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Campbell divests snacks business to Ferrero company

Campbell has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of Kelsen Group to a Ferrero affiliated company for $300 million. Proceeds from the divestiture will allow Campbell to reduce debt.

Based in Nørre Snede, Denmark, Kelsen is a producer of baked snacks whose primary brands include Kjeldsens and Royal Dansk.

Kelsen is part of Campbell International, which includes Arnott’s biscuits, Campbell’s simple meals businesses in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, and manufacturing operations in Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The process to divest the remainder of Campbell International, including Arnott’s, is proceeding.

Mark Clouse, Campbell’s President and CEO, said, “The sale of Kelsen Group supports our strategy to focus on North America where we have iconic brands and strong market positions, while reducing debt. Throughout the divestiture process, we have considered many options for our valuable international assets. Selling Kelsen separately from the rest of our international business generates the greatest possible value for Campbell. We are committed to the divestiture of the remainder of our international operations and will remain disciplined as we move forward.”

Closing is expected in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.