Recent media reports have suggested that the UK’s Premier Foods is engaged in negotiations with the Campbell Soup Company concerning the acquisition of its units in the UK and Ireland. However, a spokesperson for Premier cautioned just-food, saying discussions don’t necessarily end in an agreement and it may be too soon to begin counting chickens.
In March, Campbell said it was considering the sale of its businesses in the UK and Ireland, including household brands like Homepride, Batchelors and Oxo because, although they are profitable, the company said the units do not have the desired growth profile. In May, Premier confirmed that it was eyeing rival food manufacturers, including Campbell, for possible acquisitions.
However, neither company would confirm that the pair have entered into the advanced stages of negotiation.
“Discussions do not equate a definite sale,” Premier spokeswoman Jude Mann told just-food this morning (11 July). “Premier is still exploring a number of different options. [Premier] is always looking at companies that will compliment the group’s existing portfolio,” she continued. The company is “unwilling to discuss which companies [it is eyeing] at the moment,” she added.

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