The J.M. Smucker Co. Completes Acquisition of Hostess Brands
Move advances future strategy and expands family of brands in growing categories
The J. M. Smucker Co. announced the closing of the transaction to acquire Hostess Brands, Inc. The company previously announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the transaction on September 11, 2023.
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The transaction includes the Hostess® sweet baked snacks brands, including Hostess® Donettes®, Twinkies®, CupCakes, DingDongs®, Zingers®, CoffeeCakes, HoHos®, Mini Muffins and Fruit Pies and the Voortman® cookie brand, along with manufacturing facilities in Emporia, Kan.; Burlington, Ontario; Chicago, Columbus, Ga.; Indianapolis and Arkadelphia, Ark. (which is currently under construction) and a distribution facility in Edgerton, Kan. Additionally, approximately 3,000 employees will join the company in conjunction with the transaction.
"We are excited to formally welcome Hostess Brands and for the tremendous opportunity we have with the combined capabilities our businesses offer," said Mark Smucker, chair of the board, president and chief executive officer. "Consumers' increasing reliance on snacking to fit lifestyle needs and convenience choices has expanded the occasions where the category can deliver, and the sweet baked goods category is one of the largest and fastest growing in the industry. With the Hostess acquisition, we have a strong position in this highly attractive segment with popular brands that consumers love."
The J.M. Smucker Co. Announces Formation of New Strategic Business Area and Changes to Leadership Team
The J. M. Smucker Co. announced the formation of a new strategic business area—sweet baked snacks—and the subsequent officer election of Dan O'Leary to senior vice president and general manager, sweet baked snacks and pet, effective immediately. The company has also announced a series of leadership changes to support the business following the closing of its acquisition of Hostess Brands.
The company has shared an updated strategic business area structure to support the expanded family of brands and to continue to advance its strategy. The new structure includes strategic businesses overseen by board-elected general managers, all reporting to John Brase, chief operating officer.
Coffee, inclusive of the Folgers®, Dunkin'® and Café Bustelo® brands, which will be managed by Rob Ferguson, senior vice president and general manager, coffee and procurement. In his new role, Ferguson will lead both the coffee business and the company's procurement management across all categories.
Frozen Handheld and Spreads (formerly titled Consumer Foods), inclusive of the Smucker's® Uncrustables®, Jif® and Smucker's® brands, which will continue to be managed by Rebecca Scheidler, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Frozen Handheld and Spreads.
Pet, inclusive of the dog snacks and cat food businesses, anchored by the Milk-Bone® and Meow Mix® brands, which will be managed by Dan O'Leary, senior vice president and general manager, sweet baked snacks and pet.
Sweet Baked Snacks, inclusive of the Hostess® and Voortman® brands, which will also be managed by Dan O'Leary, senior vice president and general manager, sweet baked snacks and pet.
Away From Home and International, inclusive of the company's Canadian business, which will continue to be managed by Tim Wayne, senior vice president, away from home and international.
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