Tyson Foods Selling Successful Pet Treats Business to General Mills for $1.2 Billion

Rhea-AI Summary

Tyson Foods is selling its pet treats business, including the Nudges, True Chews, and Top Chews brands, to General Mills for approximately $1.2 billion. The transaction is expected to finalize by the end of the 2021 fiscal year, pending regulatory approval. Tyson's pet treat division generated over $240 million in sales for the 12 months ending April 3, 2021. The sale reflects Tyson's strategy to focus on core protein offerings while continuing to supply ingredients to General Mills post-acquisition.

Positive

• Sale of pet treats business valued at $1.2 billion, enhancing liquidity.
• Pet treat business generated over $240 million in sales in the last fiscal year.
• Continued ingredient supply to General Mills ensures ongoing revenue stream.

Negative

• Divestiture may indicate a strategic shift away from the pet treat market.

Transaction includes Nudges®, True Chews® and Top Chews® brands

SPRINGDALE, Ark., May 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is selling its successful pet treats business to General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) for approximately $1.2 billion, the company announced today.

The sale of the business, a leading player in natural pet treats, is expected to be completed by the end of the company’s 2021 fiscal year, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. It includes the Nudges^®, True Chews^® and Top Chews^® brands, as well as a production facility in Independence, Iowa. Tyson Foods will continue to provide meat ingredients for the pet treats business after General Mills assumes ownership.

“We’re proud of the tremendous success of this business and the diligent work by our team to meet growing demand for high quality pet treats,” said Noelle O’Mara, group president of Prepared Foods for Tyson Foods. “We believe the time is right to transition these great brands to an established pet foods business where they will complement their existing portfolio.”

Sales generated by Tyson’s pet treat business totaled more than $240 million in the 12 months ended April 3, 2021. The market fundamentals are currently strong in the $35 billion pet food industry, which has witnessed an increase in pet ownership during the pandemic.

Tyson Foods’ pet treats business and the approximately 300 team members involved in it will become part of General Mills after the sale is completed.

Tyson Foods entered the pet treat market with the launch of True Chews dog treats in 2010. It expanded to include the Nudges brand in 2011 and Top Chews in 2012. The brands offer natural treats that are made in the USA.

BofA Securities is acting as lead financial advisor and Siebert Williams Shank & Co. is acting as financial advisor to Tyson Foods on this transaction.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as contemplated by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the company’s expectations regarding the benefits and expected timing of completion of the transaction. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements, including the effect of global economic conditions, the timing of regulatory approvals and the ability of the parties to consummate the transaction. Other important factors are discussed in detail in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2020. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson^®, Jimmy Dean^®, Hillshire Farm^®, Ball Park^®, Wright^®, Aidells^®, ibp^®, and State Fair^®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 139,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM to learn more.

Media Contact: Gary Mickelson, gary.mickelson@tyson.com, 479-236-9022

Newsroom: IR

FAQ

What brands are included in Tyson Foods' sale to General Mills?

The sale includes the Nudges®, True Chews®, and Top Chews® brands.

How much is Tyson Foods selling its pet treats business for?

Tyson Foods is selling its pet treats business for approximately $1.2 billion.

When is the sale of Tyson Foods' pet treats business expected to be completed?

The sale is expected to be completed by the end of Tyson Foods' 2021 fiscal year.

What were the sales figures for Tyson's pet treats business?

The pet treats business generated over $240 million in sales for the 12 months ending April 3, 2021.

What is Tyson Foods' strategy after selling its pet treats business?

Tyson Foods aims to focus on its core protein offerings while continuing to supply meat ingredients to General Mills.