Nestlé has secured the acquisition of US baby food brand Gerber in a deal worth US$5.5bn.
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The Swiss food giant confirmed the purchase from drug maker Novartis today (12 April) after months of speculation.
Nestlé is shifting its strategic focus toward health and nutrition and last year bought Novartis’s medical nutrition business for $2.5bn.
The acquisition of Gerber, which commands some 82% of the US baby food market, gives Nestlé global leadership of the category. Gerber, Nestlé said, also holds “strong positions” in markets ranging from Mexico to Poland.
Nestlé chairman and CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe commented: “This is a major step in the transformational journey of Nestlé toward a nutrition, health and wellness company. The acquisition of Gerber is the perfect complementary fit.”
Gerber will propel sales from Nestlé Nutrition, the company’s stand-alone business, to CHF10bn (US$8.2bn). Last year, Nestlé achieved group turnover of CHF98.5bn.
