Campbell Soup is set to buy Sovos Brands, the maker of Rao's pasta sauces. The two companies said in an announcement that they had entered an agreement for Campbell to acquire Sovos for $23 per share in cash—reflecting a total value of about $2.7 billion, the AP reports. The transaction will help diversify and strengthen Campbell's Meals & Beverages division, Campbell's President and CEO Mark Clouse said in a statement. "And paired with our faster-growing and differentiated Snacks division, [the Sovos portfolio] makes Campbell one of the most dependable, growth-oriented names in food," he added. Besides its namesake soups, Campbell makes Prego sauce and Goldfish crackers.
In addition to Rao's sauces, Sovos products include dry pasta, soups, frozen entrees, and yogurt under additional brands Michael Angelo's and Noosa. According to Monday's press release, Rao's is Sovos' most popular brand, representing about 69% of the company's $837 million in adjusted net sales last year. "We have built a one-of-a-kind, high-growth food company focused on taste-led products across a portfolio of premium brands, anchored by the Rao's brand," Todd Lachman, founder, president and CEO of Sovos Brands, said in a statement. "As one of the most trusted and respected food companies in North America, I'm confident in Campbell's ability to continue bringing our products to more households and further building on our track record of growth and success for years to come."
Lachman added that the transaction "creates substantial value" for shareholders, with the purchase price nearly double the $12 that Sovos Brands priced its initial public offering in September 2021. According to the announcement, Campbell will issue new debt to finance the acquisition. The transaction is expected to close in December, subject to Sovos stockholder and regulatory approval, as well as other closing conditions. (More Campbell's Soup stories.)
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