Short Takes: A Review of Recent M&A Activity
Published: Thursday, November 01, 2001
January 2002.
U.K.-based organic and natural brown sugar supplier Edward Billington & Son Ltd. has acquired a majority share in Wholesome Sweeteners, the natural and organic sweetener business of Sugar Land, Texas-based Imperial Sugar. Former Billington Retail Sales Director Nigel Willerton has been appointed CEO.
The Body Shop International (BDSPY) has entered into preliminary discussions with potential buyers that may include private-equity house Schroder Ventures, among others, according to the U.K.-based newspaper the London Evening Standard.
Acirca Inc., located in New Rochelle, N.Y., and parent company of Walnut Acres, Milliner’s Finest and Fruiti Di Bosco, has acquired Dolores, Colo.-based organic juice producer Mountain Sun. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mountain Sun founder Bill Russell will continue with the company as a consultant. Additionally, Acirca acquired Oceanside, Calif.-based ShariAnn’s Organics. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pompano Beach, Fla.-based Maximum Marketing Inc. has merged with Choice Sales and Marketing, located in St. Augustine, Fla. The deal was completed through an all-cash transaction of an undisclosed amount.
Clinton, Mich.-based Eden Foods has acquired Montreal-based Sobaya Co. Sobaya is the only certified-organic Japanese pasta maker in North America and has been providing Eden with several of its pasta products for the last 10 years. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Vermont Pure Holdings Inc. (VPS) has announced it has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement to acquire the assets of Norwalk, Conn.-based Iceberg Springs Water Co. Inc., a home and office water distributor.