Perfetti Van Melle to Acquire Mondelez Gum
By Rachel Gignac on Jan. 03, 2023Perfetti Van Melle
ERLANGER, Kentucky — Perfetti Van Melle entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Chicago-based Mondelez International’s developed-market gum business in the United States, Canada and Europe. The transaction is expected to close in fourth-quarter 2023.
The purchase includes the gum brands Trident, Dentyne, Stimorol, Hollywood, V6, Chiclets, Bubbaloo and Bubbalicious in the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as the European candy brands Cachou Lajaunie, Negro, and La Vosgienne. The manufacturing facilities in Rockford, Illinois, and Skarbimierz, Poland, are also part of the deal.
Read ahead to find out about four more recent snack and candy brand acquisitions …
Mars
Mars Inc., McLean, Virginia, signed an agreement to acquire Tru Fru, a better-for-you, whole-fruit snacking brand based in Salt Lake City, from its founders and management team. The transaction is expected to close in first-quarter 2023.
Tru Fru will join Mars' platform of health and wellness brands, which includes Kind, a nut-based snacking leader, and Nature's Bakery, a baker of fruit-based snacks.
“We are thrilled to welcome one of the most innovative fruit-based snacks in the United States into the Mars family of brands,” said Andrew Clarke, global president of Mars Snacking. “Tru Fru is a perfect complementary fit for our health and wellness portfolio, and our capabilities will help the brand strengthen its operations, broaden distribution and accelerate growth.”
Ferrero
The Ferrero Group, Luxembourg, revealed its agreement to acquire Wells Enterprises, its operations and ice cream brands, which include Blue Bunny, Blue Ribbon Classics, Bomb Pop and Halo Top. The transaction is expected to close in early 2023.
The acquisition is part of Ferrero's growth ambitions for the ice cream category and Wells' vision for accelerated growth, according to the companies.
Wells Enterprises will remain a stand-alone business with its offices in Le Mars, Iowa, and production operations in Le Mars; Henderson, Nevada; and Dunkirk, New York. After the transaction closes, Mike Wells, member of the founding family and current chief executive officer and chief engagement officer, will serve as an adviser to support the transition and maintain his active role in the Le Mars, Iowa community. Current Wells President Liam Killeen will be named CEO, and the existing leadership team will remain in place.
Second Nature Brands
Detroit-based Second Nature Brands, a creator of nutritional and better-for-you snacks and treats, controlled by CapVest Partners LLP, has completed the acquisition of Brownie Brittle, West Palm Beach, Florida, from Encore Consumer Capital.
Brownie Brittle is a snack brand that manufactures thin, crunchy brownie snacks.
“We have ambitious plans to become a U.S. leader in snacks and treats, and the acquisition of Brownie Brittle is an exciting step on this journey, which expands our presence into baking and unlocks a new growth stream for us,” said Victor Mehren, CEO of Second Nature Brands. “It also marks our first acquisition since being acquired by our majority investor CapVest, showing how with their support we intend to grow and develop Second Nature Brands through continued investment in the brand, channel and category expansion, as well as continued focus on product quality.”
John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc.
John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc., Elgin, Illinois, a processor, packager, marketer and distributor of nut and dried fruit-based products, acquired the assets of Just the Cheese from Reeseville, Wisconsin-based Specialty Cheese Co. Inc. The acquisition was funded through the company’s existing bank credit facility.
Just the Cheese is a baked cheese snacking brand that offers cheese snack bars and cheese crisps in flavors including Aged Cheddar and Grilled Cheese.
“The acquisition of Just the Cheese, which currently will not have a significant impact on our financial results, will provide us a product that expands our portfolio into new snacking categories,” said Jeffery T. Sanfilippo, CEO. “Additionally, the assets and capabilities acquired will be complimentary to our existing product portfolio and are expected to lead to exciting innovation opportunities.”
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