Ardent Mills to start operations by end of May

ARDENT MILLS, the flour milling company set up by ConAgra Foods, Cargill and CHS is expected to begin operations by end of May. The companies made the statement following the conclusion of the regulatory review by the U.S. Department of Justice and the completion of international regulatory clearances. However, the transaction is still subject to financing and other customary closing conditions.

Ardent Mills will bring together ConAgra Mills and Horizon Milling, a Cargill-CHS joint venture formed in 2002, making it the largest flour milling company to be established in the United States. Whilst benefiting from the assets, capabilities and experience of its parent companies, Ardent will operate as an independent JV. With services such as product development resources, technical and application support, supply chain management and commodity price risk management, it will be able offer innovative flour and grain products, services and solutions to the marketplace.

In addition to its headquarters in Denver, Colorado, Ardent Mills will have satellite offices in Omaha (Nebraska) and Minneapolis (Minnesota). ConAgra Foods and Cargill will each own a 44% stake in the new company, with CHS owning a 12% interest. All three companies will have representatives on Ardent Mills’ board of directors.