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Last Update: 14-Feb-13 08:23 ET
HJ Heniz shares soar 20% following Berkshire buyout for $72.50/share
HJ Heinz (HNZ $72.69 +12.19) announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an investment consortium comprised of Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by Heinz's Board of Directors, Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 in cash for each share of common stock they own, in a transaction valued at $28 billion, including the assumption of Heinz's outstanding debt. The per share price represents a 20% premium to Heinz's closing share price of $60.48 on February 13, 2013, a 19% premium to Heinz's all-time high share price, a 23% premium to the 90-day average Heinz share price and a 30% premium to the one-year average share price. "We look forward to partnering with Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, both greatly respected investors, in what will be an exciting new chapter in the history of Heinz. With Heinz stock recently at an all-time high and 30 consecutive quarters of organic top-line growth, Heinz is being acquired from a position of strength. As a private enterprise, Heinz will have an opportunity to drive further growth and advance our commitment to providing consumers across the globe with great tasting, nutritious and wholesome products," added Johnson. Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway said, "Heinz has strong, sustainable growth potential based on high quality standards, continuous innovation, excellent management and great tasting products. Their global success is a testament to the power of investing behind strong brand equities and the strength of their management team and processes. We are very pleased to be a part of this partnership."
