Co-ops' shareholders vote for merger

Shareholders of Thurles and Centenary co-ops have voted in favour of a merger which will establish the CentenaryThurles Co-operative.

The move is seen on both sides as a clear strategy for further growth and development.

The Thurles and Centenary shareholders voted by 86% and 92% respectively in favour of the merger at separate Special General meetings held on Tuesday 14 June, 2005.

The new co-op will be headquartered in the present Thurles Co-operative offices in Thurles town.

The combined turnover of the business will be approximately €62m and the combined milk pool will be 94.5 million litres.

Both co-operatives are based in the Thurles area and each is considered to have very complimentary operations.

They will now work together to exploit any and all benefits to be achieved from the merger across dairy operations, agri-trading, retailing and other interests.

In a jointly issued statement following the vote, the present Chairmen of Thurles and Centenary Co-operatives, Mr Jackie Cahill and Mr Jim Maher, said that shareholders had shown "vision and foresight" in the best long term interests of both co-operatives.