M&As this week: Emmi, Famous Brands, Oy Karl Fazer AB (Fazer)

Cowgirl Creamery Corporation and its subsidiary Tomales Bay Foods will be acquired by Emmi, a company based in Switzerland, in a transaction that is expected to be closed by the end of the month.

The US-based cheese company’s management will see no changes and will operate independently, following the completion of the transaction.

Emmi intends to expand its business in the specialty cheese produced from organic cow’s milk segment through the acquisition.

Famous Brands has purchased a 51% stake in Salsa Mexican Grill, a fast-casual dining operator serving traditional Mexican food and beverages. The transaction, which is expected to be completed on 1 June, is in line with the acquirer company’s expansion strategy in this segment.

Based in South Africa, Famous Brands is a leading quick-service and casual dining restaurant franchisor. The acquisition is planned to be funded from the company’s cash reserves.

Frebaco Kvarn AB (Frebaco), a breakfast cereal manufacturer based in Sweden, has been bought by Finland’s leading food producer, Oy Karl Fazer AB (Fazer), in a move to expand its oats product portfolio and also to boost its business in Sweden.

Oy Karl Fazer AB (Fazer) offers a variety of products such as bakery, biscuit and confectionery items, while Frebaco also supplies other food products produced from grains.

Japanese food producer Ajinomoto has agreed to sell its seasoning business, GABAN, to House Foods Group in a transaction that is expected to be completed by the end of next month.

One of Japan’s top food manufacturers, House Food Group will acquire 6.07 million shares of GABAN for JPY4.3bn ($39.53m). Following the acquisition, GABAN will be delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Burnett Dairy Cooperative has completed the full acquisition of Cady Creek Farms from Dairy Deli Solutions after acquiring the remaining 50% stake.

Natural cheese producer and supplier Burnett Dairy Cooperative plans to enhance its cheese products offerings through the acquisition, which will see Cady Creek Farms retaining its operations in Green Bay, US.

---

Image: Fazer has acquired Frebaco to strengthen its oats product offerings. Photo: courtesy of Serg!o via wikimedia.