Alliance Group farmer-shareholders have voted to approve a $270 million strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats, one of Europe’s leading red-meat processors.
Alliance Group farmer-shareholders have voted to approve a $270 million strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats, one of Europe’s leading red-meat processors. The result saw more than 87 per cent of votes in favour, representing over 88 per cent of all shares on issue, meeting the required Takeovers Code threshold. Under the agreement, Dawn Meats will acquire a 65 per cent shareholding in Alliance Group, with farmer-shareholders retaining 35 per cent ownership.
Alliance Chair Mark Wynne said the strong outcome demonstrates confidence in the company’s direction and future.
“Our farmer-shareholders have given a clear mandate for Alliance to move forward in partnership with Dawn Meats. This investment strengthens our financial position, enhances operational capability and ensures continued farmer ownership.”
The partnership combines Alliance’s global lamb expertise with Dawn Meats’ strength in beef and market access across Europe and the UK, unlocking significant commercial and operational synergies. The investment will enable debt reduction, accelerate capital programmes, and support improved returns and future distributions to farmer-shareholders.
Niall Browne, Chief Executive of Dawn Meats, said the company was pleased with the result and excited about the opportunities ahead.
“We’re delighted with the support from Alliance’s farmer-shareholders and look forward to maximising the potential this partnership will unlock. By bringing together our complementary strengths, we’ll create a globally competitive business with enduring benefits for farmers, customers and consumers.”
With the vote now confirmed, both companies will move forward to complete the transaction and begin the next phase of growth.
Alliance Investment Co-op Directors
Mark Wynne
Jared Collie
Ross Bowmar
Matthew Iremonger
Dawn Meats Directors
Thomas (Tom) Moran
Niall Browne
Sean Breen
Mark Wynne
Independent Director / Alliance Investment Co-op Director
Mark joined the Board in December 2021 and was elected Chair in April 2024.
He is also Chair of Quayside Holdings, a large Tauranga based endowment fund.
He has extensive experience in senior executive roles of large companies, including CEO of Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Regional President (South Asia) for Kimberly-Clark, and various senior roles across Asia, Middle East and New Zealand for Fonterra Brands.
Jared Collie
Alliance Investment Co-Op Farmer elected Director
Jared was elected as a supplier representative in 2015.
He and his wife Prue, along with their 3 boys, operate a 1,325-hectare sheep, cattle and dairy farm in Central Southland.
Jared also sits on the board of Ballance Agri-Nutrients as a farmer elected director, is a director of Benmore Downs Ltd, director and chairman of Platinum Dairies Ltd, deputy chairman of the Jeff Farm Management Board and the facilitator for the Takitimu Discussion Group.
Ross Bowar
Alliance Investment Co-Op Farmer elected Director
Raised in Southland, Ross and his wife Jess and their young family own and operate a high-country sheep and beef station in the Rakaia Gorge in Canterbury.
Ross brings a wealth of international experience and knowledge to the role, having completed a Masters in Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University in the United States before spending 10 years with one of the world’s largest agricultural processing companies, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).
In addition to his directorship with Alliance, Ross is currently a director on EA Networks.
Matthew Iremonger
Alliance Investment Co-Op Farmer elected Director
Matt was elected to the board in 2024 as a supplier representative.
Farming 45,000 SU sheep and beef on Banks Peninsula and 1,500 dairy cows at Leeston, Matt, a Nuffield Scholar in 2023, is passionate about capturing market value efficiently, returning it to farmers, and strengthening the balance sheet.
He is committed to supporting Alliance to become a high-performing red meat business that delivers for its farmers and customers alike.
Thomas (Tom) Moran
Chair
Tom spent over 30 years in the Irish Ministry for Agriculture and Food with the final ten years as Secretary General.
Since leaving government, Tom has continued to work in the agriculture and food sectors across a range of organisations and roles.
He is currently Chairman of Kerry Group plc, the Irish-headquartered global taste and nutrition company.
Niall Brown
Dawn Meats Director
Niall was appointed Chief Executive of the company in 2007 at the age of just 34 and has since worked with his leadership team to spearhead its development through mergers and acquisitions in key strategic markets.
Throughout his career, Niall has focused on the culture of Dawn Meats – developing people, processing, and innovation to facilitate the company’s successful expansion.
Sean Breen
Dawn Meats Director
Sean is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
He trained and worked with Ernst & Young before joining Dawn Meats in 1983.
Sean has worked with successive CEOs at Dawn Meats to build one of Europe’s leading food processing companies.
