US spices and sauces maker McCormick & Co, has declined to say whether it could be in the market to acquire the food arm of UK consumer goods group Reckitt Benckiser.

Reckitt Benckiser announced this week it would hold a “strategic review” on the “non-core” unit, which contains brands including French’s mustard and Frank’s Red Hot sauce – a move analysts say is a likely precursor to a sale.

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At an investors’ day event on 4 April, McCormick CEO Lawrence Kurzius said the company sees “condiments and sauces as core” to its business. “We actually think we bring quite a lot to the party there,” he added.

Asked by just-food if Kurzius might have been hinting at a possible future deal with Reckitt Benckiser, a spokesperson for McCormick, which owns brands including Stubb’s barbecue sauce, said: “As you know, we are active in our pursuit of great acquisitions… We cannot provide any specific comments regarding Reckitt Benckiser’s food division.”

Which companies could be eyeing up Reckitt Benckiser’s condiments? – just-food analysis

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