OREANDA-NEWS. December 10, 2010. Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC [NYSE: WBD], the leading Russian manufacturer of healthy food and beverage products, announced the acquisition of Moloko Isilkulya, one of the fastest growing dairy producers in Western Siberia (Omsk Region). The transaction has been approved by the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service.

This acquisition is fully in line with Wimm-Bill-Dann’s stated strategy of expanding its business through selective acquisitions of successful companies with strong market positions, established brand portfolios and a sustainable base of raw materials.

Moloko Isilkulya was set up on the base of the production facilities of Vita, one of the largest dairy producers in the region with a more than fifty-year history and rich traditions. Today the plant manufactures traditional dairy products (milk, sour cream, kefir, cream, curd and ryazhenka) under the well-known Utrennyaya Zorka regional brand. Moloko Isilkulya has worked consistently to develop new products and adopt new technology with a focus on natural dairy products.

“The acquisition of an additional plant in the Omsk Region,” said Silviu Popovich, Head of WBD Foods business unit, commenting on the acquisition, “is in line with our strategy to develop the company as a large-scale and efficient manufacturer of healthy food and beverage products.” “This acquisition strengthens WBD’s position in the strategically important Siberian market, which is seeing growing demand for natural dairy products. Expanding our presence in the region will enhance the company’s portfolio and ensure WBD products are both more available and affordable for consumers in the region,” he added.

The Omsk Region is one of the richest territories in terms of raw milk supply, producing one third of all of the milk in Western Siberia. The acquisition of Moloko Isilkulya will help WBD to continue its expansion in the Siberian market and optimize its logistics costs in Eastern Russia.