BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (PRNewswire) — Kellogg Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved a plan to separate its North American cereal and plant-based foods businesses, via tax-free spin-offs, resulting in three independent public companies.
The three companies, whose names will be determined later, would be the following:
- “Global Snacking Co.”, with about $11.4 billion* in net sales, will be a leading company in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen breakfast, with iconic, world-class brands and strong underlying growth momentum and profitability;
- “North America Cereal Co.”, with about $2.4 billion* in net sales, will be a leading cereal company in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean, with a portfolio of iconic, world-class brands and compelling opportunities for investment and profit growth; and
- “Plant Co.”, with about $340 million* in net sales, will be a leading, profitable, pure-play plant-based foods company, anchored by the MorningStar Farms brand, with a significant opportunity to capitalize on strong long-term category prospects by investing further in North America penetration and future international expansion.
“Kellogg has been on a successful journey of transformation to enhance performance and increase long-term shareowner value. This has included re-shaping our portfolio, and today’s announcement is the next step in that transformation,” said Steve Cahillane, Kellogg Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “These businesses all have significant standalone potential, and an enhanced focus will enable them to better direct their resources toward their distinct strategic priorities. In turn, each business is expected to create more value for all stakeholders, and each is well positioned to build a new era of innovation and growth.”
After several years of “transformation and improving results,” company officials said in a release Tuesday they believe it is “the right time” to separate these businesses so they may pursue their particular strategic priorities.
North America Cereal Co. and Plant Co. will both remain headquartered in Battle Creek. Global Snacking Co. will maintain dual campuses in Battle Creek and Chicago, with its corporate headquarters located in Chicago. Kellogg Company’s three international regions’ headquarters in Europe, Latin America, and AMEA will remain in their current locations.
