MINNEAPOLIS — Actus Nutrition, a portfolio company of Butterfly Equity, acquired a whey protein processing facility in Sparta, Wis. from dairy cooperative and manufacturer Foremost Farms USA. 

The companies revealed they agreed to begin a “long-term exclusive, network wide whey protein partnership” that they expect to support growth for both Actus Nutrition and Foremost Farms. Financial terms for the acquisition of the 99,000-square-foot plant were not disclosed.

“We’ll be able to hit the ground running because we can plug the Sparta facility into our existing manufacturing network without a lot of changes,” said David Lenzmeier, chief executive officer of Actus Nutrition. “The facility will provide added capacity that will help us better meet the insatiable global demand for whey protein, while further positioning Actus to meet the needs of our existing customers.”

Actus Nutrition said it will invest “significant capital” into the facility to increase capacity and expand capabilities. 

Foremost Farms chief commercial officer Declan Roche said the cooperative and Actus Nutrition have enjoyed a “strong relationship” for many years.

“This scenario creates a win-win, enabling Foremost Farms to streamline its operations while continuing to maximize value for the cooperative members through a long-term strategic partner,” Roche said.

The acquisition grows Actus Nutrition’s Wisconsin manufacturing facility network from six to seven. Actus also operates manufacturing facilities in Minnesota, Nebraska, California, Idaho and Illinois.

Actus Nutrition’s portfolio of ingredients includes whey proteins, milk proteins, casein and caseinate, dairy and plant fats, and carbohydrates.

The company’s ingredients may be used in applications including bars, beverages, cheese, confections, baked foods, extruded and texturized products, fermented dairy products, frozen desserts, soups, sauces and dressings.

Formerly Milk Specialties Global, the company changed its name to Actus Nutrition in 2024.