Parmalat S.p.A., Italy, and its subsidiary LAG Holding Inc. acquired Karoun Dairies, Inc., San Fernando, Calif., and its Blue Isle Spread unit, effective May 1.

With this transaction, the Parmalat Group acquires a business active in the ethnic specialties segment in the United States, increasing its current portfolio of gourmet cheeses and entering the yogurt market.

The acquisition includes a production facility in Turlock, Calif., and two companies with approximately 140 employees. The brand portfolio includes the Karoun, Gopi and Blue Isle brands, among others.