J.M. Smucker has sold several of its pet food brands, including the Rachael Ray Nutrish, 9Lives, Kibbles 'n Bits, Nature's Recipe, and Gravy Train brands, as well as its private label pet food business, to Post Holdings for approximately $1.2 billion. The transaction value consists of $700 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment, and approximately 5.39 million shares of common stock of Post Holdings.
The deal includes relevant trademarks and licenses, in addition to Smucker’s manufacturing and distribution facilities in Bloomsburg, Pa., and its manufacturing facilities in Meadville, Pa., and Lawrence, Kan. In addition, a group of employees are transitioning to Post Holdings to support the business.
“With the close of this transaction, we are excited to continue advancing our pet strategy, which is focused on driving growth for our dog snacks and cat food brands, including Milk-Bone and Meow Mix,” says Mark Smucker, chair of the board, president, and chief executive officer. “We are confident in the potential of these businesses and are well positioned to deliver continued growth.”
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For Post, the acquisition of an established, scaled position in the mainstream and entry premium sub-categories will provide a strong entry point into the growing pet food category. Post is now planning to create a new pet food platform within Post Consumer Brands.
“We expect this acquisition to continue our history of creating value with a buy and build approach to categories. These iconic brands are ideally suited to this strategy. Most importantly, I am delighted to welcome the over 1,000 talented people who will join us as Post colleagues,” says Rob Vitale, president and chief executive officer of Post.
