Aryzta Buys US Bakeries For $1.08Bln

FOOD GROUP Aryzta enjoyed a near 8 per cent climb in its share price yesterday as it announced two new US-based acquisitions that will double its production capacity and expand its global footprint.
The company, which was formed following the IAWS takeover of Swiss baker Hiestand, bought Fresh Start Bakeries for $900 million and the pizza supplier Great Kitchens for $180 million.

Fresh Start operates 29 specialist production facilities across the US, Canada, Germany, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand and has three joint ventures located in North America, Chile and Guatemala. It makes products not currently supplied by Aryzta, such as burger buns and ciabatta bread.
Great Kitchens is one of the leading pizza manufacturers in North America serving regional and national grocery chains and retail stores with premium quality pizzas and sandwiches.

Both businesses supply to the quick-service restaurant sector, with 70 per cent of sales in North America.
The combined revenue of the two businesses is €1.03 billion, with associated earnings before tax and write-offs of €133 million.
Aryzta, which counts Cuisine de France and La Brea bakery among its brands, raised its outlook for the full year, saying it expects underlying earnings per share to rise due to the new acquisitions.

Source
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/0609/1224272116763.html