Hershey completes acquisition of Dot's Pretzels and Pretzels Inc.

The Hershey Co. this week announced the completion of its acquisition of Dot's Pretzels, the owner of Dot's Homestyle Pretzels, and Pretzels Inc., a leading manufacturer of pretzels in the United States. As previously announced, the combined purchase price was $1.2 billion, or approximately $1 billion of investment net of expected future tax benefits.

Hershey said the addition of Dot's Pretzels accelerates its "snacking powerhouse vision by adding to its portfolio the fastest-growing scale U.S. pretzel brand, representing 55% of the pretzel category's growth during the past year."

At the same time, acquiring Pretzels Inc. brings the pretzel manufacturing capability in-house to ensure the continued growth of Dot's and expertise to drive future snacking innovations.  

Hershey said it will take a phased approach to integrate the businesses in partnership with Dot's and Pretzels Inc.'s management teams.