M&As this week: Arla Foods, Kraft Heinz, Katjes International

Arla Foods has divested its German cheese factory in Bad Wörishofen to Vache Bleue for an undisclosed amount.

Based in Denmark, Arla Foods is an international co-operative, while Vache Bleue is a cheese processor based in Belgium.

The transaction also includes Arla’s stake in Martin Sengelé Produits Laitiers, a cheese manufacturer and distributor based in France.

The cheese production capacity of the Bad Wörishofen plant is 18,000t, while Martin Sengelé Produits Laitiers produces 14,000t.

Vache Bleue will retain all its employees and continue its cheese production to fulfil existing supply contracts.

Kraft Heinz has acquired Primal Nutrition for approximately $200m.

Based in the US, Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s biggest food and beverage companies.

Primal Nutrition is part of the Primal Kitchen brand. It focuses on condiments, sauces and dressings such as mayonnaise, salad dressing and avocado oil.

Primal Kitchen will become a part of Kraft Heinz’s Springboard platform upon completion of the deal.

Operated as an independent business by the existing leadership team, Primal Kitchen will be headquartered in Oxnard, California.

Charlie Investors has acquired an 11% stake in Halloren Schokoladenfabrik from Katjes International for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1804, Halloren Schokoladenfabrik is a chocolate manufacturing firm based in Hamburg, Germany, while German-Canadian family Ehlert and the Illmann family back Charlie Investors.

Charlie Investors acquired a majority stake in Halloren from investor Paul Morzynski in 2017.

World Confectionery Group intends to acquire Natra for €142m ($162m).

World Confectionery Group is an investment unit of Investindustrial Advisors, while Natra is a confectionery business based in Madrid, Spain.

Natra produces chocolate for private label brands and food companies.

Investindustrial Advisors launched a voluntary tender offer for 100% acquisition of Natra, offering €0.90 in cash for each share and €900 for each convertible bond.

Houlihan Lokey is the financial advisor to Natra for the transaction.

Almarai has sold its 33% stake in United Farmers Holding Company (UFHC) to Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) for SAR105m ($28m).

Based in Saudi Arabia, Almarai is a dairy conglomerate engaged in dairy, poultry, bakery, beverage and infant formula segments.

The transaction enables Almarai to fund its business and investments.

Everything Fresh Limited has entered an agreement for the acquisition of a local meat processor for an undisclosed amount.

Based in Jamaica, Everything Fresh is a provider of imported food to the hotel trade.

The transaction will enable Everything Fresh to enter local manufacturing and increase its staff to 65.

An affiliate of HIG Capital has completed the acquisition of Lipari Foods from Sterling Investment Partners and other shareholders for an undisclosed sum.

HIG is a private equity and alternative assets investment company, while Lipari distributes speciality and branded food products across the Midwest and beyond.

Both companies involved in the transaction are based in the US.

The acquisition enables HIG to work with Lipari and the existing management team to improve Lipari’s distribution and manufacturing platform.