Mexico City, January 17, 2013 – Grupo Herdez, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Herdez” or “the Company”) (MSE: HERDEZ) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire for cash 67% of the outstanding shares of Grupo Nutrisa, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Nutrisa”) (MSE: NUTRISA), the
leading frozen yogurt company in Mexico, for Ps. 91 per share. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals, including those of the Competition Authority and Grupo Herdez’ Shareholders Meeting. Grupo Herdez will launch a cash tender offer for Nutrisa’s remaining outstanding shares in accordance with applicable laws.
Grupo Nutrisa, founded in 1979, is Mexico’s leading manufacturer and retailer of frozen yogurt and branded natural food and health products. Nutrisa has more than 350 points of sale nationwide and a strong leadership position in the growing frozen yogurt segment, as well as a robust portfolio of nutritional supplements and health food, among others, sold primarily under the Nutrisa® brand.
Net sales of Nutrisa for the twelve months ended September 30, 2012 were Ps. 1.124 billion, with five year CAGR of 15.9%. EBITDA was Ps. 168 million (5-year CAGR of 31.9%), representing an industry-leading margin of 14.9%. Nutrisa’s sales and EBITDA represent 10%
and 9% of those of Grupo Herdez, respectively, for the 12 months ended in September 30, Nutrisa carries no debt.
“The performance and profitability of Grupo Nutrisa has been consistently outstanding through the years thanks to strong execution by its dedicated group of associates. This strategic transaction transforms our playing field with a dynamic new channel, attractive categories and a leadership position in the fast-growing natural and health food segment. We look forward to unleashing the power of the Nutrisa® brand with our customers and introducing these products to millions of new consumers,” said Héctor Hernández-Pons Torres, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Herdez.
Nutrisa will operate as an independent entity and maintain its executive management team. Potential synergies are mainly related to supply chain efficiencies, while growth opportunities lie with the expansion of introducing the Nutrisa® brand in channels where it is not currently available, and the scale of the new natural products portfolio.