Pinnacle Foods announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Wish-Bone® salad dressings business from Unilever PLC, in a transaction that is expected to be immediately accretive to Pinnacle. The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed in late third quarter or early fourth quarter 2013.
Commenting on the announcement, Pinnacle Foods Chief Executive Officer Bob Gamgort stated, "The acquisition of Wish-Bone is a perfect fit with our successful strategy of 'Reinvigorating Iconic Brands.' In addition to enabling significant cost synergies and tax benefits, the transaction enhances our ability to offer consumers meal solutions and recipe ideas across our broad portfolio of brands. We are excited to apply our innovation capabilities to this great brand."
The purchase price of the transaction is $580 million, which will be funded with cash on hand and new debt. Given that the acquisition will be structured as an asset purchase, Pinnacle expects to realize approximately $125 million in tax benefits on a net present value basis. Cost synergies are expected to be substantial, as the company plans to invest $40 to 50 million in capital to consolidate production into an existing Pinnacle facility and fully leverage the company's supply chain. Unilever will continue to manufacture the brands to be acquired, for a period of time, under a third-party manufacturing agreement. Synergy realization will be phased over time, beginning in 2014 and ramping up through 2015, as manufacturing is transitioned to Pinnacle. Full run-rate EBITDA of the acquired business is expected to reach $65 million, once full synergies are realized.
