Campbell Soup Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire artisan bread maker Ecce Panis, Inc, which will become part of its Pepperidge Farm bakery operations.
Campbell Soup Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire artisan bread maker Ecce Panis, Inc, which will become part of its Pepperidge Farm bakery operations.
Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed later this spring. Campbell anticipates that the acquisition will not have a material impact on fiscal 2009 earnings and will be slightly accretive to earnings in fiscal 2010.
“The acquisition of Ecce Panis is consistent with our strategy to drive growth in our core categories through strategic acquisitions and outside partnerships,” says Douglas Conant, Campbell’s president and CEO. “Artisan bread represents one of the fastest growing segments of the bakery category, and I am confident that we can leverage our sales and marketing capabilities to expand the availability of Ecce Panis products and complement our existing bakery business.”
Founded in 1988 as a small Manhattan bakery, East Brunswick, N.J.-based Ecce Panis has a premium portfolio of handcrafted, stone-baked artisan breads that are sold primarily through the in-store bakeries of leading retailers and grocery chains across the country. The par-baked frozen breads and rolls are shipped to customers where the baking process is finished within their in-store bakeries.
The company has 115 employees and a 113,000-sq.-ft. bakery in East Brunswick.
“Ecce Panis products are a great fit within the Pepperidge Farm portfolio and will help create new growth opportunities for our business,” notes Pat Callaghan, president, Pepperidge Farm. “Ecce Panis is a well-run and profitable company with a strong management team, innovative baking facilities and products that are part of a large and growing market. We are excited to bring these great products to more people and expand our artisan offerings.”
Upon completion of the transaction, Campbell plans to operate Ecce Panis as a distinct brand within its Pepperidge Farm portfolio.
