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*Canada’s Saputo has completed the acquisition of US Alto Dairy Cooperative for $160 million. *

Alto produces Italian-style mozzarella and provolone cheeses along with American-style cheeses such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Fontina and Gouda. It also produces whey products, marketed nationwide under a variety of brand names and private labels.

Alto employs around 467 employees in its two plants located in Wisconsin. In 2007, the cooperative had sales of $378 million.

This acquisition will enable Saputo Cheese Division (USA) to expand its business, and represents a major step in the Canadian company’s goal to achieve a stronger presence in the US.