TreeHouse Foods has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Investindustrial for $2.9bn.
TreeHouse Foods is a private brands snacking and beverage manufacturer in North America. Investindustrial is a European group of independently managed investment, holding, and advisory companies.
The acquisition of TreeHouse Foods will enhance Investindustrial’s presence in North America, where Investindustrial portfolio companies will have a total of over 85 manufacturing plants and 16,000 employees, following the deal.
Steve Oakland, chairman, chief executive and president of TreeHouse Foods, said: “TreeHouse Foods has been executing a strategy to become a focused snacking and beverage private brand leader with depth in categories, attractive long-term prospects and an agile operating model.
“Our agreement with Investindustrial, a leading European investor with a strong track record in food manufacturing and related sectors, will provide shareholders with immediate cash value, at a substantial premium.
“I am incredibly grateful to the entire TreeHouse Foods team for helping us reach this milestone, and we look forward to partnering with Investindustrial to position TreeHouse Foods for continued success in its next chapter.”
Andrea C. Bonomi, chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board of Investindustrial, said: “Investindustrial is delighted to welcome TreeHouse as the newest platform in its global food and beverage portfolio.
“The acquisition of TreeHouse Foods, which will operate independently within Investindustrial’s portfolio, underscores the firm’s expertise in food and beverage and highlights its strong presence in North America, where Investindustrial portfolio companies will have a total of over 85 manufacturing plants and 16,000 employees, following the acquisition of TreeHouse Foods.
“We have long admired TreeHouse Foods and have tremendous respect for Steve and the entire team, who have built a dynamic snacking and beverage leader and supply chain partner to blue-chip retail, food service and food-away-from-home customers across North America.
“We are confident in the long-term growth opportunities in private brands and the categories where TreeHouse Foods operates, as well as the company’s ability to build on its strong foundation of leadership. We look forward to working closely with the TreeHouse Foods leadership team and employees to drive its long-term success.”