Brewer Lion Nathan has said it will seek talks with America's The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) as it continues with its $8 billion bid for Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (CCA) after the opening bid met with opposition from TCCC, a 30% stakeholder of CCA.
National Foods, the Australian unit of Japanese conglomerate Kirin Holdings, will acquire all outstanding shares of Dairy Farmers in a deal valued at $910 million.
Warrnambool Cheese and Butter has been given approval to jointly take over Dairy Farmers.
Dairy Farmers is facing legal action after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission took the company to court for alleged misleading advertising.
Workers at Nestle in Echuca, Victoria are hopeful that the purchase of the business by diary giant Fonterra will strengthen the future of the operation.
Coopers Brewery has announced a record $19.5 million profit for the 2006-07 financial year on the back of growing beer sales in Australia and overseas.