| PARAMUS, N.J., Aug. 3, 2011 /CNW/ -- Smart Balance, Inc. (NasdaqGM: SMBL) today announced it acquired 100% of the
equity interest of Importations DE-RO-MA, which owns Glutino Food Group ("Glutino"), for $66.3 million, from
Claridge, a Montreal-based investment firm. Based in Laval, Quebec, Glutino is a leading manufacturer and marketer
of innovative, premium-priced, gluten-free foods sold under the Glutino and Gluten Free Pantry brands. Glutino
offers a wide range of shelf-stable and frozen gluten-free products, including snack foods, frozen baked goods,
frozen entrees and baking mixes throughout North America and on its website www.glutenfree.com. Glutino had annual
sales of $53.9 million during its fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.
Transaction Highlights:
-- Smart Balance paid $66.3 million in cash.
-- The transaction was funded by Smart Balance's existing credit facility.
-- As of the close of the acquisition, Smart Balance's long-term debt is estimated to be $115 million.
-- The addition of Glutino to Smart Balance's portfolio of brands is
expected to be accretive to earnings in the next twelve months.
Commenting on the announcement, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Hughes stated, "We are truly excited
about adding the Glutino Food Group to our portfolio of health and wellness brands. Glutino has increased its
sales approximately 30% annually over the past three years, and we are confident about its growth prospects and
contribution to Smart Balance. The demand for gluten-free products is significant, and is now a category of over
$2 billion in retail sales. We are bullish on the continuation of the category's 10% compound annual growth rate
due to increased awareness and diagnosis of gluten-induced ailments, including celiac disease, gluten intolerance
and wheat allergies."
Furthermore, Mr. Hughes stated, "The gluten-free segment is complementary with our corporate vision of creating a
health and wellness innovation platform that builds brands targeted at highly motivated consumer need states. Just
as our Smart Balance®, Earth Balance® and Bestlife(TM) brands address the health and wellness needs of consumers,
Glutino addresses a specific dietary need by eliminating gluten in foods that consumers have to avoid for health
reasons. Dedication to providing high-quality and great tasting products has enabled the company to pioneer and
shape the gluten-free category. This has created a strong consumer following and established Glutino as the
preeminent gluten-free brand."
"We are very impressed with the Glutino management team, led by Terence Dalton, and believe the skill sets of both
the Glutino and Smart Balance teams will contribute to improving the performance of both companies. Both companies
have similar missions and values. Through this combination, we believe Smart Balance's core competencies in sales,
marketing and product development will help Glutino realize its growth potential, ultimately creating long-term
value for our shareholders, and exciting opportunities for our new and existing employees," concluded Mr. Hughes.
"I know I speak for the Glutino team when I say we are enthusiastic about joining the Smart Balance organization,"
stated Terence Dalton, General Manager. "We are impressed with the company's leadership and vision and look
forward to working together to grow its health and wellness platform. We are excited to be part of a strategically
focused organization, committed to meeting consumer needs."
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Smart Balance in connection with the
acquisition. Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP and McCarthy McCarthy Tetrault LLP served as legal counsel
to Smart Balance.
Smart Balance will host a conference call on August 4, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. ET to further discuss this announcement
as well as the release of the Company's second quarter results. The dial in number is 1-800-895-0198 from the
United States or 1-785-424-1053 from elsewhere. The conference ID is 7BALANCE. A simultaneous audio webcast will
be available at www.smartbalance.com.
About Smart Balance, Inc.
Smart Balance, Inc. (NasdaqGM: SMBL) is committed to providing superior tasting heart healthier alternatives in
every category it enters by avoiding trans fats naturally, balancing fats and/or reducing saturated fats, total
fat and cholesterol, and/or by incorporating ingredients that consumers may be missing in their diets. The company
markets the Smart Balance® line of products, which include Smart Balance® Buttery Spreads, Enhanced Milks, Buttery
Sticks, Peanut Butter, Microwave Popcorn, Cooking Oil, Mayonnaise Dressing, Non-Stick Cooking Spray and Cheese,
and also markets natural food products under the Earth Balance® brand and healthier lifestyle products under the
Bestlife(TM) brand.
For more information about Smart Balance, Inc., Smart Balance® products and the Smart Balance(TM) Food Plan,
please visit www.smartbalance.com.
About the Glutino Food Group
Since 1983, the Glutino Food Group has been a trusted pioneer and leader in the gluten-free category. Based in
Laval, Quebec, the company offers a wide variety of great-tasting, gluten-free foods consumers can trust. Products
are available nationwide at local supermarkets, natural and organic retailers and on www.glutenfree.com.
For more information on The Glutino Food Group, visit www.Glutino.com.
About Claridge
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Claridge is a group of investment companies representing the interests of the
Stephen R. Bronfman family. Claridge's investments span the world and include holdings in the food and consumer,
entertainment and real estate industries.
Source: Smart Balance, Inc.
For further information: Madeline LaFave, TBC Public Relations, +1-410-986-1275, mlafave@tbc.us; or Investor
Contact: Carole Buyers, CFA, Vice President Investor Relations & Business Development, Smart Balance, Inc., +1-
303-652-0521 x152, cbuyers@smartbalance.com Web Site: http://www.smartbalance.com Back... |