ConAgra to quit private label

It is not even three years since the US group became the largest own-label business in the country through its acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings. Now ConAgra's new CEO has decided it is time to sell the under-pressure unit.

On the money: ConAgra private-label exit is about growth 1 Jul 2015

ConAgra Foods announced that it will sell off its loss-making private label business yesterday (30 June) in a move that, the company said, will help unlock value for its shareholders. But selling off private brands is about more than offloading an asset that is a challenging turnaround story. New CEO Sean Connolly insists it is about putting ConAgra back on the road to growth. Katy Askew reports.

ConAgra confirms private-label exit 30 Jun 2015

ConAgra Foods today (30 June) revealed it will sell its private-label business as the US group confirmed the unit's performance weighed on full-year sales and earnings.

M&A Watch - ConAgra should divest its commercial foods division 25 Jun 2015

The investment in ConAgra's shares by hedge fund Jana Partners has prompted speculation that the group will sell one of its divisions, in order to better realise shareholder value. While the emphasis seems to be so far on ConAgra's troubled Private brands business, Stefan Kirk of M&A advisory Glenboden believes that the Commercial foods unit should be the divestment priority.

Focus: Will ConAgra sell own-label unit after Jana investment? 22 Jun 2015

ConAgra Foods came under even more pressure to start delivering returns to shareholders last week when activist investor Jana Partners revealed it has taken a stake in the US food company. Shareholders have long grumbled about the seeming incompatibility between ConAgra's branded and private-label business, with shares in the under-performing US food maker at all time highs on the expectation that disposals must soon come. Are there more options open to ConAgra management than simply carving up the business? Katy Askew investigates.

On the money: ConAgra confident private-label will improve 19 Sep 2014

After a challenging previous financial year, ConAgra Foods yesterday (18 September) reported on the first three months of its new fiscal period. Shares in the US food group rose as it reported underlying earnings that beat Wall Street forecasts and stuck to its expectations for annual earnings - notable after 12 months that included three profit warnings.

Editor's viewpoint: Big year ahead for ConAgra 27 Jun 2014

After a tough year, which included three profit warnings, ConAgra Foods and its management team face a very important 12 months. The US group's management believe it can improve the performance of both its consumer food and private-label arms but some industry watchers are less certain.

In the spotlight: ConAgra's belief in future of US private label 3 Dec 2012

ConAgra Foods has said it is "excited" about a deal that will mean it becomes the largest private-label group in the US despite concerns over its ability to grow brands and own label, as well as the long-term prospects of store brands in the US.

Interview: ConAgra sales chief Knudsen on Ralcorp deal 28 Nov 2012

ConAgra Foods will become the largest own-label firm in the US with an acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings but there are concerns over whether it can manage brands and private label. There are also questions over the potential private label has for further growth in the US. Doug Knudsen, president of sales at ConAgra, tells Dean Best why the company is upbeat about the deal, its ability to grow brands and own label and the private label sector.

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