Müller UK & Ireland Group has completed the acquisition of Dairy Crest’s dairy business.

The deal will bring together Müller Wiseman Dairies and Dairy Crest’s dairy operations to create Müller Milk & Ingredients, with the aim of creating the biggest of its kind in the UK.

Mark Allen, chief executive of Dairy Crest, said: “We are delighted that the sale has successfully completed. This is a transformational moment for Dairy Crest and the wider dairy industry and helps bring much needed stability to the UK dairy sector.

“Dairy Crest can now focus on growth, through both our branded cheese and spreads operations and new revenue streams from manufacturing products for the fast-growing global infant formula market.”

Müller Group chief executive Ronald Kers said: “With this transaction now concluded we have the opportunity, together with our colleagues, customers, farmers and suppliers, to build on our progress in the UK and create an exciting new future for our dairy business.”

Müller is also renaming its Müller Dairy yogurt and chilled desserts business as Müller Yogurt & Desserts.