GEA Farm Technologies GEA Farm Technologies increases its expertise in pastoral based dairy farming with the acquisition of the Milfos International Group; with its headquarters based in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Milfos is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative dairy technologies offering a comprehensive range of milking, cooling, stalling and automation solutions along with service and maintenance programs focused on grazing farm applications. This acquisition clears the way for GEA Farm Technologies to fully participate in growth opportunities within all pastoral farming markets worldwide and specifically within the key market of New Zealand. New Zealand exports 95 percent of its annual milk production representing more than one-third of all global cross-border trade.

"This acquisition is another important step in the GEA Farm Technologies Total Solutions Strategy. The Milfos product portfolio enables us to better meet the requirements of grazing markets by offering best-in-class tailored solutions. In addition, our combined sales channels will strengthen our position in Asia Pacific and increase GEA Farm Technologies influence in emerging markets" says Dr. Ulrich Hüllmann, CEO and Segment President of GEA Farm Technologies.

"This acquisition offers significant benefits to our customers. Our companies share strong common values and innovative spirit. These elements are at the heart of our daily activities and our drive to deliver technological advances that create sustainable value for our customers into the future" says Jamie Mikkelson, CEO and Co-Shareholder of Milfos International Ltd.

Milfos, exporting to more than 20 countries, was formed in 1987 and has more than 100 employees. It has a strong background in precision stainless steel manufacturing and the company has diversified into electronics, plastics and mild steel products. With a policy of adopting in-house manufacturing the company controls all aspects of the product life cycle, including research, design, production and delivery.

The acquisition will be executed in November 2012.

For more information, contact GEA Farm Technologies at 1.877.WS.DAIRY or 1.877.973.2479.

11.16.2012