GrubMarket Continues its Sizzling Growth Across the West Coast with the Acquisition of Chasin Foods

rubMarket today announced it has completed the acquisition of Chasin Foods, a leading wholesale distributor of quality produce, dairy, meats, seafood, and provisions. Chasin Foods was formally an independent, family owned distributor with a portfolio of clients including markets, manufacturers, jobbers, schools, chain restaurants, single unit restaurants and large institutional accounts across the Southern California region. This acquisition follows in the footsteps of GrubMarket's recent acquisition of So Cal Farm Network last year, which has proven to be highly successful. Chasin Foods will now be able to leverage GrubMarket's robust produce supply chain network to quickly expand its offerings to even more ...

Stop & Shop to Acquire King Kullen Grocery Co.

Stop & Shop announced today it has agreed to acquire King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. The agreement includes King Kullen’s 32 supermarkets, five Wild by Nature stores and the use of its corporate office located in Bethpage, N.Y.

“King Kullen is a well-respected grocery chain in the Long Island market that has an 88-year tradition of excellent customer service,” said Mark McGowan, President of Stop & Shop. “We look forward to bringing our quality, selection and value to more communities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.”

The acquisition is currently expected to close during the first quarter of 2019, subject to ...

Applebee's Purchases 69 Restaurants In Franchise Transaction

Today, Applebee's Grill and Bar announced the closing of the transaction purchasing 69 restaurants in North and South Carolina. The restaurants will be operated under industry veteran and Applebee's chief operating officer, Kevin Carroll.

"Through the third quarter of 2018, Applebee's business performance has been the best it's been in more than a decade as we continue to lead the casual dining category," says John Cywinski, Applebee's brand president. "I'm pleased with this transaction and confident in our plans to evolve and selectively refine our restaurant portfolio. We are consistently reviewing our portfolio and making strategic decisions to better position our brand for the future."

Applebee's same-restaurant sales increased 7.7 percent in the third quarter, a majority of which was driven by traffic, resulting in a third quarter year-to-date comp sales increase of... 

Black Shamrock Partners Completes Sale of Smashburger to Jollibee Foods Corporation

Global Restaurant Group Buys Full Control from BSP

Black Shamrock Partners (BSP), formerly Consumer Concept Group & Affiliates, today announced that Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC), Asia's largest food service company, has acquired the remaining 15 percent of Smashburger, the Denver-based 'better burger' concept, bringing Jollibee full ownership of the brand.

In 2015, Smashburger entered into a strategic partnership with Jollibee Foods Corporation to sell 40 percent of the Company at a $335M USD value ...

Empire Company Completes Purchase of Farm Boy - Ontario's Best-in-Class Food Retailer

Empire Company Limited ("Empire" or the "Company") (TSX: EMP.A) announced today that it has completed its purchase of Farm Boy, one of the most exciting, fastest growing and successful food retailers in the country. All closing conditions, including receipt of a no-action letter from the Competition Bureau, have been satisfied.

"We are thrilled to officially team up with Farm Boy," said Michael Medline, President and CEO of Empire. "They have an incredible brand, great stores and customer service, and a superb leadership team. Founder and co-CEO Jean-Louis Bellemare and co–CEO Jeff York will remain investors in the company and will continue in their roles for the long term ...

Inspire Brands Completes Acquisition of Sonic Corp.

Inspire Brands, Inc. today announced the completion of its $2.3 billion acquisition of Sonic Corp.

With the acquisition of Sonic, Inspire now encompasses more than 8,300 restaurants and generates annual systemwide sales in excess of $12 billion, making it the fifth-largest restaurant company in the United States. In addition to Sonic, Inspire’s restaurant portfolio includes Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Rusty Taco.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Sonic to the Inspire family,” said Paul Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Brands. “Sonic and its franchisees have created one of the most successful and distinctive brands in the restaurant industry ...

C&S Wholesale Grocers to Acquire Olean Wholesale Grocery Cooperative, Inc.

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Olean Wholesale Grocery Cooperative, Inc. based in Olean, NY. The sale is expected to close in early 2019.

Olean Wholesale, a New York cooperative corporation founded in 1922, is a full-service grocery wholesaler with a variety of food products as well as non-food, household, and personal care items. The company services over 270 independent food retail and convenience stores throughout New York, Pennsylvania, and Northeast Ohio. Olean Wholesale has built its business upon their comprehensive product offerings, personalized customer service, and collaborative partnerships with independent retailers and manufacturers. Current CEO and President, Robert Ketchner, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations, ensuring consistency for the employees, customers, and vendors ...

Flynn Restaurant Group LP Acquires 368 Arby’s Restaurant Locations  from U.S. Beef Corp.

Significant Acquisition Cements Flynn Restaurant Group’s Position as Largest Franchise Operator and Top 20 Foodservice Company in America Generating $2.3 Billion in Sales

RB American Group LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group LP, today announced that it has acquired 368 Arby’s® restaurants throughout the U.S. from United States Beef Corporation (US Beef). Arby’s, the second largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world, is a perfect fit for Flynn Restaurant Group, whose portfolio includes household names like Applebee’s®, Panera Bread® and Taco Bell®. RB American Group will be Flynn Restaurant Group’s fourth prominent restaurant brand.

With this acquisition, Flynn Restaurant Group will own and operate a combined total of 1,245 quick-service, fast casual and casual dining restaurants, generating $2.3 billion in sales and employing approximately 50,000 people in 33 states. Flynn Restaurant Group’s subsidiaries include ...

Giant Eagle Inc. Completes Acquisition of Ricker Oil Company Inc.

Formal agreement closure officially joins fresh food-focused GetGo and Ricker’s brands

Giant Eagle Inc., one of the nation’s largest multi-format food, fuel and pharmacy retailers, today announces its successful acquisition of Indiana-based Ricker Oil Company Inc. (“Ricker’s”). The finalized agreement brings Giant Eagle’s GetGo Cafe + Market (“GetGo”) and Ricker’s brands together in serving customers throughout Indiana.

Since opening its first Indianapolis area GetGo Cafe + Market in October 2015, Giant Eagle has been committed to providing Hoosiers with made-fresh-to-order foods, including mouthwatering, custom-made subs, burgers, breakfast sandwiches and more. Three years later, there are now ...

Pizza Hut U.S. to Acquire Online Ordering Provider QuikOrder

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Acquisition of Long-Time Pizza Hut Technology Partner Expands Digital Ordering Capabilities

Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), today announced that its U.S. business has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire QuikOrder, a leading online ordering software and service provider for the restaurant industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it marks one of Pizza Hut's largest acquisitions to date.

By acquiring QuikOrder's online ordering capabilities, Pizza Hut U.S. will improve its ability to deliver an easy and personalized online ordering experience and accelerate digital innovation across its base of more than 6,000 restaurants in the U.S. In 2018, approximately half of Pizza Hut U.S. sales were ...

Bellisio Foods Acquires Frozen Specialties, Inc.

Bellisio Foods, Inc., part of the CP Foods worldwide family of companies, one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing frozen food companies, has entered into a definitive agreement with Swander Pace Capital to acquire Frozen Specialties, Inc. (FSI), a leading producer of frozen pizza and Pizza Bites® based in Perrysburg, Ohio. The acquisition closed last week and will be folded under Overhill Farms, Inc, a national leader in private label, co-manufacturing and foodservice products.

“This acquisition of FSI brings together our vibrant, growing companies who share an expertise in delivering delicious, exciting brands and private label products to retail customers that delight consumers,” said Ken Stickevers, President and CEO at Bellisio Foods, Inc.

FSI is a leading producer of private label and co-manufactured frozen Value Pizza and Pizza Bites and supports nearly every major retailer across the ...

FAT Brands Acquires Yalla Mediterranean

Rapidly Growing West Coast Franchisor Expands with Acquisition of Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine Chain

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) completed the acquisition of Yalla Mediterranean, a Los Angeles-based chain specializing in authentic, healthful Mediterranean cuisine and environmentally-friendly operations. With the acquisition of Yalla Mediterranean, FAT Brands franchises more than 300 restaurants worldwide and has over 300 additional restaurants under development in 32 countries, with annual system-wide sales greater than $300 million.

Founded in 2014, Yalla Mediterranean serves authentic cuisine prepared fresh daily with farm-friendly, GMO-free local ingredients from a menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options to accommodate customers with a wide variety of dining needs and preferences ... 

Coborn’s, Inc. Signs Purchase Agreement with SUPERVALU to Acquire Hornbacher’s Stores

Coborn’s, Inc. has announced it has signed a purchase agreement with SUPERVALU, a newly acquired subsidiary of United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), to acquire the company’s Hornbacher’s stores in the Fargo, ND-Moorhead, MN area, which includes a store that is currently under construction in West Fargo, ND. Five of the stores in operation are located in Fargo, ND and two of the stores are located in Moorhead, MN.

The Hornbacher’s locations included in the sale are:

• 1433 S University Drive, Fargo, ND
• 1532 S 32nd Avenue S., Fargo, ND
• 2510 N Broadway Avenue, Fargo, ND
• 4101 S 13th Avenue S., Fargo, ND
• 4151 45th Street South, Fargo, ND
• 101 11th Street South, Moorhead, MN
• 950 40th Avenue S., Moorhead, MN
• West Fargo store currently under construction ...

Tyson Foods Completes Acquisition of Keystone Foods

Purchase supports Tyson Foods’ valued-added and international growth strategies

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) has successfully completed the acquisition of Keystone Foods from Marfrig Global Foods. The purchase of Keystone, a leading supplier of chicken, beef, fish and pork to the growing global foodservice industry, aligns with Tyson Foods’ domestic and international growth strategy.

“Our biggest growth opportunities are in value-added foods and international markets. Our acquisition of Keystone helps us achieve both,” said Noel White, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “The addition of Keystone’s team, industry expertise and international operations strengthens our capabilities. I’m pleased to welcome our newest team members ...

Cargill expands its global poultry business in Colombia with acquisition of CAMPOLLO

Acquisition will grow Cargill’s Colombian poultry operations to better serve its Latin American customers, welcoming more than 2,500 new employees

Cargill has acquired Colombian-based CAMPOLLO, one of the country’s leading producers of chicken and protein products.

The acquisition marks the expansion of Cargill’s global protein business in Colombia after acquiring Pollos Bucanero in June 2017. CAMPOLLO has more than 20 years’ experience in the market and its products are a top choice among consumers and retailers across Colombia.

Jorge Ivan Duque, general manager of Cargill’s Pollos Bucanero, will continue leading Cargill’s expanded poultry business in Colombia. He has spent the past 13 years working in the poultry sector in Central America and Colombia...

CAVA Announces Completion of Zoës Kitchen Acquisition

The combined company will have more than 8,000 team members across 24 states

CAVA Group Inc., a privately held and fast growing Mediterranean culinary brand, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Zoe's Kitchen, Inc., (NYSE: ZOES) and that Thursday, November 22nd will be the first day of operations for the combined company.

Zoës Kitchen shareholders received $12.75 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $300 million, as was originally announced on August 16, 2018. The acquisition will bring Zoës Kitchen into the private market...

FCPT Announces Acquisition of Six Restaurant Properties from Brookfield Properties for $7.5 Million

Four Corners Property Trust (NYSE:FCPT) announced the acquisition of six restaurant properties for $7.5 million from Brookfield Properties. The transaction spans five brands, including Texas Roadhouse (2), Applebee's, Olive Garden, Panera Bread and Sonic.

The properties are outparcels to four Brookfield owned malls located in CA (3 outparcels at the same mall), AZ, IL, and MI and are a mix of corporate-operated (3) and franchisee-operated (3) locations. The sites are...

SpartanNash to Acquire Martin's Super Markets

Strategic Acquisition Expands Corporate Retail Footprint

SpartanNash Company (the "Company") (Nasdaq: SPTN) today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Martin's Super Markets, Inc. ("Martin's"), a leading family-owned and operated Midwest independent supermarket chain, in a transaction that will expand its corporate retail footprint into the adjacent markets of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, Martin's currently operates 21 stores in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan with approximately 3,500 employees. For the fiscal year ended July 29, 2018, Martin's had more than...

Schwan’s Company Enters Exciting New Era with CJ CheilJedang

Company’s Retail & Food Service Businesses Acquired by Global Food Leader, Schwan Family Retains 100% Ownership of Legacy Home-Delivery Business and Minority Ownership Stake in Acquired Company

Schwan’s Company, a leading U.S. food business, announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell a majority stake of the company to CJ CheilJedang (CJCJ), of Seoul, South Korea.

The transaction will include 80 percent of Schwan’s Company and specific subsidiaries that focus on foods sold in retail and grocery channels and food-service venues. The Schwan family will retain 20 percent ownership in the businesses being sold to CJCJ and will also retain 100 percent ownership in Schwan’s Home Service, Inc., which represents the legacy home-delivery business that Marvin Schwan launched in 1952.

The transaction is expected to close in the next 60 to 90 days. The sale will also include...

Maple Leaf Foods Closes Acquisition of VIAU Foods

Builds market leadership in premium Italian, cooked and dry cured meats

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX: MFI) announced today that it has closed the acquisition of VIAU Foods ("VIAU"), a Canadian market leader in premium Italian cooked, dry-cured and charcuterie meats, for a purchase price of $215 million, including $30 million in Maple Leaf stock. With sales of $180 million as of fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Maple Leaf's earnings per share in the first year and...

Lipari Foods Finalizes Acquisition of PA-Based Heagy Foods, Expanding Distribution Area

On Friday, November 2, Lipari Foods, a leading Midwest food distributor based in Warren, Mich., closed on the acquisition of the specialty deli company, Heagy Foods, including the Guernsey’s Gift brand. Heagy Foods is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The opportunity increases Lipari’s eastern Pennsylvania distribution area along with expanding their portfolio of specialty deli product offerings.

Thom Lipari, President and CEO of Lipari Foods says: “We are excited to team up with a solid, service driven company like Heagy Foods. Adding a variety of their specialty deli products to Lipari’s portfolio along with ability to expand the Lipari distribution footprint will surely bring added value to both Lipari’s existing customers as well as customers that are currently serviced by Heagy Foods.”

Lipari’s strategic position continues to be one of the premier “perimeter of the store and... 

Darling Ingredients Inc. Announces Acquisition Of Specialty Food Grade Fat Ingredient Operation

Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) today announced that it has acquired the stock of PPH Conto Ltd., a food grade animal fat processing facility in Lubien Kujawski, Poland.

"Poland is one of the fastest growing meat production areas in Europe," said Mr. Randall C. Stuewe, Darling Ingredients Chairman and CEO. " The acquisition of Conto provides us the opportunity to strengthen our current position in this important growth area and... 

Giant Food Stores Agrees to Acquire Five Shop 'N Save Stores 

GIANT Food Stores announced today that it has entered into an agreement with SUPERVALU INC., a newly acquired subsidiary of United Natural Foods (UNFI), to acquire five corporately‐owned Shop ‘n Save locations. Upon completion of the sale, GIANT plans to convert the Shop ‘n Save stores into MARTIN'S Food Markets stores. The following stores are part of the sale...

Bojangles’, Inc. to be Acquired by Durational Capital Management and The Jordan Company 

Bojangles’, Inc. (Bojangles’, the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BOJA) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company, L.P. Under the terms of the agreement, Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company, L.P. will acquire the Company in an all cash transaction. Bojangles’ stockholders will receive $16.10 per share, representing a 39% premium to the closing share price of February 12, 2018, a day prior to initial speculation regarding a potential transaction involving...

Conagra Brands Completes Acquisition of Pinnacle Foods

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Pinnacle Foods (NYSE: PF). The closing of the transaction follows the approval of Pinnacle Foods' shareholders and satisfaction of all terms and conditions.

Through the acquisition, Conagra Brands adds iconic brands to its portfolio, including Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Earth Balance and Vlasic, as well as emerging brands, such as Gardein, Glutino, Udi's, Wish-Bone and EVOL, among others.

"Expanding Conagra Brands' portfolio through the acquisition of Pinnacle Foods creates a tremendous opportunity to...

Smithfield Foods Marks Significant Step Toward Zero-Waste-to-Landfill in North Carolina

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce a key step toward achieving zero-waste-to-landfill status across its North Carolina processing facilities. Smithfield will achieve this goal with support from its newest partner, Waste Connections, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a food company and waste services provider. The project will create a recycling facility that processes materials specifically from food production facilities. This project is part of Smithfield’s companywide sustainability initiative to reduce solid waste to landfills 10 percent by 2020 across all locations and its goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25 percent by 2025 throughout its supply chain.

“At Smithfield, we are the first major protein company to make a significant GHG reduction commitment and are forging innovative new partnerships to help us get there,” said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “This project is especially exciting because...

Maple Leaf Foods Closes Acquisition of Cericola Farms

Builds market leadership in raised without antibiotics and organic value-added chicken

Maple Leaf Foods (TSX: MFI) today announced the closing of its acquisition of two poultry plants and associated supply from Cericola Farms, a privately held company.

Located in Bradford, Ontario and Drummondville, Quebec, the two plants collectively process approximately 32 million kg of chicken annually.

Maple Leaf has also secured 100% of the processed chicken volume from Cericola's primary processing plant located in Schomberg, Ontario, and holds an option to acquire this asset and associated plant supply in three years.

Cericola specializes in air-chilled processing of antibiotic free and...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Egg Production Assets of Featherland Egg Farms, Inc.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Featherland Egg Farms, Inc., relating to its commercial shell egg production, processing, distribution and sale business. The assets to be acquired, subject to the completion of this transaction, include commercial egg production and processing facilities with current capacity for approximately 600,000 laying hens, a feed mill, and related production and distribution facilities located near Marion, Texas. The Company expects to close the transaction in the next few weeks.

Commenting on the announcement, Dolph Baker, chairman and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., said, “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of the Featherland Egg Farms assets. This transaction is consistent with our strategy to...

Darling Ingredients Inc. Announces Acquisition Of Specialty Pet Food Ingredient Operation

Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) today announced that it has acquired substantially all the assets of Triple - T Foods Arkansas, Inc., including a wet pet food ingredient operation in Springdale, AR, along with a cold storage operation in Rogers, AR. The acquisition further expands Darling's premium protein business for the growing pet food industry.

"Triple – T Foods is an excellent strategic fit with Darling's growing specialty pet food ingredient portfolio," said Mr. Randall C. Stuewe, Darling Ingredients Chairman and CEO. "Triple – T has established a long history of providing quality proteins into the high-end pet food markets, and we look forward to building upon that reputation. We expect this acquisition to be accretive immediately and to add customer depth to our other wet pet food operations in Nebraska and Kentucky," concluded Mr. Stuewe...

Golden State Foods Will Sell Selected Distribution Centers To Martin Brower

Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified food processors and distributors in the foodservice industry, announced that it has entered into negotiations with Martin Brower Company (Rosemont, Illinois), to sell some of its distribution centers this year.

Discussions are focused on nine of GSF's 27 distribution centers. The nine under discussion are part of 11 distribution centers serving McDonald's. (GSF's 27 centers serve an array of QSR leaders). The sale would support Golden State Foods' and McDonald's strategies for growth, efficiencies and excellent customer service, which have been hallmarks of both organizations for decades. GSF, which has been a food supplier to McDonald's for more than 65 years and a distribution partner for more than 50, will continue to serve as a global manufacturer and distributor to McDonald's and to many other food industry and retail customers throughout the world.

The transaction would put GSF in a very strong financial position to accelerate its already successful strategy through reinvestment and continued potential acquisitions...

Maple Leaf Foods to Acquire VIAU Foods

Builds market leadership in premium Italian, cooked and dry cured meats

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX: MFI) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire VIAU Foods, a Canadian market leader in premium Italian cooked, dry-cured and charcuterie meats for a purchase price of $215 million, including $30 million in Maple Leaf stock. With sales of $180 million over the last twelve months, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Maple Leaf's earnings per share in the first year and to the Company's margin expansion over time.

"VIAU brings a portfolio of leading brands, a reputation for innovation and quality, skilled management and people, and excellent manufacturing assets," said Michael McCain, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. "This acquisition expands Maple Leaf's position in the growing market for premium dry cured and pepperoni meat products and provides further production capacity in Quebec, an important strategic base to grow both Canadian and U.S. sales. It also enables VIAU to...

Giant Eagle in C-store Acquisition

Giant Eagle Inc. is expanding its footprint in Indiana.

The Pittsburgh based-company plans to acquire Ricker Oil Co., which operates 56 convenience stores and fuel stations in Indiana. In addition to supermarkets under its own banner, Giant Eagle operates c-stores under the GetGo banner.

Giant Eagle and Ricker Oil are both private, family-owned companies. Financial terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.

“Ricker’s has proudly served the Indiana community for nearly 40 years, and we are so excited to have found a partner in Giant Eagle and GetGo,” stated Ricker Oil Co. president and CEO Quinn Ricker, in a report by The Herald Bulletin. “We believe strongly that the coming together of our two businesses will be a seamless and extremely positive experience for employees, customers and...

Grubhub Announces Acquisition of College Startup Tapingo for $150 Million

Tapingo will provide increased exposure to college student market and strategic brand partnerships

Grubhub, the nation's leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Tapingo, a leading platform for campus food ordering.

With over 150 college campus partners, Tapingo enables tens of thousands of order-ahead transactions per day for more than half a million active diners at on-campus cafes, restaurants, and cashier-less stores. The combination of Tapingo's network with Grubhub's restaurant marketplace and delivery capabilities will bring greater convenience to students and help campus restaurants ...

SUPERVALU Announces Plans to Sell 19 of Its 36 St. Louis-Based Shop ‘n Save Stores to Schnuck Markets

Schnucks to also acquire related Shop ‘n Save Pharmacies and four Shop ‘n Save Fuel Centers

MINNEAPOLIS &ST. LOUIS: SUPERVALU INC. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell 19 of its 36 Shop ‘n Save grocery stores, primarily located in the St. Louis, Mo. area, to Schnuck Markets, Inc. The transaction is planned to occur with a staggered close process that is currently expected to finish by late October 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. As part of the acquisition, SUPERVALU and Schnucks will also enter into an agreement for SUPERVALU to serve as the primary supplier for nine of Schnucks’ existing stores located across northern Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

“Since announcing plans to pursue the sale of our Shop ‘n Save banner earlier this Spring, the team has worked diligently and successfully to put this agreement ...

Indiana Packers Corporation Announces Agreement to Acquire Specialty Foods Group, LLC

Delphi, IN—Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC), makers of INDIANA KITCHEN® premium pork products, last week announced it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan to acquire Specialty Foods Group, LLC (SFG) headquartered in Owensboro, Kentucky. SFG is most recognized as the manufacturer and distributor of KENTUCKY LEGEND® premium boneless hams, the leading boneless ham brand in grocery retail across the United States. The acquisition agreement is subject to regulatory approval, approval of the equity holders of SFG, and certain other closing conditions. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018.

The acquisition will strengthen IPC’s foundation for growth and positions it to leverage valuable synergies relating to raw material utilization, manufacturing and sales and marketing capabilities. IPC is headquartered in Delphi, Indiana, and also operates pork processing facilities in Holland, Michigan, and ...

Tyson Foods to Acquire Keystone Foods for $2.16 Billion

Expands Tyson Foods’ value-added protein capabilities serving key foodservice customers
Strengthens global presence in high growth international markets

SPRINGDALE, Ark-- Tyson Foods, Inc. on Monday announced it has reached a definitive agreement to buy the Keystone Foods business from Marfrig Global Foods for $2.16 billion in cash. The acquisition of Keystone, a major supplier to the growing global foodservice industry, is Tyson Foods’ latest investment in furtherance of its growth strategy and expansion of its value-added protein capabilities.

Headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Keystone supplies chicken, beef, fish and pork to some of the world’s leading quick-service restaurant chains, as well as retail and convenience store channels. Its value-added product portfolio includes chicken nuggets, wings and tenders; beef patties; and...

FAT Brands Completes Acquisition of Hurricane Grill and Wings

Rapidly Growing West Coast Franchisor Adds Flavorful Grill and Wings Franchise to its Portfolio of Brands

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) announced that it has successfully completed the previously announced acquisition of Hurricane Grill & Wings (“Hurricane”) for $12.5 million, which was funded through a combination of $8.0 million of cash and $4.5 million of preferred stock. With the acquisition of Hurricane, FAT Brands now franchises more than 325 restaurants around the world with annual system-wide sales exceeding $350 million.

Founded in 1995, Hurricane Grill & Wings offers jumbo, fresh wings paired with over 35 signature sauces, rubs, and glazes with a diverse menu featuring flavorful fan-favorites including fries, tacos and burgers. Hurricane franchises more than 50...

Maple Leaf Foods to Acquire Select Poultry Assets of Cericola Farms

Maple Leaf Foods (TSX: MFI) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire two poultry plants and associated supply from Cericola Farms, a privately held company. Located in Bradford, Ontario and Drummondville, Quebec, collectively the two plants process approximately 32 million kg of chicken annually.

Maple Leaf has also entered into an agreement to secure 100% of the processed chicken volume from Cericola's primary processing plant located in Schomberg, Ontario, and holds an option to acquire this asset and associated plant supply in three years.

"Cericola is a leader in raised without antibiotics and organic chicken. This acquisition will build Maple Leaf's market leadership in these value-added categories and enable us to meet growing consumer demand," said Michael McCain, President and CEO. Founder of Cericola Farms, Mary Cericola said, "Our vision over the past 60 years has been to provide wholesome and natural poultry products to our customers. It is this tradition of... 

Conagra Brands To Acquire Pinnacle Foods For $10.9 Billion In Cash And Stock

Will Create a Leader in Frozen Foods with an Expanded Presence in Snacks

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) and Pinnacle Foods Inc. (NYSE: PF) today announced that their boards of directors have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which Conagra Brands will acquire all outstanding shares of Pinnacle Foods in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $10.9 billion, including Pinnacle Foods' outstanding net debt. Under the terms of the transaction, Pinnacle Foods shareholders will receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of Conagra Brands common stock for each share of Pinnacle Foods held. The implied price of $68.00 per Pinnacle Foods share is based on the volume-weighted average price of Conagra Brands' stock for the five days ended June 21, 2018. The purchase price reflects...

Olymel Announces the Acquisition of Ontario Company Pinty's Delicious Foods Inc.

Olymel L.P. executives are announcing the acquisition of all the shares of Pinty's Delicious Foods Inc., an Ontario poultry slaughtering and processing company that specializes in fully cooked products and other related products. Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, Pinty's employs 360 people. The company operates three processing plants, respectively located in Port Colborne, Paris, and Oakville, Ontario. Pinty's markets its products throughout Canada and the United States under the brands Pinty's Food Service, Pinty's Pub & Grill, Pinty's Eat Well, Pinty's Perfect Portions and Pinty's Delicious Food Inc.

"Olymel is confident that this transaction will benefit our development and growth. We are proud to welcome the employees of Pinty's Delicious Foods Inc. Over the...

Mondelez International Completes Acquisition of Tate’s Bake Shop

Mondelēz International  announced it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Tate's Bake Shop, a fast-growing, premium cookie and baked goods brand known for its authentic, high-quality ingredients.

"The Tate's Bake Shop acquisition represents the type of bolt-on transaction that will leverage our strengths and drive growth and value for our shareholders," said Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Tate's on-trend products complement our existing biscuits portfolio and provide access into the fast-growing premium cookie segment. We‘re excited to begin working with the Tate's team to expand the reach of this beloved authentic brand to more consumers around the world."

Mondelēz International is ...

Jefferies Financial Group Closes Sale of 48% of National Beef to Marfrig

Jefferies Financial Group Inc., formerly known as Leucadia National Corporation, announced that it has closed its previously announced sale of 48% of National Beef to Marfrig, reducing Jefferies’ ownership in National Beef to 31%.

Jefferies received a total of about $1.1 billion in cash, including sales proceeds and related pre-closing distributions. The estimated pre-tax gain resulting from this sale, which will be included in the second quarter results of Jefferies Financial Group, is about $860-880 million, subject to typical post-closing adjustments.

Jefferies’ CEO, Rich Handler, and President, Brian ...

Walmart Agrees to Sell U.K. Stores to Sainsbury's in $10B Grocery Mega-Merger

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart Inc. and J Sainsbury plc announce the combination of Sainsbury’s and Asda Group Limited, Walmart’s wholly owned UK retail subsidiary. At a time of significant and rapid change in the retail sector, the Combination will create one of the UK’s leading grocery, general merchandise and clothing retail groups. Bringing together two distinctive customer propositions will create a more competitive, adaptable and resilient business - better placed to invest in price, quality, range and more flexible ways for customers to shop.

Under the terms of the Combination, which is subject to various approvals, including from the Competition and Markets Authority, Walmart would hold 42 percent of the share capital...