New Zealand dairy business Synlait Milk Limited (Synlait) has agreed to sell its North Island assets to global healthcare company Abbott. The assets include the Pōkeno manufacturing facility, along with the company’s Auckland sites (assets held at the blending and canning facility on Richard Pearse Drive and the warehouse facility on Jerry Green Street), and associated inventory and leasehold arrangements. “We are delighted to announce the entry into this agreement to sell our North Island assets to our valued customer — and global healthcare leader — Abbott,” said Synlait Chair George Adams. “This valuable reset presents Synlait with a rich opportunity to move beyond crises to planning a real and vibrant future. This is a turning point we have fought hard for and are ready to embrace.”Synlait CEO Richard Wyeth commented: “The North Island sale is a much-needed step change for Synlait.