Deal or no deal
We look at the potential suitors when food manufacturers or retailers are up for sale - or put forward as possible takeover targets.
Deal or no deal: General Mills touted as WhiteWave suitor
3 May 2013
Dean Foods has formally given the green light for the spin-off of soy and organic business WhiteWave Foods - and analysts are setting out companies they believe could be interested in the Horizon Organic and Alpro owner.
Deal or no deal: The likely suspects to acquire Burton's Biscuit Co.
8 April 2013
The private-equity owners of Burton's Biscuit Co. are "considering options" for the UK's second-largest biscuit maker, a process that could lead to an eventual sale. Katy Askew takes a look at the players for whom an acquisition of Burton's could hit the sweet spot.
Deal or no deal: "Stalking horse" Flowers eyes Hostess bread brands
15 January 2013
Flowers Foods showed its hand when it emerged as the "stalking horse" bidder for parts of Hostess Brands' bread business, notably the Wonder and Nature's Pride brands. While the deal is not yet in the bag, Flowers has clearly emerged as the front-runner to snap up a significant chunk of Hostess' bread interests. Katy Askew takes a look at the impact the potential acquisition could have on Flowers.
Deal or no deal: Unilever's potential Skippy sale
15 October 2012
Consumer goods giant Unilever is "considering options" - including the potential sale - of its Skippy peanut butter brand in the US and Canada. The news has sparked fresh speculation that the group will ultimately sell off larger chunks of its food portfolio, which could lead to an eventual split. With Unilever insisting it "remains committed" to food, Katy Askew looks at the strategic rationale behind the possible sale.
Deal or no deal: Hillshire Brands lists... and is in play
29 June 2012
Shares in Hillshire Brands, formerly part of Sara Lee, rose today (29 June) as the pure-play US meat company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Michelle Russell takes a look at what lies ahead for the firm as analysts suggest it may become a takeover target.
Deal or no deal: CSM prepares for bakery bids
10 May 2012
Dutch food and ingredients group CSM announced plans to sell off its bakery business earlier this week. The speed of the decision to offload the division may have taken industry watchers by surprise but CSM has been giving off signals that it sees its future as a bio-based ingredients company for some time. Katy Askew takes a speculative look at the interest that the sale could generate.
Deal or no deal: Who is in the running for United Biscuits' salty snacks?
28 March 2012
The private-equity owners of United Biscuits are considering offloading the salty snacks side of the business may come as little surprise, with the UK group set to be split in two. With the auction process expected to begin in several months time, Katy Askew takes a look at the likely suitors for the Hula Hoops maker.
Deal or no deal: Dairy Crest eyes UK acquisitions
13 March 2012
Last week, Dairy Crest announced that it is considering the sale of its French spreads brand, St Hubert. In a move that raised some eyebrows in the investment community, the group indicated that it could use some of the proceeds to fund future acquisitions. Katy Humphries takes a look at which potential deals might pique Dairy Crest's interest.
