Heinz-Kraft merger deal announced
H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft Foods Group, Inc on Wednesday announced they have entered into an agreement to merge and form the third-largest food and beverage firm in the United States. The firms said the agreement, to create The Kraft Heinz Company was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both firms. The deal was engineered by Heinz's owner, the Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital, and billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. Kraft shareholders will receive stock in the new company and a special cash dividend of approximately $10 billion, or $16.50 per share. Current Heinz shareholders will own 51% of the company, with Kraft shareholders owning a 49% stake. The new company will be called The Kraft Heinz Company and will be co-headquartered in Pittsburgh and the Chicago area. Ref. USAToday