Fromagers de Thierache, a subsidiary of French dairy giant Bongrain, and AOC cheese company Berthaut, are looking at a merger, according to reports. This would see Berthaut buy Fromagers de Thierache and take on the company’s EUR16 million liabilities. Fromagers de Thierache will contribute almost EUR9m of assets to the combined company.

The cheese makers are looking to meet growing consumer demand for regional or specialty cheeses and accelerate their development on international markets, according to Bongrain. Bongrain plans to allow the combined company to use its international sales network.

Fromagers de Thierache specialises in northern French cheese Maroilles, which it markets under the Fauquet brand. Burgundy-based Berthaut is the leading producer of AOC Epoisses.

“The new AOC cheese group will bring together the commercial strategies of Berthaut and Fauquet with the organisation and reach of Bongrain’s sales network,” Bongrain says.