GLOBAL: Kraft and Heinz merge to create iconic food giant | Progresiv
H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft Foods Group, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to create The Kraft Heinz Company, forming the third largest food and beverage company in North America with an unparalleled portfolio of iconic brands. 
The combination of these iconic food companies brings together two portfolios of beloved brands, including Heinz, Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Ore-Ida and Philadelphia. Together the new company will have eight 1 billion dollars brands and five brands between 500 million dollars and 1 billion dollars. The complementary nature of the two brand portfolios presents substantial opportunity for synergies, which will result in increased investments in marketing and innovation.
Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by both Heinz and Kraft's Boards of Directors, Kraft shareholders will own a 49% stake in the combined company, and current Heinz shareholders will own 51% on a fully diluted basis. (www.foodingredientsfirst.com)
