CAMDEN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May. 4, 2009– Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) today announced it has completed the acquisition of artisan bread maker Ecce Panis of East Brunswick, N.J. Campbell announced the agreement on April 2, 2009. Campbell plans to run the Ecce Panis business as part of its Pepperidge Farm bakery operations.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Campbell anticipates the acquisition will not have a material impact on fiscal 2009 earnings and will be slightly accretive to earnings in fiscal 2010.
Founded in 1988 as a small Manhattan bakery, Ecce Panis has a premium portfolio of hand crafted, stone baked artisan breads that are sold primarily through the in-store bakeries of leading retailers and grocery chains across the country. The par baked frozen breads and rolls are shipped to customers where the baking process is finished within their in-store bakeries.
Ecce Panis has 115 employees and a state-of-the-art bakery operation in East Brunswick which utilizes a unique baking technique to deliver superior products. Campbell plans to operate Ecce Panis as a distinct business unit within Pepperidge Farm.
The company appointed Ralph DiVito as General Manager of Ecce Panis. A 30-year veteran of Campbell and Pepperidge Farm, DiVito has held a variety of roles in sales, operations and general management. He will lead Ecce Panis through the integration with Pepperidge Farm and will be responsible for establishing plans for future growth.
About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality foods and simple meals, including soup, baked snacks, and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market-leading brands, including “Campbell’s,” “Pepperidge Farm,” “Arnott’s,” and “V8.” For more information on the company, visit Campbell’s website at www.campbellsoup.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect the company’s current expectations about its future plans and performance, including statements concerning the impact of marketing investments and strategies, share repurchase, cost-saving initiatives, quality improvements, and portfolio strategies, including acquisitions, on sales, earnings, and margins. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the company. Please refer to the company’s most recent Form 10-K and subsequent filings for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
Source: Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup CompanyAnthony Sanzio (Media)856-968-4390orLeonard F. Griehs (Analysts)856-342-6428