Hellers agrees proposal to purchase Goodman Fielder Meats

MEDIA RELEASE 8 January 2014

Hellers agrees proposal to purchase Goodman Fielder’s meats business

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The future of iconic New Zealand brand Kiwi Bacon looks to be secure with Hellers’ proposed purchase of Goodman Fielder’s meats business.

Hellers today agreed a proposal to purchase the Kiwi bacon and ham, Brooks Deli continental meats and bacon, Hutton’s luncheon, bacon and ham, Sizzlers pre-cooked smallgoods and Milano cooked continental meats brands from Goodman Fielder.

The proposed purchase is subject to Goodman Fielder undertaking an employee consultation process and considering feedback received as part of that process.

“If the purchase of Goodman Fielder’s meats business proceeds, we intend to produce products from the brands at Hellers’ Auckland and Christchurch plants,” Hellers founding director Todd Heller says.

“We pride ourselves in being a family-owned New Zealand business and the proposed purchase of these brands would not only keep them in New Zealand, but provide a strong base for our plans to expand.” “Hellers is an established New Zealand-owned and operated company. The business is built on strong New Zealand heritage and family tradition, which provides us with the expertise and resources to carry the brands on.”

“We think there are exciting opportunities and these will flow through to jobs and additional demand for New Zealand products,” says Todd Heller.

“We’re proud of our involvement in community projects such as our Sausages for Schools initiatives, which has provided over $1 million in funds to schools. The chance to grow will provide opportunities for additional employment and local activities.”

The transaction is expected to be concluded 31 March 2014 subject to Goodman Fielder completing its employee consultation process and satisfaction of conditions.

About Hellers:

The Heller family tradition of butcheries dates back to the 1880's. Todd Heller continued the long line of butchers by opening his first butchery in New Brighton, Christchurch, in 1985 and later started supplying supermarkets, moving to a new plant at Kaiapoi. The company continued to flourish and the purchase of Vienna Sensational Foods gave the company national distribution. Today more than 400 staff produce up to 500 tonnes of sausages bacon, ham and delicatessen meats.

FAQ – Hellers proposing to take over iconic NZ brands from Goodman Fielder

About Hellers

The Heller family tradition of butcheries dates back to the 1880's. Todd Heller continued the long line of butchers by opening his first butchery in New Brighton, Christchurch, in 1985 and later started supplying supermarkets, moving to a new plant at Kaiapoi. The company continued to flourish and the purchase of Vienna Sensational Foods gave the company national distribution. Today more than 400 staff produce up to 500 tonnes of sausages bacon, ham and delicatessen meats a week..

What business is Hellers taking over?

Hellers is proposing to buy the meat business of Goodman Fielder. This includes Kiwi bacon and ham, Brooks Deli continental meats and bacon, Hutton’s luncheon, bacon and ham, Sizzlers pre-cooked smallgoods and Milano cooked continental meats.

Where will the brands acquired from Goodman Fielder be produced?

If the proposed purchase of Goodman Fielder’s meats business proceeds, Hellers intends to move production of the Goodman Fielder products to its factories in Kaiapoi and Auckland.

What plans do Hellers have for the Goodman Fielder brands?

Hellers is a proud New Zealand family business and the purchase of iconic brands such as Kiwi bacon provides a tremendous opportunity to keep these brands in this country and gives a great platform for the company’s expansion plans.

What will the proposed purchase mean for Hellers’ operations?

Products in the Goodman Fielder range would be potentially manufactured at Hellers Auckland and Kaiapoi plants utilising existing capacity. Details are yet to be confirmed.

ENDS

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