By borrowing against its PLC shares instead of selling them at the time of its de-merger from Glanbia in 2022, the farmers’ co-op has made a multi-million-euro gain.
Leprino makes profits in the UK and losses in Portlaoise. The dissipation of hard-Brexit risks means cold financial logic is back in force.
Following the demergers of Tirlán and Kerry co-ops from the PLCs they had founded, rural Ireland is full of well-funded, relatively strong farmer-owned businesses ready for a new strategy.
Jim Bergin is CEO of Tirlán co-op, which has now separated its Irish business from Glanbia. In his first interview at Tirlán’s new head office, he outlines how the company intends to make use of its new-found independence.
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