PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PepsiCo announced that it has acquired Star Foods, one of Poland's leading makers of savory snacks. The transaction was completed today.
The purchase strengthens PepsiCo's position as Poland's market leader in potato chips. It also gives PepsiCo the largest position in the broader savory snack category -- which includes potato chips, pretzels, nuts and extruded snacks. Star Foods has been the market leader in extruded snacks. PepsiCo has sold Lay's potato chips and extruded snacks in Poland since 1991.
"Bringing together Frito-Lay and Star Foods creates a company with a broad portfolio of products and a stronger distribution system, enabling us to better serve the needs of Poland's consumers," said Michael D. White, PepsiCo International chairman and chief executive officer. "This transaction also represents important progress in our strategic effort to build our position in snacks across Europe."
The acquisition includes all of Star Foods' snack brands -- including Star Chips and Mr. Snaki extruded snacks -- as well as manufacturing and distribution facilities. The company's primary manufacturing plant is in Tomaszow Mazowiecki.
Prior to the acquisition, Star Foods was privately owned by the Mitzalis family, Advent International, Copernicus Capital Partners and Cazolico S.A. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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