pmnd77's post used strong language to make a number of unsubstantiated claims and either (s)he or STMOD deleted it anyway. I suppose there is a reason for that. Not a good way to join a forum - and obviously not good as a reference.
If I look at Aongatete (
https://www.coolstore.co.nz/who-we-are) than it appears they are much more than just a coolstore and offering quite similar services to Seeka (
https://www.coolstore.co.nz/ourservices) including orchard management. Maybe Seeka just purchased an annoying competitor? Or maybe it was cheaper for them to buy an existing company including experienced local staff than to build up new facilities and / or expand their other facilities and compete for experienced staff in a tight labour market?
I can't remember people complaining when Synlait bought the North Island factory of a (potential) competitor. This was quite a deal, wasn't it?
Now - I don't know whether $25m they are paying is too much for the site and the buildings alone (anybody seen a valuation?), but Seeka gets as well experienced staff (and they emphasise this in their announcement), established business relationships and a strengthened market positon.
If people feel that they still paid too much than I would be more than happy to look at and discuss the facts.
If this turns however just into people living out their hidden agendas and grinding their axes, than maybe we should find a better way to spend our time.