, as well as operating the Linley Valley Pork brand.

It is also a big exporter of food products into Asia.

Craig Mostyn Group chief executive Patrick Walsh and chairman Jim Kennedy.
Camera IconCraig Mostyn Group chief executive Patrick Walsh and chairman Jim Kennedy.

A family-owned and operated business since 1957, V&V Walsh is one of the biggest meat processors and exporters in WA, specialising in lamb and beef from its processing facility in Bunbury.

It also owns and operates the Amelia Park Lamb and Beef brand.

CMG chairman Jim Kennedy said during the first five years of the new venture, V&V Walsh would maintain its existing management team and report to a new joint board of directors, which will include newly appointed CMG chief executive Patrick Walsh and non‐executive director Rob Bransby.

“We believe that the phased acquisition makes a lot of sense for both parties,” Mr Kennedy said.

“The transaction allows us to grow in Western Australia while leveraging our capability in managing the meat supply chain, developing new products and extending into new markets.

“Importantly, these businesses already have many synergies, and the integration will enable greater efficiencies and critical mass in a competitive market both locally and overseas.”

The transaction allows us to grow in Western Australia while leveraging our capability in managing the meat supply chain, developing new products and extending into new markets.

Jim Kennedy

Chief executive and part-owner of V&V Walsh, Peter Walsh, said the sale provided for succession and gave a basis for growth.

“Importantly, this deal means a business developed here in WA over 60 years ago will remain in Australian ownership,” he said.

“We see the Craig Mostyn Group as sharing our vision for a strong, WA-based agribusiness with enormous potential to grow — especially considering the opportunities in the rapidly developing markets in South‐East Asia and China.

“Also, we see this as the opportunity for two great companies to come together to grow jobs and exports for WA.”

The companies will jointly employ more than 1400 West Australians.

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