News
Danone acquires Whitewave
11 Jul 2016Danone and WhiteWave have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Danone will acquire WhiteWave for $56.25 per share, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $12.5bn.
Danone and WhiteWave have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Danone will acquire WhiteWave for $56.25 per share, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $12.5bn. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.
WhiteWave generated $4bn in sales in 2015 and has a portfolio of branded platforms in North America and Europe which focus on premium organic dairy, non-GMO, plant-based alternatives to milk and yogurt, fresh foods, and coffee creamers. Its business includes brands such as Silk, So Delicious, Vega, Alpro, Provamel, Horizon Organic, Wallaby Organic, Earthbound Farm and International Delight. Since becoming a public company in 2012, WhiteWave sales have increased at a 19% compound annual growth rate through 2015, and WhiteWave has doubled its operating income during this period. “At Danone, we constantly seek to align our vision of the world, our mission and our businesses: we believe we have a special responsibility, as expressed in our Manifesto, to help and support people in adopting healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices and constantly evolve our portfolio of brands and products to achieve this objective,” said Emmanuel Faber, Danone Chief Executive Officer. “ To that extent, we found in WhiteWave the perfect alliance as we both believe in a healthier future and are conscious of our power to lead society forward”, This unique combination positions us better to address tomorrow’s consumer trends and represents a great opportunity to step change the ambition of our plan for an Alimentation revolution and to accelerate our path towards strong sustainable and profitable growth by 2020. It will allow us to enhance Danone’s growth profile and reinforce our resilience through a broader platform in North America. We are convinced that combining with WhiteWave will create significant value for all of our stakeholders.” “I believe this acquisition advances Danone’s mission and rich history of being at the forefront of emerging consumer trends and commitment to creating economic and social value,” said Franck Riboud, Danone Chairman. “The Danone Board of Directors and Strategy Committee unanimously approved this transaction. We believe WhiteWave’s size, positioning and geographical footprint fit perfectly with Danone's strategy and that it is the right transaction at the right time. The Danone Board will propose that shareholders approve the appointment of Gregg ENGLES, WhiteWave Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as a member of our Board upon completing the transaction as we pursue our ambitious vision together.” “Today’s announcement is an exciting next chapter for WhiteWave, bringing together two leading companies with a shared mission of changing the way the world eats for the better,” said Gregg Engles, WhiteWave Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe this is a compelling transaction that delivers significant cash value to our shareholders. Danone is a unique company with distinctive capabilities that will enable WhiteWave to reach its next phase of growth. Danone is a great cultural fit for our organization and I am excited for our employees to benefit from the opportunities presented by joining Danone, a leading global food company and the ideal strategic partner to support our future. I am pleased to be joining Danone’s Board to assist with the exciting and unique journey combining our two companies.”