M&As this week: Maple Leaf Foods, Montezuma’s, Kellogg Company

Maple Leaf Foods has acquired VIAU Foods for C$215m ($162m), which also includes Maple Leaf stock of C$30m ($22m).

Maple Leaf Foods is a consumer packaged meats company, while VIAU Foods is a producer of premium Italian cooked, dry-cured and charcuterie meats. Both companies involved in the transaction are based in Canada.

The transaction enables Maple Leaf to strengthen its position in the premium dry cured and pepperoni meat products market.

Inverleith has completed the acquisition of a significant stake in Montezuma’s for an undisclosed sum.

Based in Scotland, Inverleith is an investment firm, while Montezuma’s is a producer of chocolate bars, truffles and gift products.

The transaction enables Inverleith to expand its distribution in the global markets and allows Montezuma to expand its product portfolio with the addition of product varieties such as vegan chocolate.

Kellogg Company intends to sell its cookies business, which includes Keebler, Famous Amos, Mother’s, and Murray brands, as well as fruit snacks business Stretch Island for an undisclosed sum.

The transaction is a part of Kellogg’s strategy to invest in businesses with high growth potential.

The redesigned organisational structure of Kellogg’s North America (KNA) will combine US morning foods, snacks and frozen foods business units into a single categories-focused organisation.

The formation of a single Kellogg US sales organisation will enhance customer focus, ensure investment in e-commerce and create integrated business planning capabilities.

Darrell Lea Confectionery has acquired Heritage Fine Chocolates for an undisclosed amount.

Darrell Lea is a chocolate manufacturer, while Heritage Fine Chocolates is an independent chocolate company. Both companies involved in the transaction are based in Australia.

Darrell Lea will retain existing employees and is expected to add 50 jobs in 2019.

The transaction will be funded through the proceeds from Quadrant Private Equity’s acquisition of a significant stake in Darrell Lea.

Science in Sport (SiS) intends to acquire PhD Nutrition for £32m ($41m).

Based in the UK, SiS is a producer of nutrition products, while PhD Nutrition is a protein brand offering products for fitness enthusiasts.

SiS plans to raise approximately £29m ($37m) before expenses by issuing 48,394,666 new ordinary shares for the acquisition.

Evron Foods has sold its majority stake to Bama Companies for an undisclosed amount.

Based in Ireland, Evron Foods is an independent bakery company, while Bama Companies is a biscuit, handheld pies, buns, pie shells and pizza crusts producer based in the US.

The transaction enables Evron to construct a production facility and innovation centre in Craigavon, which is expected to provide 50 job opportunities.