Simpson Thacher is representing Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: BUFF) in connection with its proposed sale to General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) in a transaction valued at approximately $8 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, General Mills will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Blue Buffalo common stock for $40 per share in cash. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the first half of 2018.
Blue Buffalo, based in Wilton, CT, is the nation's leading natural pet food company, providing natural foods and treats for dogs and cats under its BLUE Life Protection Formula, BLUE Wilderness, BLUE Basics, BLUE Freedom and BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet lines. Paying tribute to its founding mission, the Company, through the Blue Buffalo Foundation, is a leading sponsor of pet cancer awareness and of critical research studies of pet cancer, including causes, treatments and the role of nutrition, at leading veterinary medical schools and clinics across the United States.
The Simpson Thacher team includes Mario Ponce, Anthony Vernace, William Allen, Johanna Mayer, David Acquay and Robert Meyer (M&A); Ken Wallach and Hui Lin (Corporate and Capital Markets); Brian Steinhardt (Banking and Credit); David Rubinsky, Patricia Adams and Pasco Struhs (Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits); Marcy Geller and C.J. Murray (Tax); Lori Lesser and Kate Stein (Intellectual Property); Adeeb Fadil and Noreen Lavan (Environmental); and Amanda Weiss and James Rapp (Public Company Advisory Practice).