Cytosport has found a buyer.
Approximately nine months after initial reports that the company, which markets the well-known Muscle Milk brand, put itself on the auction block, Hormel Foods today announced that it has has agreed in principle to acquire Cytosport, according to a statement from the consumer foods conglomerate.
Though rumors that Glanbia, Whitewave Foods and NBTY made bids worth as much as $500 million for Cytosport, it was Hormel that emerged as the winner in the Muscle Milk sweepstakes, with Hormel stating that “CytoSport’s brands align with the company’s focus on protein while further diversifying” its portfolio. Hormel noted that 2014 sales of Muscle Milk are expected to reach $370 million.
Much more on this story coming tomorrow.
Here is the full press release from Hormel:
Hormel Foods to Acquire Maker of Muscle Milk® Sports Nutrition Products
No. 1 Ready-to-Drink Protein Beverage Brand Expands Specialty Foods Portfolio
AUSTIN, Minn. (June 30, 2014) — Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CytoSport Holdings, Inc., maker of Muscle Milk® products. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States, and is expected to close within 30 days.
As a leading provider of premium protein products in the sports nutrition category, CytoSport’s brands align with the company’s focus on protein while further diversifying the Hormel Foods portfolio.
Based in Benicia, Calif., CytoSport was founded in 1998 by the Pickett family, and produces Muscle Milk® products, the No. 1 brand in the ready-to-drink protein beverage category.
Total 2014 annual sales are expected to be approximately $370 million. The purchase price is approximately $450 million. Hormel Foods expects this acquisition to provide about 5 cents per share accretion in fiscal 2015, with a neutral impact to fiscal 2014 earnings, including transaction costs.
“Muscle Milk® products will serve as a growth catalyst for our Specialty Foods segment, providing this division with a leading brand in the high-growth sports nutrition category,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “The acquisition of CytoSport expands our offerings of portable, immediate, protein-rich foods, and broadens our appeal with younger consumers. Muscle Milk® premium protein products further enhance our balanced business model.”
BofA Merrill Lynch is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Hormel Foods in connection with this transaction.
CONFERENCE CALL
A conference call will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Access is available at http://www.hormelfoods.com. If you do not have Internet access and want to listen to the call over the phone, the dial-in number is 888-587-0615 and the conference access code is 7709925. The audio replay is available by calling 888-203-1112 and entering access code 7709925. The audio replay will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, through 11:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. The Webcast replay will be available at 11:30 a.m. CT, Tuesday, July 1, 2014, and archived for one year.
About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring branded, value-added products to the global marketplace. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index, S&P Dividend Aristocrats for 2013, was named the 2013 Sustainable Supply Chain of the Year by Refrigerated & Frozen Foods magazine, and was again named one of “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the sixth year in a row. Hormel Foods was recognized on the G.I. Jobs magazine list of America’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers in 2012 and 2013, and named one of the 2014 40 Best Companies for Leaders by Chief Executive magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit http://www.hormelfoods.com.