M&As this week: Archer Daniels Midland, Hostess Brands, APC

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has agreed to acquire the remaining 50% stake in Gleadell Agriculture for an undisclosed sum.

ADM will become the sole owner of Gleadell Agriculture. It will merge Gleadell and Dunns with ADM Arkady and ADM Direct UK.

The entity will be renamed ADM Agriculture after completion of the merger and will expand its presence across the UK.

The transaction is expected to improve the company’s origination, storage and destination marketing capabilities in the UK. It will also allow the company to become a trading partner for more farmers and customers.

Based in the US, ADM is a food processing and commodities trading company, while Gleadell Agriculture supplies combinable crops to feed compounders, UK millers and other consumers.

Hostess Brands, B&G Foods and Ferrero have placed first-round bids for acquiring Kellogg’s Famous Amos, Keebler and other snack units.

The deal is estimated to be valued at more than $1.5bn.

Kellogg previously announced plans to sell its snack brands including Mother’s Cookies and Stretch Island Fruit.

American Pasteurization Company (APC) has completed the acquisition of FreshCo Foods for an undisclosed sum.

FreshCo has been renamed APC Manufacturing as part of the transaction.

Founded in 2017, APC Manufacturing is a producer of hummus, fresh salsa, and pico de gallo, salad dressing, baby food, macaroni & cheese, soups and stews, mashed potatoes, and potato sides.

Established in 2004, APC is a leader in high-pressure processing (HPP), while FreshCo Foods is an end-to-end co-manufacturer of premium and speciality food products. Both the companies are based in Milwaukee, US.

International Flavors & Fragrances’ Frutarom Division has acquired a 60% stake in The Mighty CO LTD (Mighty) for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1989, Mighty is a savoury solutions provider based in Thailand. Its products range includes flavours, seasoning blends, marinades and speciality functional raw materials for the food and beverage industry.