PepsiCo Buys Wellness-Focused Muscle Milk in New CEO’s First Move
New PepsiCo Inc. CEO Ramon Laguarta has made his first acquisition, purchasing the maker of sports and wellness products Muscle Milk from Hormel Foods Corp. for an undisclosed amount.
Hormel Foods — the maker of Spam and Skippy peanut butter — announced the sale of its CytoSport unit in a statement Feb. 19. The deal is expected to close in 30 to 60 days.
While terms weren’t released, Hormel said more details about the deal will be released during the company’s earnings call Feb. 21.
Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg News
Hormel CEO Jim Snee said PepsiCo is “in a strong position to grow this dynamic business.” CytoSport makes Muscle Milk and Evolve Protein products, which include protein powders, shakes and bars.
The purchase shows PepsiCo is continuing to diversify as Americans consume fewer soft drinks and more goods that are seen as healthy and lower in sugar.
Under Laguarta’s predecessor, Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo bought SodaStream International Ltd. and baked fruit and vegetable snackmaker Bare Foods Co. Laguarta took the reins from Nooyi in October.
PepsiCo ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America.
