Last week, it was announced Arnott’s and Campbell’s International had been bought by United States investment group KKR for $A3.2 billion.
The News asked Campbell’s what impact it would have on the Lemnos factory.
Campbell’s and Arnott’s declined to comment any further from its press release it issued last week announcing the sale.
However, under the long-term licensing agreement KKR has exclusive rights to use certain Campbell brands, including Australian ones.
The News understands the long-term licensing agreement was for 15 years and KKR and Campbell’s could extend it for a further 10 years.
Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union northern Victoria regional organiser Danny Miller hoped more information was provided in the near future.
Mr Miller said at this stage most discussions had been at the corporate level.
‘‘We haven’t had any real conversations about what the intentions are of the sale,’’ he said.
‘‘KKR, being an American consortium, have been in discussion with the Australian Campbell’s identity.
‘‘We would be privy to those discussions because they’re taking place in America.
‘‘There has been no declaration as yet by Campbell’s or corporate about finer points of the purchase. We don’t know if this going to be a transition of business and what that means for the workforce.
‘‘We hope in the coming weeks, when they cross their T’s and dot their I’s that we then receive information with what the intent plan is moving forward.
‘‘The union wants to work at a co-operative manner and make sure we’re representing our members best interest.’’
Mr Miller said keeping the factory open would be good for the Shepparton region.
‘‘The AMWU wants jobs in regional Victoria. Shepparton has had its fair share of hardship over the years, so it would be good to have employment opportunities to locals,’’ he said.
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