The Hershey Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LesserEvil, maker of organic snacks that combine bold flavors with better-for-you ingredients. The addition of LesserEvil will further expand Hershey's snacking portfolio across its long-established confection brands like Hershey's, Reese's and Jolly Ranchers and emerging salty snack brands including SkinnyPop, Dot's Homestyle Pretzels and Pirate's Booty.

LesserEvil is growing as a cross-category snack brand for those who desire interesting and bold flavors with organic ingredients. Its leadership team will continue with the company to lead its innovative commercial model, speed-to-market capabilities and manufacturing operations. Working together, the team aims to deliver category-leading growth and elevated category insights to offer the right products, in the right places and at the right time for consumers.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval with anticipated closing later this year.