Goodman Fielder is expected to report this week weaker first half profits as speculation grows about its planned strategic review of its business operations.


Reports suggest that Australia’s biggest food firm will launch a takeover bid for Snack Foods Ltd, hold a 10% share buyback or go private through a leveraged A$2.3bn buyout led by chief executive David Hearn. The company said last week that it remains in ‘active discussions’ on matters including its shape, strategy, and financial and capital structure.


Analysts have forecasted first half net profit between a range of A$57.5m to A$59.5m. The ingredient division has been blamed for the shortfall.


Fielder recently divested underperforming assets including the gelatin business, Leiner Davis Gelatin and Starch Australasia, and has reshaped the company’s manufacturing base and integrated its Australian and New Zealand acquisitions. The company last month agreed to sell Leiner Davis to Germany’s DGF Stoess AG for A$310m, but the transaction isn’t expected to be settled until mid-2001 subject to US antitrust checks, while it is also looking for a buyer for its Germantown specialty ingredients business.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.