Lactalis, Canadian Saputo, Japanese Meiji Holdings Co and a US-based investment firm are just some of the companies reportedly interested in buying Fonterra’s consumer-facing assets.

According to Reuters, Lactalis launched an application for “informal merger clearance” on its proposed acquisition of Fonterra’s food services businesses with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The informal review process allows the parties to seek the ACCC’s view on whether a merger is likely to substantially lessen competition. Lactalis told Reuters it is considering investments in Australia and internationally but has not signed any agreements with Fonterra.