J.M. Smucker Acquires Carnation Brand from Nestlé

The J.M. Smucker Company, through its Canadian subsidiary Smucker Foods of Canada Co., acquired the Canadian Carnation brand canned milk products business from Nestlé Canada Inc. on October 1, 2007. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The current line of Carnation branded milk products marketed in Canada that were acquired includes evaporated milk, thick cream, and skim milk powder with annual net sales of approximately $50 million.

J.M. Smucker was represented by Michael Marhofer and Thomas Welsh of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP. André Paquette (M&A) of Lavery, de Billy, S.E.N.C.R.L./LLP acted as Quebec counsel for J.M. Smucker (real estate), and Cheryl Elliott and Jeremy Hann of Baker & McKenzie LLP were counsel to J.M. Smucker on labour related issues.

Nestlé was represented by Terry Ellwood, vice-president & general counsel, who was assisted by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP with a team consisting of Bliss White (M&A), Christopher Jones, Philippe Décary, Tim Sunar and Richard Turner (M&A); Christopher Hale (IP); Natalie Bussiere (pensions) and Daniel Ferreira (real estate).