Simpson Thacher is representing Big Heart Pet Brands in its proposed sale to The J.M. Smucker Company (“Smucker”) (NYSE: SJM), a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $5.8 billion. The transaction is expected to close by the end of Big Heart Pet Brands’ current fiscal year, which ends on May 3, 2015, subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of required regulatory approvals.
Formerly known as Del Monte Corporation, Big Heart Pet Brands is headquartered in San Francisco, California and is currently owned by a consortium of investors led by funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., Vestar Capital Partners and Centerview Capital.
The Simpson Thacher team included Marni Lerner, Anthony Vernace, Lauren Colasacco and Deb Gruen (Corporate); David Rubinsky, Paul Koppel, Jeannine McSweeney and Samantha Steinfeld (ECEB); Nancy Mehlman and Michael Cardella (Tax); Joe Kaufman (Capital Markets); James Cross and Christian Fischer (Credit); Mike Isby (Environmental); Marcela Robledo (IP); and Michael Naughton and Ellen Frye (Competition).