H. J. Heinz Company (NYSE:HNZ) has completed the acquisition of the pasta sauce and dry bouillon and soup businesses of Borden Foods Corporation. Terms of the transaction, which was first announced in a news release on June 6, were not disclosed.

"These strong and growing businesses perfectly complement our tomato-based expertise and provide numerous marketing opportunities to further build on our success," noted Heinz Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer William R. Johnson.

This acquisition brings to Heinz a group of outstanding brands, including Classico(R) pasta sauces (the number-one premium brand in the U.S.), Aunt Millie's(R) pasta sauce, Mrs. Grass(R) Recipe soups and Wyler(R) bouillons and soups. In addition, Heinz now has the Catelli(R), Gattuso(R) (under license) and Bravo(R) pasta sauce brands, which are all Canadian favorites. Sales of these businesses total more than US$270 million in Canada and the United States.

ABOUT HEINZ: With sales over US$9 billion, H. J. Heinz Company is one of the world's leading marketers of branded foods to consumers everywhere, whether in supermarkets, restaurants or on the go. Its 50 companies operate in some 200 countries, with more than 20 power brands, including the Heinz(R) brand with nearly US$3 billion in annual sales. Among the company's famous brands are Heinz(R), StarKist(R), Ore-Ida(R), 9-Lives(R), Wattie's(R), Plasmon(R), Farley's(R), Smart Ones(R), Bagel Bites(R), John West(R), Petit Navire(R), Kibbles `n Bits(R), Pounce(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Orlando(R), ABC(R), Olivine(R), Juran(R) and Pudliszki(R). Heinz also uses the famous brands Weight Watchers(R), Boston Market(R) and Linda McCartney(R) under license. Information on Heinz is available at http://www.heinz.com.  

Company news release
P2023