Vishnu Amble’s Post

I’m not down with mega mergers and gigantic corporations in the U.S. In my opinion this is where consumers lost the cost of living battle. Today’s corporations are not being truthful when they say things like “significantly expand our snacking platform, allowing us to even more effectively meet consumer needs and drive profitable business growth.” 100% they aim to drive corporate profits. Facts…expanding their “salty” snack category. Where it gets fuzzy is the statement on effectively meeting consumer needs. First off, nobody “needs” the snack category. But, that’s an entirely different post on compromising American’s health. This merger is not about meeting consumers needs. The merger is about convincing Americans they “need” salty snacks. That’s it in a nutshell, better known as an M&M with peanuts. Speaking of, how many variations of M&Ms do we “need?” Which coincides with my point…corporate mergers don’t better meet the needs of consumers, they simply make it easier to produce and market their products. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider “mega” everything. And “maga” too while you are at it. Your health and security depend on it.

🌍 Global F&B landscape shifts 🌍 From @GrupoBimbo expanding its #LATAM footprint to the launch of an @AfricanCocoaMarketplace, the global #food and #beverage industry is seeing some dynamic moves. 💼 We explore Bimbo’s latest acquisitions, @Campbell’s proposed rebrand and @Boundless’ rise as the UK’s #1 gut-health snack leader. 🚀 Add in @pladis’ MENAI HQ and the @WCF’s push for #EUDR compliance, and the future of food is rapidly evolving. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eHGptWzF What impact will these moves have on the industry? 🌱👀 #FoodInnovation #GlobalExpansion #Sustainability #GutHealth #FMCG @PrimaBakeries @FurnissofCornwall @Kellanova @BeyondSKU

🚨 Food & Beverage M&A Highlights – September 2024🚨 The M&A landscape in the Food & Beverage sector continues to evolve, with Q2 2024 showing a median transaction value of $31 million. Strategic buyers dominated the scene, accounting for 89% of all deals. Here are some notable recent acquisitions: 🔹 Argonautic Ventures acquired Benson Hill for $131 million in June 2024. 🔹 Lassonde Industries took over Summer Garden Food Manufacturing for $280 million, also in June. 🔹 Adventures Capital finalized the acquisition of Pruvit Ventures for $107 million in June. 🔹 Above Food Ingredients added GoodWheat to its portfolio for $4 million in May. 🔹 Glanbia secured Flavor Producers for a sizable $355 million in April. This trend of strategic consolidation is shaping the future of the industry. Stay tuned for more updates! #MergersAndAcquisitions #FoodAndBeverage #StrategicGrowth

🍭 Mars Kellanova Merger To Create A New Snack Giant 👇 MY MORNING BREW - Start your day with the freshest Finance/Tech/Market dose! In a groundbreaking move, Mars has announced the largest merger of the year, acquiring Kellanova in an all-cash deal valued at $36 billion. While Kellanova, which was spun off from Kellogg (KLG) in 2023, might sound unfamiliar, you’ll surely recognize its portfolio of iconic brands like Pringles, Cheez-It, and Pop-Tarts — products that have become household staples worldwide. This strategic acquisition marks a significant shift in the global snacking industry, with Mars poised to leverage Kellanova's strong international presence and its rapidly growing convenience food segment. The merger is not just about size—though at $39.5 billion, it’s massive—but about synergy. With categories like salty snacks and frozen baked goods, Kellanova brings in substantial momentum and cash flow, further fueling Mars' global ambitions. Particularly noteworthy is Kellanova’s penetration in emerging markets, where brands like Pringles have seen explosive growth, offering Mars a significant runway for expansion. The timing of this deal is crucial. As the food industry grapples with supply-side challenges, particularly the volatile cocoa prices impacting Mars’ chocolate-heavy portfolio, this acquisition provides a hedge. It diversifies Mars' offerings, bringing in brands less affected by these market pressures and allowing the company to double down on consumer trends towards healthy and convenient snacking. Yet, this merger will also attract regulatory scrutiny, especially in a political climate sensitive to issues of consumer choice and market consolidation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other regulators will likely keep a close watch, drawing parallels to ongoing cases like the Kroger-Albertsons merger. As the integration unfolds, the focus will be on how Mars and Kellanova streamline operations to unlock the significant synergies anticipated from this deal. With Kellanova still in its infancy as a spun-off entity, there are substantial opportunities to cut costs and optimize the combined operations. For investors and market watchers, this merger represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the global snack market, setting the stage for future growth and competition in an industry that touches consumers’ lives daily. The road ahead is filled with potential, but also with challenges that will shape the landscape of food and beverage for years to come. 🤝 Don't miss out on the latest global developments - finance, IT, ESG, and beyond. Follow along for a well-rounded perspective on insights and trends that shape our world today and tomorrow: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eR3axAuf ♻ Repost this and help spread the knowledge! Source: Investor's Business Daily

Europastry, a third-generation family business, is launching an IPO valued at €1.5 billion. Considering the company generated €1.3 billion in turnover last year – this IPO will be one to watch as it highlights how family businesses can evolve from a small bakery to a supplier for major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. The big questions now are how this IPO will lead to M&As and whether the Gallés family will maintain the same level of control and oversight. #familybusiness #IPO #businessgrowth

🌍 Global F&B landscape shifts 🌍 From @GrupoBimbo expanding its #LATAM footprint to the launch of an @AfricanCocoaMarketplace, the global #food and #beverage industry is seeing some dynamic moves. 💼 We explore Bimbo’s latest acquisitions, @Campbell’s proposed rebrand and @Boundless’ rise as the UK’s #1 gut-health snack leader. 🚀 Add in pladis Global's MENAI HQ and the @WCF’s push for #EUDR compliance, and the future of food is rapidly evolving. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKaVCkQn What impact will these moves have on the industry? 🌱👀 #FoodInnovation #GlobalExpansion #Sustainability #GutHealth #FMCG @CampbellSoup @PrimaBakeries Kellanova BeyondSKU

Mars Inc., the maker of M&M's, is set to acquire Kellanova, the company behind popular brands like Cheez-Its and Pop-Tarts, in a deal valued at nearly $30 billion. This acquisition will significantly broaden Mars' portfolio of household-name brands. Kellanova was established last year following the Kellogg Co.'s decision to split into three separate entities. Kellanova retained many of Kellogg’s most lucrative brands, including Pringles, Eggo, Town House, MorningStar Farms, and Rice Krispies Treats. In the past year, Kellanova generated over $13 billion in net sales and employs around 23,000 people. Mars announced on Wednesday that it will pay $83.50 per share in cash for Kellanova, bringing the total transaction value to $35.9 billion, including debt. This marks one of the largest deals in the sector, surpassed only by Exxon Mobil's $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources earlier this year. The acquisition, expected to be finalized in the first half of next year, will integrate Kellanova into Mars Snacking. Despite the merger, Kellanova’s corporate headquarters will remain in Chicago. Mars, based in McLean, Virginia, is among the largest privately held companies in the United States. Andrew Clarke, the global president of Mars Snacking, expressed enthusiasm for the deal, stating, "The Kellanova brands significantly expand our snacking platform, allowing us to even more effectively meet consumer needs and drive profitable business growth." The other company formed from Kellogg’s split, WK Kellogg Co., retained cereal brands such as Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, and Froot Loops, which have faced declining sales in recent years. This acquisition will expand Mars' presence in the salty snack market. Although Mars owns brands like Combos and Uncle Ben’s, it is primarily recognized for its chocolates, candies, and pet food, including products like M&M’s, Lifesavers, Juicy Fruit gum, Skittles, Pedigree, and Royal Canin pet foods. The deal also positions Mars to tap into growth areas as consumer snacking habits evolve. Additionally, the acquisition could benefit Kellanova as it navigates an environment where rising prices are squeezing consumers, forcing companies to limit price increases. Economists note that many consumers are returning to pre-pandemic spending patterns, making it harder for companies to raise prices without losing customers. Mars has a long history of growth through acquisitions, dating back to 1911 when founder Frank Mars began making and selling buttercream candy from his home in Tacoma, Washington. The company relocated to Chicago in 1929 and launched the Snickers bar the following year. Over the decades, Mars has expanded into various markets, including pet food in 1935 and ice cream with the acquisition of the Dove brand in 1986. In 2008, Mars acquired Wrigley’s chewing gum business for $23 billion. Kellanova's shares rose nearly 8% before the opening bell on Wednesday. https://lnkd.in/dfRD35a

Mars Inc., the maker of M&M's, is set to acquire Kellanova, the company behind popular brands like Cheez-Its and Pop-Tarts, in a deal valued at nearly $30 billion. This acquisition will significantly broaden Mars' portfolio of household-name brands. Kellanova was established last year following the Kellogg Co.'s decision to split into three separate entities. Kellanova retained many of Kellogg’s most lucrative brands, including Pringles, Eggo, Town House, MorningStar Farms, and Rice Krispies Treats. In the past year, Kellanova generated over $13 billion in net sales and employs around 23,000 people. Mars announced on Wednesday that it will pay $83.50 per share in cash for Kellanova, bringing the total transaction value to $35.9 billion, including debt. This marks one of the largest deals in the sector, surpassed only by Exxon Mobil's $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources earlier this year. The acquisition, expected to be finalized in the first half of next year, will integrate Kellanova into Mars Snacking. Despite the merger, Kellanova’s corporate headquarters will remain in Chicago. Mars, based in McLean, Virginia, is among the largest privately held companies in the United States. Andrew Clarke, the global president of Mars Snacking, expressed enthusiasm for the deal, stating, "The Kellanova brands significantly expand our snacking platform, allowing us to even more effectively meet consumer needs and drive profitable business growth." The other company formed from Kellogg’s split, WK Kellogg Co., retained cereal brands such as Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, and Froot Loops, which have faced declining sales in recent years. This acquisition will expand Mars' presence in the salty snack market. Although Mars owns brands like Combos and Uncle Ben’s, it is primarily recognized for its chocolates, candies, and pet food, including products like M&M’s, Lifesavers, Juicy Fruit gum, Skittles, Pedigree, and Royal Canin pet foods. The deal also positions Mars to tap into growth areas as consumer snacking habits evolve. Additionally, the acquisition could benefit Kellanova as it navigates an environment where rising prices are squeezing consumers, forcing companies to limit price increases. Economists note that many consumers are returning to pre-pandemic spending patterns, making it harder for companies to raise prices without losing customers. Mars has a long history of growth through acquisitions, dating back to 1911 when founder Frank Mars began making and selling buttercream candy from his home in Tacoma, Washington. The company relocated to Chicago in 1929 and launched the Snickers bar the following year. Over the decades, Mars has expanded into various markets, including pet food in 1935 and ice cream with the acquisition of the Dove brand in 1986. In 2008, Mars acquired Wrigley’s chewing gum business for $23 billion. Kellanova's shares rose nearly 8% before the opening bell on Wednesday. https://lnkd.in/dw-rsrA

Good take on c-store consolidation and how differentiation and community engagement is critical. Also critical is that many food service points of differentiation require more square footage and employees per location than traditional c-stores. So many successful operators need new store builds to expand and keep their brands differentiated.

https://lnkd.in/gYqWSPdc Demand from major investors saw GYG boost the shares being sold in the float offer from $242.5 million to $335.1 million. Of this cash raised, $200 million is being invested by the company in further expansion, with the remaining $135 million representing investors selling down their stakes. The proceeds of the float will go towards boosting the Mexican chain’s growth in Australia. It hopes to open 30 new restaurants in the 2025 financial year and eventually have more than 1000 restaurants in the next 20 years, which would put it on par with McDonald’s. Incredible result - Investors showing extraordinary faith in this brands ability to conquer the US The US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market. US market size was valued at USD 293.8 Billion in 2021 and it is projected to reach around USD 454.3 Billion by 2030. Retail Doctor Group