H. J. Heinz Company (NYSE:HNZ) today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Borden Foods Corporation's pasta sauce and dry bouillon and soup businesses, whose U.S. and Canadian annual sales total more than $270 million. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Under the transaction, Heinz will acquire popular brands, such as Classico(R) pasta sauces, Aunt Millie's(R) pasta sauce, Mrs. Grass(R) Recipe soups and Wyler's(R) bouillons and soups. Heinz also will acquire the Catelli(R), Gattuso(R)(under license) and Bravo(R) pasta sauce brands, which are Canadian favorites. 

"These outstanding brands are an excellent addition to Heinz's strong range of condiments and sauces," noted William R. Johnson, Heinz Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "They fit very well with our tomato-based expertise and will enable us to further satisfy growing consumer demand for flavor and taste solutions. Importantly, these brands are strong and growing; and we plan to apply the kind of aggressive and creative marketing that has grown our U.S. ketchup business to record market share levels." 

Mr. Johnson added that the newly acquired brands also will complement Heinz's private label soup business, in which the company is the market leader. 

Classico(R) is the number-one name in premium pasta sauces in the U.S. and enjoys a 65 percent brand awareness. Classico(R) comes in a number of popular varieties, including traditional red sauces, white cream-based sauces, tomato-cream pink sauces, and pesto sauce-spreads. Catelli(R) is the leading pasta sauce brand in Canada. 

Wyler's(R) is the top brand in the growing bouillon market and holds a 36 percent share in the U.S. In addition to traditional bouillon cubes, Wyler's(R) offers Wyler's Shakers(TM) tabletop seasonings (available in Canada as Catelli Shakers(TM)), Wyler's Soup Starter(R) soup bases and instant-dissolve granules. Mrs. Grass(R) is a traditional dry soup favorite that is sold in single-serve instant-mix and family sizes. 

The products are made at factories in Pennsauken, New Jersey and Northbrook, Illinois. The plants employ about 350 people. 

Company news release
P2022