CAMDEN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB) announced today that it has completed the sale of Arnott’s and certain of Campbell’s International operations to KKR (NYSE: KKR) for approximately $2.2 billion in cash, subject to customary adjustments. With this transaction, Campbell has now completed the sale of its entire Campbell International division, including Kelsen Group, for an aggregate price of approximately $2.5 billion.
Acquired by Campbell in 1997, Arnott’s regional headquarters are based in Sydney with operations in Western Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Bekasi, Indonesia. Campbell’s International operations include Campbell’s simple meals businesses in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, and manufacturing in Australia and Malaysia.
Under the terms of the agreement, Campbell and KKR have entered into a long-term licensing arrangement for the exclusive rights to use certain Campbell brands, including Campbell’s, Swanson, V8, Prego, Chunky and Campbell’s Real Stock, in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and other select markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
This concludes the divestiture process that Campbell announced in August 2018. In total, the company divested the Campbell International and Campbell Fresh divisions and also sold its European Chips business. Campbell is now focused on its two core North American businesses: Snacks and Meals & Beverages. Campbell has used and will continue to use the aggregate net proceeds of approximately $3 billion from the divestitures to reduce debt.
About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell (NYSE:CPB) is driven and inspired by our Purpose, “Real food that matters for life’s moments.” For generations, people have trusted Campbell to provide authentic, flavorful and affordable snacks, soups and simple meals, and beverages. Founded in 1869, Campbell has a heritage of giving back and acting as a good steward of the planet’s natural resources. The company is a member of the Standard and Poor’s 500 and the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit www.campbellsoupcompany.com or follow company news on Twitter via @CampbellSoupCo.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate and credit, with strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns for its fund investors by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation with KKR portfolio companies. KKR invests its own capital alongside the capital it manages for fund investors and provides financing solutions and investment opportunities through its capital markets business. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.